Melton local Saran Konteh is a community-leader, mother, and strong advocate for better, safer, and more diverse communities for all. Founder of The Wellness Table, Saran turns dining into dialogue, breaking down the structural barriers facing young people from African-heritage, refugee-backgrounds and culturally diverse communities. She spoke with Jack O’Shea-Ayres.
What’s your connection to Melton?
I’ve lived in Melton for over six years, and during that time it has become where I’ve built community, relationships, and a sense of grounding. Connection to a neighbourhood often comes from everyday moments: recognising familiar faces, watching areas grow, supporting local businesses, raising children, and feeling invested in the wellbeing of the people around you. Over time, Melton has become part of my personal and professional journey, shaping how I show up in community spaces and how I advocate for belonging and equity.
What do you like about where you live?
What I love most is the diversity: the richness of cultures, stories, and communities that coexist here. The food reflects that diversity, and it’s something I genuinely enjoy. I’ve also seen significant development over the past six years, from improved access to swimming pools and recreational facilities to markets and family-friendly spaces. These changes have made everyday life more accessible and connected, particularly for families and young people, and there’s a real sense that Melton is continuing to grow and invest in its future.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
If I ever reached a point where I felt consistently unsafe, radically marginalised, or stripped of a sense of belonging due to discrimination, that would raise difficult questions about staying. However, given my background in youth work, criminal justice, and community advocacy, my instinct is not to leave quietly but to challenge systems that exclude. I believe change comes through collective voice, accountability, and community-led action. Rather than walking away, I would fight for safer, more inclusive spaces not just for myself, but for others who may not yet feel empowered to do so.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
One of my favourite local spots is Culpa Espresso Café in Woodlea – it’s welcoming and familiar. I also enjoy walking around my neighbourhood and spending time near the lakes and ponds…which offer moments of peace and reflection.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
People are often surprised to learn that I’m quite introverted by nature. Despite working in community spaces and leadership roles, I value solitude, quiet walks, and reflective time – that’s where I recharge and do my best thinking.
How has The Wellness Table connected you with others living around Melton?
The Wellness Table has been a meaningful way for me to connect with people across the Melton community through shared conversations around wellbeing, identity, and belonging. It creates intentional spaces where people from diverse cultural backgrounds can come together, reflect, and build genuine connections grounded in care and mutual understanding. Alongside this work, I continue to bring my skills and commitment to supporting CALD students through a mental health program based in Melton. While these are separate initiatives, they are deeply connected in values, both driven by the belief that culturally safe spaces, representation, and early support matter.
