Liz Skitch is the new Thomastown Neighbourhood House manager. She spoke to Michaela Meade about why it was important for her to become involved with the organisation.
What’s your connection with the northern suburbs?
Both our kids were born at The Northern Hospital, I have created shows and performances inspired by my neighbourhood and I live in Thomastown, or as we like to call it ‘Promisetown’. The north is my home.
What do you enjoy most about the area?
I love the local produce, especially the fruit from our backyard. We make honey, jams and preserves. But more that that, I love the strong sense of community amongst the older generation. Our neighbours have developed friendships that stretch over 50 years… they look out for each other, I am a big believer in fostering friendships between young families too. It takes a village.
What made you so passionate about Thomastown Neighbourhood House?
Thomastown Neighbourhood House was there for me when I needed it most. I was a new mum, I went to the Thomastown Library’s storytime for babies and it was my sanity. The then manager, Justine Sless, knew of my background as a performing artist and gave me opportunities to perform and run workshops at the Library for the community. It gave me a sense of identity and purpose beyond being a mum – it helped me stay connected and to feel useful and valued.
Have you always been passionate about community programs?
I have always been drawn to working with communities. I have worked on many community arts projects over the years, utilising theatre to share stories from marginalised communities and to give voice to the vulnerable to create positive change and challenge the status quo.
What do you want to accomplish in your new position as manager?
Right now, we are still in COVID-recovery mode; providing food through our free food bank (by the entrance of the Thomastown Library), serving coffees in the library at our coffee cart (come and visit) and working to produce the monthly FreeStore at Links Community Garden in Lalor (last Saturday of the month). But I am also keen to develop a program that provides fun, useful and creative classes for our community members. And to bring great local events back to life like our monthly markets, the ‘Tastes of Thomastown’ festival and ‘Walking Thomastown’!
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I play the piano accordion and I speak Japanese!
