Many people love the place they call home, but very few could claim they work harder to improve the lives of local residents more than Ally Watson, a Kalkallo local fighting for a better Hume. She tells Gerald Lynch about her journey and her passion for local advocacy.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
We built our first home in Kalkallo over six years ago. I live with husband, our bossy cat and two adorable Groodles. We were new to Hume when we arrived, so I was keen to get involved in community life from the moment we moved in.
I highly value meaningful work. I manage an Australian and New Zealand research database that supports death and injury prevention activities. I find the work incredibly rewarding. My volunteer roles give me opportunities to directly contribute to my local community at a grassroots level.
What’s your connection to Hume?
I have a strong focus on driving change to build a kind, connected and empowered
community where I live.
I completed the Hume Change Makers Program in 2020 and it really cemented my passion for community development and engagement.
Since then, I have been a loud and passionate advocate fighting for improved roads, increased safety measures and targeted community programs to better support Kalkallo’s growing needs. I work hard to empower others to raise their voices and get their concerns Heard.
My interest in community safety sparked my interest in the emergency services.
I joined the Kalkallo CFA as a volunteer not long after we moved here and trained as a firefighter.
These days I undertake various support roles in the brigade.
It is great meeting so many locals at community events and sharing fire safety information.
What do you like about where you live?
Hume packs a punch with diverse offerings of things to do and see. Kalkallo is located on the fringe of Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria.
This means we get the best of both worlds at our doorstop.
I love that I can easily use the conveniences of the city one day, and the next enjoy sweeping country views whilst eating a lunch of local produce at a boutique winery.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Communities like Kalkallo, Mickleham and Donnybrook are some of the fast-growing areas of Melbourne. We desperately need better roads, footpaths and infrastructure to cope with the rapidly increasing population and to improve liveability in the area.
Areas earmarked for substantial growth like Kalkallo need better planning and projects implemented before people move in. Some improvements have been made, but we need more.
I will keep advocating for my community’s needs to be addressed.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
The Kalkallo Recreation Reserve is a wonderful open space used extensively by the community. There is a real central village vibe at the where people come together. I love including a couple of trips around the ovals during my regular walks. There is always something happening and people to say hello to. It is the perfect place to enjoy a takeaway coffee.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a high school exchange student to Denmark for a year. I didn’t know anyone and couldn’t speak the language – back then there was no Facebook or Google to help me.
Close to half of Kalkallo’s residents were born overseas.
I know firsthand how navigating a new country can be both amazing and challenging at the same time.
My time in Denmark taught me about the importance of creating connections in a new local community and having empathy for others whilst they settle in.
