Stewart and Kirsten Dickinson, who have only recently moved to Whittlesea, tell Star Weekly about their journey to get them to where they are today.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
Stewart: I’m a retired lecturer from Melbourne University. I enjoy travelling, playing tennis, table tennis, walking and reading.
Kirsten: I’m a retired primary teacher. I like playing tennis, tap dancing and Zumba. I’m an artist, carer and dog obedience instructor and I’m a grandmother.
What’s your connection to Whittlesea?
Stewart: We have always liked being in a rural environment. We chose Whittlesea because it has a nice country feel, a lovely mountain view and it is flat to walk around as we age.
Kirsten: We have just moved into Whittlesea, having lived 40 years in Panton Hill on a farm. We are just newbies! I have sold my Silkie chooks at the Monday Whittlesea market for years and attended Thel’s art classes for 2 years.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Stewart: I would like to see elder men exercise classes using some hand weights, balance and strength skills.
Kirsten:There are no plants on our new house block, so we hope to plant lots of natives to attract birds and wildlife.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Stewart: I like the library, having a cup of tea and selecting new books to read. I like the information board it has. I like our porch view of Kinglake mountains.
Kirsten: I like walking our dog around the lovely wide grassed and treed, walking track, surrounding our housing estate.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
Stewart: My university job later in life, involved taking American students around Australia. I have camped out in many, remote areas of Australia.
Kirsten: I have written a children’s book about premature babies, which has raised money for hospitals and helped many new parents. The book is called “Fast at Everything”.
