MY PLACE

07-09-17 Pic of Patrick Walsh. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay?

My family have lived in the Williamstown area since 1854, and have always called it home. I was born at Willy Hospital, married at
St Mary’s and now we are raising our family here. I could not imagine living anywhere else!

What do you like about Williamstown?

I like how we have almost everything at our doorstep, from parkland to shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Williamstown also has a rich history in almost every direction you look. Everything has a story to tell.

What would you change?

It would be great if we had an independent cinema like Sun. Williamstown used to have a few cinemas, but all have gone now.

What’s your favourite local cafe or eatery?

There are so many amazing places to choose from, it would be too hard to choose just one. Aladdin Kebabs are fantastic, as is Burger Culture, but if you are after a sit-down meal, Crowded House is the winner for me. We really are spoiled for choice!

Why is it important to you to preserve history?

I believe that making local history accessible to all is important, as there is just so much of it hidden away, forgotten, neglected and unable to be accessed by the general public. All of it holds a wealth of information about our past. Digitising it and allowing it to be viewed by all will preserve it, as well as solve some mysteries in local folklore and genealogy circles.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about the arts. As a designer, photographer, musician and writer, I am always doing something creative, even if its as simple as singing my daughter to sleep at night. Using my creativity for work is such an amazing feeling, as I can bring so much happiness to people in so many ways.

From restoring an old photograph, preserving historical documents to designing wedding invitations or writing a children’s book for my daughter.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

It might seem nerdy, but I am an avid genealogist. I can often be found delving into the local records at the library to solve a mystery or get more information on an elusive member of the family.