A O&A with Community House manager Suyin Chan

Suyin Chan runs the Lilydale Community House that offers a range of classes and social activities. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON.

1. What is something people don’t know about you?

Growing up, I attended 12 different schools in various countries.

2. What is your background in community houses?

I worked at the former Upper Yarra Community House, in Yarra Junction many years ago, and have always been interested in and understood the value of community houses. I founded and have been involved in Koha Community Cafe and Warburton Community Space as a volunteer for 12 years, with the ongoing aim to of creating welcoming, inclusive community spaces.

3. What do you enjoy most about being involved in the community in this way?

Getting to know the local community and discovering the broad array of skills and talents that individuals have. Aiming to provide a ‘go to’ place for locals.

4. What are you looking forward to at the Community House this year?

I look forward to seeing people attending activities which appeal to them, and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and can have input into what they would like to see at the House, and feeling included in its development.

5. What do you love most about the Yarra Ranges?

We are very lucky to have the urban mix and to also have wonderful wide spaces and bush on our doorstep.

6. What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?

I would have loved to have seen Bob Marley and the Wailers when they were in Australia the last time they were out here, before Bob Marley passed away.

7. Which four guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

My mother, who I miss; Joanna Lumley, Nelson Mandela and David Attenborough.

8. Who do you admire the most?

Nelson Mandela

9. What are some of your hobbies?

I love taking photographs on my bush walks in particular, of birds, native flowers and fungi – I am just an amateur but find walking and photography puts me in the moment.

10. What is your favourite book and/or film?

This is a tough one, but one of my favourites is a book called ‘Accordian Crimes’ by Annie Proulx