Opinion
I left Melbourne’s inner city to live on the fringe and found exactly what I needed
Shemsiya Waritu
Writer and speakerOut on the western fringes of Melbourne, you might see Wyndham Vale as just another suburb with an exploding population and rows of new-build homes. But to me, it’s much more than that: it’s where my life has flourished. It’s a place that nurtures dreams and community thrives.
As a mother of four, originally from Ethiopia, I’ve spent the past 13 years here, raising my family and building a career that I could never have imagined. From becoming an author to discovering my passion for leadership and motivational speaking, Wyndham Vale has been at the heart of my journey, and I am proud to call it home.
Before moving here, my family and I lived in Clayton and Ascot Vale, where many residents shared my cultural background. However, when we discovered Wyndham Vale, we were drawn to its diversity – it’s a place where people from different walks of life come together.
My husband and I were looking for more than just a house; we were searching for a nurturing environment for our children, and Wyndham Vale gave us that. Its wide-open spaces and the residents’ welcoming nature made the adjustment easier. We found ourselves surrounded by families who, like us, were building new lives here. The sense of belonging was priceless.
When we first moved to Wyndham Vale, I found it surprisingly quiet compared with the busier neighbourhoods we knew. The streets felt empty, and I missed the energy of the suburbs we’d left behind. At times, I worried we had made the wrong decision. However, as more families moved in and local events began to thrive, the neighbourhood transformed into a lively and welcoming community.
The story of Wyndham Vale has been one of rapid change. Near Werribee and about 30 kilometres south-west of the CBD, it’s one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs. The growth has been so rapid that in 2016, a western chunk of it was split off to form the new suburb of Manor Lakes, though residents share the same train station and shopping centre, and we consider it all one place.
One of my favourite things about living here is the opportunity to connect with others. The many parks are gathering spots for families and are important in my life, too. Communities from different backgrounds come together each year for a big multicultural festival at Presidents Park, and it’s a beautiful celebration of food and culture from around the world. You can see these cross-cultural exchanges everywhere, from the children playing in the parks to the variety of cuisines in our restaurants.
A simple connection can be the start of something profound. One memorable moment came during an event at Presidents Park. I was initially hesitant to approach others, but I saw families sharing dishes from their cultures, which sparked conversations among us. A neighbour offered me some of their homemade food, and soon we were discussing our backgrounds and experiences. This spontaneous connection opened the door to friendships that have enriched my life here.
My suburb may be new, but we have easy access to the essentials. We have many excellent schools, and I’m appreciative of the Manor Lakes Library, which offers after-school activities and programs for kids.
Parks and outdoor spaces are a key part of life here. Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands, Presidents Park and Lollypop Creek are popular, and there are other parks with playgrounds and barbecue areas.
New homes in Wyndham Vale, on Melbourne’s fringe.Credit: Justin McManus
On weekends, you’ll often find people cycling along the trails, playing sport or simply connecting with nature as we picnic by the creek.
Volunteering in Wyndham Vale, including at schools and youth services, has helped me develop leadership skills that led to my work as a motivational speaker and inspired many of the stories in my book.
When it comes to shops, we have what we need here, with a shopping centre and another in Manor Lakes that includes a Kmart, and a new pool complex nearby. Opportunities to participate in sport are abundant, and the Eagle Stadium indoor sports facility in Werribee keeps our kids active.
However, like any suburb, Wyndham Vale has its challenges. The opening of Wyndham Vale train station, in Manor Lakes, in 2015 was welcome, but it has quickly become busy. Now that it is part of the metropolitan network, we eagerly await an increase in services.
A trail cuts through Presidents Park, Wyndham Vale.Credit: Justin McManus
The safe walking areas in our neighbourhood provide peace of mind as our kids head to school. But many parents, including myself, have voiced concerns about the lack of crossing lights at busy intersections. It’s nerve-racking to send our children to school, knowing the risks they face.
We also need more job opportunities closer to home, as commuting can be exhausting for those of us who work far away. Traffic congestion during peak hours adds to this frustration, and it’s not uncommon to be stuck in traffic for what feels like forever.
Healthcare access is another issue – waiting times at local clinics can be long, and sometimes we need to travel out of the area for specialised care. We remain hopeful for the future, as local leaders work to tackle these problems.
Wyndham Vale is a growing suburb with much to offer, including a strong sense of community and opportunities for personal and professional development. I look forward to seeing how it will continue to evolve and shape the lives of those who call it home, just as it has shaped mine.
Shemsiya Waritu is a Melbourne-based writer and the author of Untouched Gold: A True Story about Taking a Risk on Yourself.
The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.