Team member Matthew Cartas interviewed Gellibrand client Melanie Lewindon about her life and times, and all the fun she has with other clients at Gellibrand’s many events.
How long have you been a Gellibrand client, Melanie?
Since 2011. It’s been going good so far. I enjoy living on my own and having my own space. I get to come and go as I want. I don’t need to ask team members, I can just head off and, if they call, I can just let them know where I am.
What kinds of support help you to live life the best you can?
Not sure, maybe it’s the supports that they give when I’m upset. They give me space and if it’s a really good day or a bad day, I can talk to them. If they’re regular team members I’m more comfortable with them.
What do you think of the supports you receive from Gellibrand?
It’s good. They need to improve their communication; it seems to be an ongoing thing.
What have been some positive changes you have noticed in Gellibrand’s support over the years?
Expanding to different places. They’re in Ballarat and more suburbs now. Different houses and stuff like that.
What do you enjoy most about Gellibrand’s events?
The fun things that we get to do with other people, and the things and places that we get to go to.
So, what have been your favourite events and why?
I liked the cricket – and basketball that’s coming up. There was also the time when we went to the ferry, that was pretty fun. The best thing though was the ‘Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience’, which was in Mount Martha. We got to walk around the forest and we interacted with things. I even bowed to the Hippogriff and it bowed back to me. There were also some spells that you were able to cast. It said different names of spells and it activated when you waved your hand near the sensor. I’m a big Potter head!
You’re part of Gellibrand’s Client Committee. How long have you been involved and why do you like it?
Since 2013. I get to organise different outings and other things like movies nights and other fun things.
I know you like making art works. Can you talk to us about that and why you enjoy it?
I have had time for myself to make stuff like paintings, clay sculpture and other things in the past. I enjoy art and appreciate art. It is also therapeutic for me and I’m good at it.
I also know you love basketball. How often do you play?
I get to play every Tuesday afternoon with Sophie. I like to shoot hoops and the warm-ups are good too. I get to do some lay ups and jump shots. I play knockout as well. Gets me fit and ready for the games!
Have you had any holidays away recently?
I want to go on a holiday, but I’m not sure at the moment.
What kind of music do like and why? Do you like to dance?
Yes, I do like to dance. My best move is the flossing dance. That’s one of the ones that’s pretty good.
I like a variety of different music. I like ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s music. I also like dance music. The good beats get me to dance. I also like music from 2010 and upward. Sometimes I also like RnB and a bit of reggae. I also like music ‘bangers’.
I know you’re a big Sydney Swans fan. Do you get to go to many games when they come to Melbourne?
I’ve been going to them since I was a kid back when I was 12. I don’t get to go to many games and I would like to go to more in the future. Sometimes tickets can be a bit hard to get.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?
I love animals, especially snakes and birds. I like pythons. The different colours they come in. Especially green tree pythons because they’re bright and colourful. There are also birds that come visit my backyard, particularly a male blackbird. I have one that visits me and I named him Tinkerbell because I thought it was cute, and he makes tinking sounds. I love going to zoos. I like catching up with my friends. I like swimming because I enjoy the water. It’s relaxing and therapeutic. I could stay in there all day if I wanted to.
