Local of the Week

Getting to know your community (whilst social distancing)
Name: Will Van der Ham
Occupation: Retired hobbiest
How long have you lived in Dumbleyung: Since Sept 2003 (not quite a local yet)?

What cheers you up or makes you happy? I’m always an optimistic person and look at the brighter side of life even though one of my favourite poems is ‘Said Hanrahan’ and he was a pessimist. However I love cartoons or funny movies.

If you had one life lesson to share with people what would it be? I think there are always people worse off than you are so make the most of what you have got.

Where in the world would you like to travel again (perhaps not at the moment)? I was born in the tropics in Indonesia (one of the original boat people, I arrived here by boat!). I like Asian food, but Australia is one of my favourite places.  If I were to travel it would be to Europe.

Tell us a little about your past:
When we came back, we were ostracised, and I think we should avoid that with those coming back from overseas active service. Don’t take it out on them because they were only doing what they were told. If you don’t agree with the government don’t take it out on those who were following instructions. i.e. Don’t shoot the messenger.
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One last message:
People should realise how lucky they are to live in a place like Australia, how beautiful this country is, what it has to offer, and be grateful that they live here.

Thank you, Will for being this week’s ‘Local of the Week’ pictured right with XXXX. If you would like to nominate someone please email us at admin@dumbleyungcrc.com