Q and A with…Veronica Kotsinadelis, playgroup facilitator at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House

Meet Veronica!

What does your work at BPNH involve?

My role at BPNH is playgroup facilitator of our Lets Play! sessions. Planning for art and craft activities, play experiences and supporting our children and families brings me so much joy.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

Most people wouldn’t consider this ‘fun” but I love building flat packs. During lockdown I have become quite handy with jigsaw tools, sander and paint brush and have enjoyed updating old furniture.

What is your favourite cuisine?

Ooh, tough one as I love food and grew up with South American cuisine, and I’m married to a Greek man and love both cuisines equally.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I get inspired by a lot of different people for different reasons. I love the hard work and dedication shown by people starting up business from the ground up.

I admire the physical and mental strength of athletes of all abilities, the passion shown by volunteers who give up their time freely to help others, the courage of travellers that pack a bag and set out for unchartered adventures and the resilience shown by all the children and families doing remote learning during our lockdowns.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

I love desserts so maybe I would make a chocolate banoffee pie or an amaretto tart.

If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would be the first thing you would do?

At the moment, we need to work on unifying Australia, so maybe bring down borders and work together to get through this pandemic as one.

What are you most looking forward to when lockdown ends?

A big party with all my family and extended family with plenty of food, music, laughs and hugs followed by a long overseas holiday with my family.

Why are neighbourhood houses so important for the community?

Belonging is fundamental to our sense of happiness and wellbeing and I think neighbourhood houses offer a safe place for the community to be a part of. Everybody is welcome and we offer opportunities for people to learn, share and support each other.

What do you love about the Casey community?

I have been part of the Casey community for about 25 years and love the vibrant diversity showcased by local restaurants and cafes offering varied and delicious cuisines, great facilities for families such as libraries, swimming pools, sporting fields and playgrounds, our fantastic early education and schools, and the open spaces with plenty of parks for all to enjoy.

Anchovies on pizza: yes or no?

Definite no.