Q&A with Casey North Community Information and Support Service executive officer Helen Small

Helen Small supports the delivery of a number of services and programs to respond to the pressing needs in the Casey North community. Picture: ROB CAREW 332999_03

What do you love about your work?

I love that we can, at times, genuinely affect long-term solutions to crises many in our community of Casey are experiencing right now.

What would your last meal be?

Seafood Spaghetti Marinara (with white wine/lemon sauce not tomato!)

What was your most memorable moment?

Coming second in the Victorian State under-15 swimming final many years ago.

What was your favourite subject in school?

Art.

Which five dinner guests, dead or alive would you invite to dinner?

I would be interested to hear of the life experiences of Margaret Roadknight, Helen Garner, Cathy Freeman, Serena Williams and artist Margaret Preston.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits

Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life?

I had a beautiful German Shepherd called Nimbus who was able to escape from every back yard around no matter how fortified, and would then, when left alone at home, escape and walk, sometimes miles, to visit my parent’s house and in hot weather, swim in their pool.

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

I’m not a great cook, so I only have a few options. I would make Lasagne.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Antarctica.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

Wordle, Duolingo and Woodoku.

What was your first job?

Cleaning in a nursing home.

What were you like as a kid?

Naughty with a big appetite for pushing boundaries (typical third & middle child).

What is your favourite colour and why?

Green – mellow and peaceful.

What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to?

What comes next?