No matter where you are in Murrumbeena, chances are you’ll find this local working to make things better. Ann Van Leerdam is a familiar face to many in the Village!
Who are you?
I’m Ann, I am a local resident, we’ve been here for 5 years. I’m married to Dan, Willem is my son. I’m a local community development worker, and local plotter of many schemes. I do love an idea that involves community.
What are you doing in Murrumbeena?
Mainly living and playing. I’m involved with Local Sundays and Make Murrumbeena Mine and I’m the secretary of the Trader’s Association and frequent visitor to the Murrumbeena Wine Bar. I spend quite a lot of time on the street just talking to people. Thankfully I’m an extrovert. It’s all a part of my job, which I’m really lucky to have. Also the Murrumbeena Co-Op! I want to see good things for Murrumbeena, so I’m a bit on an advocate, as well, for things to happen.
Dead or alive, who is your ideal dinner date?
Tyson Yunkaporta. He’s the author of a book called Sand Talk. It’s one of the most interesting, mind-blowing, engaging books I’ve read for a really long time. I’d love LOVE to sit down and talk to him.
What do you love about Murrumbeena?
It’s taken me a little while to find my feet in Murrumbeena, because we were new to the are five years ago, but I really love the possibilities of what the community can create together, there are some amazing people in Murrumbeena and I’m really excited about our future. We’ve got some amazing thinkers and creatives. We’ve got really generous, kind people and the unique thing about Murrumbeena is everyone, traders and businesses, are starting to work together, which other places don’t have.
Tell us a secret!
My secret is that I’m really, really, really good at rolling cigarettes.