Yen Kong
Yen I understand you were originally from Malaysia. When did you come to Australia?
I came to Australia in 1982 with $400 and a suitcase from a city in Malaysia called Batu Pahat (stone and chisel). Legend was that the city was “carved from stones”.
In the year 1982, Australia was in recession. I walked the length of Chapel Street (Prahran) and all side roads, knocking on doors asking if there was any job available!
A friend and I walked for eight hours that day and every door we knocked on we got the same answer “No job”. We finally got to Dandenong Road, exhausted and dejected. My friend yelled out “this is the last factory”. We knocked on the door expecting the same answer. A huge man of German background opened the door. He was actually not happy to see us. He said he would call me the next day. I waited till about 3pm and was just about to head out when the phone rang. He asked if I still wanted the job at $5 an hour!
Did you eventually find secure employment?
I went on to study Electronics at RMIT and got a job at Verbatim. I started as a production worker and was later promoted to Technician. I then went and worked for Ericsson.
My wife at that time wanted to move back to the country, we looked around Castlemaine and when we had a look at Harcourt, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I call Harcourt the “Toorak of country towns”.
How long have you lived in Harcourt now?
I think I am the longest resident (33 years) living on this street as some have moved, and some have passed. What I love about Harcourt is it is central, 10 minutes to Castlemaine, 20 minutes to Kangaroo Flat, and only 1.5 hours to Melbourne. I felt awkward in those days as there were not many Asians living in the district. I have been asked a few times if I work in a Chinese restaurant. Harcourt is a town I will stay in till my time is up.
What did you do for work after making your tree change?
My first job since moving up this way was working at the Garage Art Foundry and I enjoyed the work there as I got to work with many sculptors and artists. The miners at the Castlemaine roundabout were actually welded and finished by me.
Do you have any other passions?
I studied a Diploma in Drug and Alcohol at the University of Ballarat when I was working as a youth worker and also as a Multicultural worker. The course normally takes three years but I completed it in six months. I ran many programs as a cultural worker and one of them I enjoyed most was organising rock concerts as I got to go up and play (guitar). It’s amazing that there are many talented young people in our region.
What keeps you busy at the moment?
These days I spend most of my time tending my collections of Succulents and growing mushrooms ( my new hobby). My pet cats, dogs and fish. I am called the kitchen Bi#$%%^h as I enjoy cooking. I also enjoy writing poetry. I try to keep myself fit and healthy by working out daily. It is a way of life for me.
I understand you’ve also dabbled in theatre with the Castlemaine Theatre Company?
Yes, if there are parts in the Castlemaine Theatre Company I can play, I will join in. I have played the Monkey King in ‘Monkey and The Monk’ and appeared as Bromden/Tiger Lily in the recent ‘Peter Panto’ production.
If you could have three dream dinner guests who would they be?
I only have one person I would like to have dinner with and that would be Dr Fred Hollows, if he was still alive, as he is an inspiration for his generosity with his time and gift.
Do you have any philosophies by which you like to live life?
My motto in life is simple, be kind, be generous and live life to my fullest as best as I can.