Hi Laura. You own and run the beautiful community launderette on Barker Street, how did that come about?
My husband and I thought it would be a good business, plus somewhere I can have a little writing office. We’ve had Sac’O’Suds for almost 18 months and I really enjoy it.
As a writer you can be in your own head, so it’s a nice way to have contact with people. It’s a great business that focuses on the local community.
We’ve also partnered with Orange Sky, an organisation that helps connect people with regular laundry services. Every Thursday from 1pm to 3pm people who are doing it tough, or need some positive connection, can chat with the volunteers and access free washing at our launderette. It’s a great way to connect with people.
What an amazing thing to do for people! Have you lived in Castlemaine very long?
We moved to Castlemaine when my youngest was a baby and he’ll be 20 this year. It’s such a great place to raise kids.
What other careers have you worked in?
I studied journalism at RMIT in the early 90s and had lots of different jobs but never really found my feet. When the kids were all at school I went to work at the hospital in Castlemaine; I started off on a health project and then worked on and off in different departments before finishing up in public relations and fundraising.
I started a little publishing company a few years ago, which I love. I wrote and published a children’s book called Australia is Our Home. I’m currently working on a second children’s book.
Do you have time for any other interests?
I finish work at the launderette at 1pm so they’re pretty dignified hours. Then I can read, write, garden or spend time with the family… I like to potter!
Have you travelled much?
A little bit. I’m from Melbourne originally, but we moved a lot when I was growing up. We spent quite a few years in Hong Kong which was good fun. I came back to Melbourne for University. We’ve done a few good family trips more recently and are hoping for a few more.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just started Alex Miller’s new book A Brief Affair.
What genre of music do you prefer?
Lately it’s been a bit of 80s and R&B but I like lots of different music depending on the mood I’m in.
What philosophies do you live life by?
I don’t think I really have a life philosophy. Maybe it’s: try to be nice.
What do you love most about the place you call home?
The Castlemaine community is incredibly generous and full of interesting people.
