VIVIENNE Harvey’s grandparents came to Beechworth from Eldorado in the late 19th Century. She was born here and has lived in the town most of her life except for about 20 years away. Her daughter and family have also returned from overseas to live in Beechworth.
“I love Beechworth with Lake Sambell, the gorge, the old post office, the granite buildings and street trees, the bush on one side and the forests on the other side of the town, and the sense of community amongst people. I feel very lucky to live here,” she said.
What did you do workwise?
I worked as a secondary teacher at first. Later I taught English as a second language. For the last 20 years before retiring, I had my own business as a photographer and sold greeting cards made with my photos.
What brought you to your photography role?
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As a kid I was interested in photography, and I also loved landscape and architecture. One day I realised there was a gap in the market for high quality photographic cards of local scenes. It was possible to start in a small way at first at markets and to learn what images were likely to be popular and to gradually build up the business as I gained experience.
What did you love about your work?
Taking the photos was always enjoyable and I liked the regular marketing trips to the cities and towns. Also it was great to know that my work was appreciated.
What do you do in the community?
I participate in Beechworth Urban Landcare and Sustainability (BULS) working bees to revegetate degraded landscape with indigenous species. The most recent job has been helping to make beds of edible native plants in the Beechworth Bush Botanic Gardens. I’m also a U3A member and am responsible for emailing the weekly list of activities. I’m also on the committee of BEAT (Beechworth Exercise Activity and Training Group). Currently I’m part of YES 23 Indigo campaigning to give First Nations people a permanent advisory body on issues which concern them.
It feels good to contribute to groups whose work I value and it’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Yes, the lack of an after-hours on-call doctor in Beechworth. Apparently it’s possible for the hospital to arrange a telehealth consultation but if you need hands-on treatment by a doctor it means a trip to the Emergency Department of Wangaratta or Wodonga Hospitals.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
Slowing or reversing the increasing heat of the planet has got to trump all other priorities.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
My father loved this town and was one of the first advocates of its tourist potential when it was in decline in the 50s and 60s. He would be amazed and pleased to see that it‘s now a thriving tourist destination and that its trees, buildings and landscapes are cared for and valued.
What book are you reading?
‘Born at the Right Time ‘– a memoir by Professor Ron McCallum, who has been blind since his birth in Melbourne in 1948.
