Krystal Bassett is the Community Development Lead at Olinda Community House. From the UK, Krystal studied her degree in International Fashion Marketing in Manchester and put on club nights home to local bands and DJs.
After moving to the hills in 2014, Krystal worked organising the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker and has put on events like Ferny Creek’s 2017 ‘Chill Fest.’
Her music taste spans from anything Fleetwood Mac, 90’s dance classics and Melbourne locals Amyl and the Sniffers.
Star Mail asked Krystal some questions about living and working in the Dandenong Ranges:
1. What is something people don’t know about you?
I used to be in a punk band 10 years ago back in Manchester (UK), that was certainly another lifetime ago.
2. Tell us about your role as Community Development Lead at Olinda Community House…
I love that I get to work in my community alongside my neighbours, coming up with ideas that make where we are from even better. To help residents of the hills come to the realisation that THEY are a big part of this community – everyone has their own unique skill or energy and together we can build the community we would like to live in.
3. What has been your most memorable moment as Community Development Lead? Why?
During the June storms there was so much devastation but something beautiful came out of that, the community spirit and team work has brought people even closer. I was proud to work with Emma Jennings (of Emma Jennings Art Gallery, Olinda), together we persuaded Bunnings to donate some generators that we distributed to CFA’s around the hills for locals to borrow when needed. The general teamwork and comradery that came out of that storm was certainly memorable and further cemented my reason to do what I do for work.
4. What do you love most about living in the Yarra Ranges?
I know the ‘go-to’ answer is the environment but what I personally love most about living in the Yarra Ranges is the people. Hills folk are made of something else – everyone is different but we all make up the beautiful fabric of our community.
5. What are some of your hobbies?
I’m fortunate to say that my job is also one of my main interests, I love people, community and planning events. I have also just started Pilates at Mountain Pilates Monbulk which I am really enjoying and I also like surfing, meditation and yoga.
6. What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?
Woodstock. I’m a hippy at heart.
7. Who do you admire the most?
I don’t have one ‘idol’ that I admire but I regularly meet people that I admire; people that have been through so much adversity and somehow have capacity to share love and warmth to those around us.
Olinda Community House will be holding a market and car boot sale on Saturday 30 April at 79-81 Olinda Monbulk Road, Olinda.
