Ballarat was a place Kerry Armstrong had grown up visiting regularly as a child, growing up in the small country town of Linton.
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Looking back on her childhood now, she says the changes to Ballarat over the past 30 years have been phenomenal.
She has lived in the region for almost her entire life, and made the move to central Ballarat to study at university.
Now, Mrs Armstrong lives with her family in their dream home on two hectares in Smythes Creek, and is taking a break from work to reconnect with family.
“As family dynamics change we made the decision to make the move for a bit more room and a little bit of a change in direction from the hustle and bustle of living centrally,” she said.
“We’ve got motorbikes, alpacas, the dog, and the chooks at home.
“It’s having the best of both worlds; having access to amenities, but also then being able to step back and enjoy the sanctuary of your own home… and the development of the outer suburbs is bringing the amenities closer.”
We have built our ‘forever home’ and the fact we have been able to stay in Ballarat and have everything we need for our family is a testament to its growth.
- Kerry Armstrong
After completing a Bachelor of Arts and Teaching at ACU, and working in manufacturing sales and marketing, her passion for sport and community connection is now driving extensive involvement with local clubs.
Mrs Armstrong volunteers with Buninyong Soccer Club as a committee member, Mt Prospect Tennis Association as deputy director of junior tennis and team manager for the under 12 Country Championship Soccer, with a nine and 12-year-old son heavily involved in sport.
“I am very keen to be connected to the sporting clubs because of what they have to offer, not just from a sporting and skills level but for the relationship connections you make out of sport,” she said.
“When I was growing up sport was really important. For me its about making sure all children have opportunities to engage at some level in sporting activities.”
Mrs Armstrong grew up playing tennis and netball in Linton, which she said was an important part of life in a small community.
One of the driving forces that keeps communities thriving is sporting based for a lot of small rural communities.
- Kerry Armstrong
“Sport is often the one thing that ensures people aren’t completely isolated. You find the connections people make with their sporting clubs is what enhances their health and well-being.”
For more information on Committee for Ballarat’s More than Gold campaign search @morethangold.ballaratstories on social media.
YOU CAN FOLLOW OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE MAKING CHANGE IN BALLARAT IN OUR MORE THAN GOLD SERIES:
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
