Phung Thien Dong – Brimbank Youth Community Recognition 2023
Brimbank Youth Services would like to acknowledge the positive contributions that local young people have made to the community.
Meet Phung Thien Dong!
Tell us three things about yourself
- I was born in Australia but can speak fluently in both English and Vietnamese.
- I like multitasking and have many interests/hobbies including learning, teaching, travelling, arts and crafts, cooking, music, exploring, working, taking pictures/videos, religious practising and many more.
- I like Bananas In Pyjamas and Minions.
Describe your connection to Brimbank
I was born in Sunshine Hospital and have lived all my life in St Albans. I went to primary and secondary school in the City of Brimbank.
My family and I go to church weekly and I also help teach at a Catholic religious centre, preparing the children and adults for sacraments and many fun religious gatherings.
In some of the day times and in my free time, I also like to help at primary schools interpreting for parent teacher interviews, homework clubs and helping the adult students in the Community Hubs, especially in English Classes.
Every Friday, I have a stall at the Friday Street Market in Sunshine selling handmade key rings, handmade bracelets made by me and other kitchen accessories. Its a lovely experience and also meeting many people with other friendly stallholders in the market.
And at the moment, after I got approval from the doctors and Vic Roads of my medical condition, I am learning to drive with the L2P Program of Brimbank of Mr Greg L2P Program Officer of Youth Services. This is a really helpful program helping young people to getting their driving licenses and offering many driving practices which has also helped me a lot too.
All of these connections I have in Brimbank mentioned above makes me feel very happy, belonging and connected into the place where I was born and grew up in with my family, friends and the whole brilliant Brimbank community.
Where is your favourite place in Brimbank?
What do you hope for the future of Brimbank
Tell us about a personal achievement or accomplishment that you are proud of
Making the decision to learn to drive was also one of the big step for me because I first I thought “No, I won’t be able to do it” but now I feel much more confident after the lessons and felt much more supported too. I am also happy and proud of what I am doing now, helping other people including children and adults and being able to fill up my days with things I enjoy and feel motivated to do without hesitating.
