Every month we shine a light on the fabulous people of Village Well by sharing a staff profile. Today we are featuring Micha Woodhouse, architect, placemaking professional and engagement specialist who works from Melbourne.
Name & role: Micha Woodhouse, Senior Placemaker, Village Well Melbourne.
Where did you grow up? I was born in Penang, Malaysia, and grew up in Sydney, then Perth. As an adult, I moved to Melbourne when I was 22.
What is one thing that people don't know about you? I am a former triathlon champ and competed regularly in WA. My mum took up the sport soon after I did and worked up to compete in the world championships in Hawaii in 2016. My family flew over to support and watch her race. She’s amazing!
What is one of your favourite projects that you have worked on? I really enjoyed working with Launch Housing on Viv’s place. I was project manager on the community engagement and activity program components of this incredible family support housing for victims and families who have experienced family violence.
Image courtesy of ARM & Launch Housing
Throughout the process, we spoke to so many people who were supportive and encouraging of the project. I gained unique insights into the social housing sector and service provider network that work tirelessly to provide support services that go beyond basic assistance and seek to empower vulnerable, and traumatised, families with 'positive pathways' to happy, healthy independent lives.
Creating positive pathways to happy, healthy independent lives.
Viv's place truly gave me a new lens into the power of placemaking and its potential to disrupt intergenerational cycles of vulnerability and create positive impacts for people and the community. Read more about the project here.
If you could invite 3 people to a dinner party who would you invite? Josephine Baker, Zheng Yi Sao and my great grandmother, Victoria (Fairy) May Seagram.
What are you reading right now? My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem and Unpolished Gems by Alice Pung. For too long I have found myself reading books by old, white, dead men. I’m now deliberately choosing books by authors who represent me and my culture.
What sports team do you support? I don’t follow footy so much but I enjoy watching the NBA playoffs!