FAYE Lappin was born in suburban Melbourne and in 1959 arrived in Chiltern. She finished her schooling at Wangaratta and then headed to Melbourne to become a teacher. A few years later Faye returned to the area, married, had a family and settled down.
Why did you take up teaching for a career?
Early on, teaching was one of the few professions that was readily available to women, so it seemed a logical choice. Later this choice became a way of life and my passion. A chance to teach at St Joseph's Primary School in Beechworth came along, and I spent many years there, making lifelong friends along the way before finishing my career at Rutherglen. I soon recognised that I was extremely privileged to work with, and lead, young learners.
What did you love about teaching?
While no longer teaching, I always firmly believed that establishing positive relationships with children leads to a greater understanding of their learning needs. A passionate believer in doing everything humanly possible to ensure that children had strong literacy and numeracy skills, I always tried to engage children with purposeful fun activities. Fun times in our classroom were when the kids could tease me about my footy team (Magpies) being beaten again, and they would turn my prized stuffed mascot on its head, insisting it stay in that position for the week, or until the team won again. We had lots of fun and laughs.
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What do you do in the community?
Currently I'm the chairperson of the Chiltern Athenaeum loving the opportunity to meet and greet visitors, take them on town walks and work with our team as we look to share our town's proud story. While our magnificent building is looking a little shabby at the moment, it is undergoing huge restoration works in preparation for a grand re–opening in 2023. I'm also an active member of the Chiltern Cemetery Trust.
What's the most important current community issue for you?
Raising the profile of Chiltern is important to me as I see that Chiltern is a friendly place, uniquely nestled in a natural environment with engaging history.
How do you think Chiltern's profile can be improved?
If everyone does their bit in promoting our town by being proactive and forward looking, then the future looks bright.
What's the most important current world issue for you?
World–wide peace.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo, or was already here, who would that be and what would you show them?
I would love to bring back Sir John McEwen (Black Jack) who was Prime Minister of Australia for a short time and show him around our town. He was born and lived in Chiltern until he was about eight years old. Stories are told of him mingling with the rough and tumble folk of the town as a child. I believe these childhood experiences shaped his love of our town, and explains why he bequeathed his precious awards and mementoes to our Chiltern Athenaeum.
Why would you show him around Chiltern?
I'm sure he would be proud of the Chiltern we have today, as it continues to "punch above its weight".
What book are you reading?
I have just read "The Happiest Man Alive" by Eddie Jaku. It is the most inspiring recollections of a man who endured the worst of experiences in WW2 and demonstrates vividly how positive thinking can lead to lifelong healing.
