Remembering Minto Lifts Off:
Koko's Place
Remembering Minto Lifts Off 25 & 26 May 2005

To mark the commencement of the Remembering Minto book and website project, residents were invited to gather over two days to share their stories and learn about the project. The first day was held at KoKo's Place and the second at Minto Youth Centre.

Mirika Williams

I remember

1. meeting my neighbours. Someone broke into my house so I went out in pyjamas, slippers and a dressing gown. I found my neighbours were friendly and helpful.

2. I started going to community meetings and found this community was exciting.

3. My little boy started school at Sarah Redfern Public, I was so impressed with the school. I felt my little boy is in great hands.

4. The announcement of the Redevelopment, I felt angry, helpless, and disempowered.

5. We used to take Bible studies in Valley Vista 1993.

Tania Ward

When moving to Minto, I remember the conversation Dad and I had as we drove my load of furniture into Minto, and the car chase that happened as we got there.

I remember the boys singing outside my window.

I remember the series of suicides in the neighbourhood.

I remember when Raukaua committed suicide.

I remember the instigation of community action.

All the times we had: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2004, New Years Eve in Minto 2004, New Years Eve in Minto 2005.

Lynne Thompson

Remembering

1. Craig’s 1st day he started at the Grange School. He was 41/2 and so excited starting a new school

2. Remembering the bank robbery at the Commonwealth Bank in broad daylight at Minto Mall. It was very terrifying and scary. We had to have the bank close down in the end because of so many robberies.

3. I had my first car accident at the back of Minto Mall. I was driving a Honda Civic and four-wheel drive car ran into me. She was at fault because she was talking on a mobile phone.

4. My husband coaching Under 6’s soccer team

5. Remembering the shopping complex they used to have in Benham Road. There was 12 shops and they were great to shop at. It is sad it is not there anymore.