The Monday Q&A: Caitlin McDonald on Whanganui, learnings over the last 18 months and Royal dinner parties

Caitlin McDonald was announced as the Bartley Foundation's new co-ordinator last week. Photo / Logan Tutty

Every Monday, the Chronicle fires 10 questions at a Whanganui local to find out what makes them tick. This week Logan Tutty sat down with new Bartley Foundation Coordinator Caitlin McDonald.

How did you become involved with the Bartley Foundation?

I have worked for Bartley Group for over six years now, so was honoured to accept the role of Foundation Coordinator.

What will you be doing in this new role?

I will be coordinating the day to day activities of the bus to ensure it is being utilised and our community continues to benefit from the Mobile Health Clinic.

What were you doing before you joined on with the Bartley's?

Before my role with the Bartley's, I was travelling abroad working as an au pair in the UK

What are some of your favourite things about Whanganui?

There's a certain feel to the place which is hard to explain.

You could summarise it by saying Whanganui feels like home. I think there are a lot of people who, like me, flew the nest and travelled only to end up missing the place an awful lot!

What have you learnt about yourself over the last two years during this uncertain time?

I've learnt the importance of slowing down a bit.

I think we get so used to rushing and having a full, busy schedule that sometimes it's not until we are forced to slow down, because of a lockdown in my case, that we realise how much we need to.

Which event in history would you most like to have been at?

January 23, 1922. The first day that insulin was used and was a complete success (I am type 1 diabetic).

Prior to insulin type 1 diabetes was fatal so to be present when it was successfully used on a dying 14-year-old would have been incredible.

What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?

Start saving now, life is expensive.

Which three people from history would you invite for dinner, and why?

Princess Dianna, Winston Churchill and Princess Margaret would certainly make for an interesting dinner party! I am intrigued by all three of them.

It would be interesting to hear their recount of many significant events in history, straight from the horse's mouth.

How would you like to see Whanganui in 50 years?

It would be great to see Whanganui continue to grow and see local businesses thrive.

What are some of your favourite things about Whanganui?

I love the Saturday morning Markets and Kai Iwi Beach, we are so lucky to have so many beautiful spots right on our doorstep.