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Friday, July 26, 2019
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Know your local 2019
LOCAL LIFE: Fred and Diana Bienvenu, who have run Wangaratta Audiology for over 20 years, have spent several decades as dedicated members of the local community.
PHOTOS: Kylie Wilson
Bienvenus - hear for life THEY are known to many in the North East as the faces behind Wangaratta Audiology, but Fred and Diana Bienvenu have been building a life in the area and giving back to the community for several decades. Fred moved to North East Victoria 50 years ago to take up a position at the Department of Agriculture, based at Ovens, where he worked as a research scientist for over 35 years before retraining by undertaking a Masters in Clinical Audiology. “Plants don’t say thank you,” Fred explained when asked about this career move. Diana, having completed her
Masters in Audiology in the USA, came to the area when she married Fred. She worked as a diagnostic audiologist for over 20 years, based at what is now known as Northeast Health Wangaratta, and travelled throughout the region in her work with that role. When the state government ceased support for audiology at the hospital, Fred and Diana decided to take the plunge and open their own private practice, Wangaratta Audiology Services, in May 1998. They moved to their present location at 82 Docker Street in 2004, and have continually
redeveloped the property to make it the ideal quiet space needed for an audiology clinic. Fred and Diana have been a big part of the community over many years, including raising their now adult sons, Jeff and Brian, here. The two boys attended primary school in both Myrtleford and Wangaratta, and studied at Wangaratta High School before going on to university and building their respective lives in Melbourne. Fred added that over the years, several members of his family have also made their home in the area. Diana recalls that raising their family saw them involved in a
number of community groups to support their children, including childcare centre committees of management and school councils, not to mention volunteer squash club positions. Diana loves working with her hands, having been involved with quilting for over 30 years. She has been an active member of Wangaratta’s Centre Quilters Circle for about 25 years. She was part of the committee which saw the establishment of Victorian Quilters, a statewide organisation, and served as their second president.
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