Who is Elaine Crombie?
A proud Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara/Warrigmay/South Sea Island/German mother of two brilliant sons, Andrew and Michael.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d be a teacher or social worker and I’d be running my own Arts School in Port Pirie
Who inspires you and why?
My sons inspire me. They’ve grown into these awesome young men who are really, really funny! Also, I draw my inspiration from strong women like Ursula, who I’ve known for nearly 20 years. We’ve seen each other through heartbreak and triumph, in the most honest way and to be able to express that through writing, to me, is an amazing achievement and one that we can all share in and celebrate and be inspired by.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Introduce yoga practice into schools as a compulsory subject from kinder to year 12. TG!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Well, I’m still coming off the high of our last family holiday where me, the Giants (Andrew and Michael), my mum & my 94 year old Nan went on an epic driving holiday from Perth up to Broome and then back down to Esperance and then across the Nullarbor to home – Port Pirie. We were in a car for sometimes up to 6 hours – it was epic and funny. So awesome! I can’t recommend enough to everyone! Get in your cars and drive! Travel our country because it truly is amazing!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
China Bar in the city of Melbourne, on Russell Street – best chocolate milkshakes
What are you currently reading?
I’m about to start Muslim Girl by Amani Al-Khatahtbeh.
What are you currently listening to?
A lot of Coldplay and Dua Lipa.
Happiness is?
Being with my family. Sunsets.
What does the future hold for you?
Honestly, mourning and deep grief, coupled with a tour. Thankfully I can process my grief every night within the show and leave it for other people to unpack and then after the tour I will be returning home to my sons, my Nan and Mum. I’ll get to make school lunches and do school drop offs & take my Nan and Mum food shopping and take them to do their business, and then going out for lunch and hang out with my sisters and brothers and their families. I really can’t wait!
Elaine stars as Rene in Barbra and the Camp Dogs – currently playing at the Malthouse Theatre until 3 March before playing Belvoir St Theatre from 4 April; Bille Brown Theatre, Brisbane from 1 May; Canberra Theatre Centre from 30 May; and Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong from 5 June 2019.
Image: Elaine Crombie (supplied)