Wandin Who's Who
Public Profile
Michelle Baxter
welcome to Blessings by Design Art Studio
I'm the owner, founder, and lead teacher of Blessings by Design Art Studio , a creative space where children and families come to explore art, build confidence, and have fun making something they're proud of.
My background is in working with children. I have worked in special education for over 20 years ,and taught art classes for the past 15 years and in the last few years I worked as an Outside School Hours Care Coordinator, leading programs for children from preschool to Year 6. I loved every part of it — building relationships with families, designing engaging activities, and creating an environment where every child felt safe, valued, and excited to be there.
That experience shaped everything I bring to the studio today.
Blessings by Design
I'm not interested in being the biggest art studio — I'm focused on being the best for the families who walk through our door.
That means small class sizes, thoughtful lesson planning, quality materials, and genuine connection.
When you join a class with me, I'll know your child's name, their favourite colour, what they love to draw, and what makes them light up. I'll celebrate their wins and gently encourage them through the tricky bits. Art isn't just about the finished piece — it's about confidence, focus, problem-solving, and joy.
I'd love to welcome your family into our creative community.
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Distinguished and Famous people from Wandin
🧱 Henry and Martha Sebire
Henry and Martha Sebire moved to Wandin Yallock in 1867, built a timber home and planted raspberries and other fruit. Henry's earlier quarrying and stonemasonry experience included work on Pentridge Prison. In 1886–87 he built the brick house now known as Mont De Lancey, using bricks made on the property. Farming, building and raising a large family filled the years between those homes. The family continued working the land through later generations, and the house eventually became a museum. Its rooms and outbuildings preserve a substantial part of Wandin's orchard and household history.
🗣️ Robert Wandin
Robert Wandin, also known as Wandoon, was a son of Annie Borate, William Barak's sister. Mont De Lancey's history records that he spent part of his childhood with the Brierty family following a reported rescue from Wandin Yallock Creek. By 1863 he was living at Coranderrk near Healesville, where John and Mary Green cared for him. He later followed elders including Barak and Simon Wonga in advocating for his people. His story connects the district with Wurundjeri family life and leadership during the displacement and restrictions imposed through colonisation and the reserve system.
