Are you a member of a political party, political group, or community advocacy group? (eg; Labor, Liberal, Greens, Socialist, My Place, Angry Victorians, Better West, environment groups, etc)
I am not a member of any political party nor am I affiliated with any of the groups listed.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
The proposed Third Runway and its impacts.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
Absolutely Local businesses are invaluable to our communities remaining vibrant and providing local jobs. They help build community and connection. Little strips shops especially are great places to meet and interact with your community. I also support micro businesses, start ups and our local markets that help little hand made businesses grow their brand.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
Local creatives are important in creating vibrant and bold precincts. The community has asked for more local mural art, and live music at shopping precincts to activate our communities, as well as diverse cultural festivals. A perfect example is the Bowery theatre in st Albans named after creative icon Leigh Bowery who grew up in sunshine and we encourage all creatives to Be Bold.
Local Industries are starting to revive and provide local jobs. As a council we can support attracting more industries to come to the west and create hubs for employment. I have been and will continue to lobby for more public transport to industrial hubs like Derrimut, Tullamarine, and Sunshine North as well as creation of sustainable employment hubs.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
Absolutely council has levers and capacity to plant more trees (greening the west ) and also transform concrete drains and brownfields into Green oasis. Brimbank has the lowest tree canopy ratio in Victoria which means hotter suburbs – combined with disadvantage and underlying conditions extreme heat can lead to heat stress and hospitalisation. We can also keep places like libraries and leisure centres open longer to cool people who don’t have access to cooling We also have a role to play in ensuring we reduce dependence on cars by improving Public transport connectivity. Another important advocacy role is to try and reduce dependence on landfills by advocating for circular economy and waste recovery industries via the sustainability fund we contribute landfill levies to.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Cost of living – by improving access to public transport that is efficient and connected as running a car is becoming expensive. Community gardens and pantries that are able to provide fresh produce to people in need and community groups regularly support through play it forward programs Greater support to food support agencies like food bank and second bite that also help reduce food wastage. Partnerships with social support services that help people with cheaper energy plans, phone plans and rental support, and also other supports and aid people are entitled to.
Homelessness is a growing and ever present risk for more people. Councils have controls to approve housing and Brimbank is earmarked for more housing intensification is planned around activity centres like st Albans, sunshine and watergardens. This growth will also need to be supported by better transport access, improving health and other services including schools. Council play an important role in ensuring housing will meet the fast growth in a sustainable way.
What should Council stop spending money on?
Council should spend on Infrastructure roads/footpaths, sports and community hubs, Libraries, Aquatic/leisure centres, Parks, Reserves, Dog Parks and pocket parks.. Neighbourhood houses and cultural festivals, local art and music activations. Greater promotion of local tourism and unique food destinations to stimulate economic growth, and create local jobs. Councils planning create a sustainable footprint for the City’s development to grow and thrive
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
Yes.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
My vision is for a West where people have the opportunity to grow and thrive and celebrate our uniqueness. Many have unique journeys before they arrive in Brimbank, many have experienced hardships and escaping poverty – the West is a place where they can feel welcomed and safe. I grew up in the south east and for me the west is a real melting pot of cultures and a fusion of places of real meaning. My role as a Councillor will be that to advocate, facilitate and support my community realise its potential, by providing purposeful infrastructure, to improve peoples health, green spaces of interaction and to create a sense of belonging. I’m proud of our parks, leisure centres and libraries and sports facilities and every dollar spent is helping build community – however I feel we need greater state and federal funding to support our growth. Despite the challenges ahead I remain hopeful if re-elected I will continue to advocate strongly for positive outcomes for all of Brimbank.
