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 a member of the Victorian Socialists, campaigning and fighting for ordinary peoples’ rights in the western suburbs.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
I believe one of the most important issues in my electorate is sustaining and expanding our green and public spaces. Sheoak is home to many green spaces and areas where the community thrives off. Ensuring that these spaces are sustained and expanded is crucial in making the community a space for the community and the environment, rather than for developers who wish to use such spaces for their personal profitable projects.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
I believe council could seek to establish a public grocer to help local residents manage and combat the pressures of the cost of living crisis. However, I want to campaign for rights of the workers in the local Sheoak community – it is the workers who make the Sheoak community a thriving environment to live in.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
Council should uplift and support creative residents and industries by having festivals in both Seddon and Footscray, community art and music spaces accessible to the community to explore local artists and creatives, and promoting creative talents in the Sheoak community online on social media and in local news bulletins.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
Council needs to continue sustaining and expanding green spaces in the local community. Furthermore, council should campaign against toxic dumping by the state government – we have seen multiple toxic explosions which have contaminated the air and water in the west on several occasions. The local community should not have their air and water contaminated.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Council should enact an audit to identify vacant properties, unused buildings and under-utilised public and private land that could be used for the local community and to expand affordable housing. Council should also fund community initiatives like the Maribyrnong Food Relief Network and campaign to have price freezes and reductions at major supermarkets so local residents can purchase much needed groceries.
What should Council stop spending money on?
Council should stop funnelling money to property developers, who wish to take away our green spaces and produce overly expensive houses and estates.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
I believe members of the public should be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions during council meetings whenever. Issues relating to the community can arise at any point and having a council that is accountable to the public and their concerns is crucial. We need a council that enables local residents to voice their concerns and not hamstring them.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
I’m running in this year’s council election as a candidate with Victorian Socialists because I believe we should live in a world where people are put before profit.
Politicians have been ruling for the rich for too long. I want to see Maribyrnong council expand our green and public spaces and fight for affordable rents and public housing.
I’m a Seddon local and have lived in the western suburbs for most of my life. I’m the Indigenous Representative on the Melbourne University Students’ Council and a member of the United Workers Union.
I’ve been a student and community activist for many years. I have been part of campaigns fighting for the rights of Aboriginal people and in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Councils should be progressive bodies that fight for social justice. If elected, that’s what I’ll do.
