The City of Greater Dandenong is a robust and vibrant community, and the most culturally and linguistically diverse in Australia. Over half the city’s residents were born overseas, 56 percent from non-English speaking countries, and represent 157 different nations. Greater Dandenong is a shining example of how harmony can exist in diversity and how that harmony, diversity and
multi-culturalism are respected and celebrated.
Passion for community
I am in my 22nd year on Council and this is my third term as Mayor.
Having lived in Greater Dandenong almost all my life, I am very passionate about supporting my community and being a strong voice on Council for the people who live and work in this city.
Dandenong Market, much like the city it calls home, has enjoyed a proud and diverse history and is a favourite place of mine. Since it first opened in 1866, it has moved locations, been rebuilt, and undergone renovations and expansions. The market has met every change and challenge head on and throughout it all it has continued to thrive and position itself as the cultural heart of Dandenong. Not only is it a great place to buy affordable meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, it is a melting pot of different cultures and food and a much-loved iconic meeting place and venue for community celebrations.
I am an avid sports spectator, l belong to a few sporting clubs and I enjoy cheering on all our local players. I have volunteered across a wide range of sectors over many decades and I enjoy making a positive difference to our community and its people.
Partners for the future
Greater Dandenong Council is proud of the relationships it has – and continues to forge – with all tiers of government, local business and key community organisations. It is also immensely proud of its strong history of advocacy. There has never been a more important time than now for us, as leaders of the community, to grow those partnerships and focus on supporting and rejuvenating the community as we work our way back to what will be known as a new ‘COVID normal’.
Community meeting places
The new Dandenong Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre is a purpose-built community hub housing a multipurpose aquatic centre with an enhanced focus on health and wellbeing.
A new Gallery of Art, which will be housed in the former Masonic Hall: a new centre with facilities for touring art exhibitions, curation space for emerging and professional artists, and community spaces for creative activities and community gatherings.
The completion of the Springvale Boulevard project: once this transformation is complete, visitors to Springvale will see a streetscape that is more welcoming and befitting of one of Melbourne’s most popular cultural destinations.
Dandenong Sports and Events Centre (DSEC): Council, together with Sport and Recreation Victoria and with the support and participation of Melbourne City FC, is currently working with Deloitte to develop a business case for the proposed DSEC. The report will pull together and build upon extensive planning already undertaken. It is due for completion in November 2021.
Proud achievements
Successful initiatives I am proud to have been a part of include getting Council more involved with the local Indigenous population.
Also, being part of a Council that has delivered major projects such as the Revitalisation of Central Dandenong which included an upgrade of the Dandenong Market, building the new Dandenong Civic Centre with a state-of-the-art interactive library, and the completion of the new Springvale Community Hub and library.
Being a strong community voice on Council for the residents and being able to help them is especially satisfying. I take pride in representing such a diverse and vibrant community and setting a good example by showing respect, acceptance and inclusiveness for all people.
Despite your best efforts, sometimes you can’t resolve concerns or fix problems. Frustration and disappointment can be difficult to process especially when you’re empathetic to residents and/or community groups seeking this assistance.
I continue to look forward to bringing my years of experience to supporting the work of Council and delivering its policies to ensure our hard work has good outcomes for our wonderful community.
