Holly Cruickshank Medlyn

I’m running for Victorian Socialists in this year’s council elections because I think councils have a role to play in fighting for a society based on human need rather than the profits of big developers and corporations.

As a child of left-wing unionists, I have always been aware of injustice and inequality. Over my short lifetime I have witnessed the increasing gentrification of Yarra. Skyrocketing house prices and rents are making it harder to get by, which is why Victorian Socialists will fight for measures like rent controls and putting local services back into council hands.

It’s a disgrace that while the cost of living soars the state government is planning to demolish every public housing tower in Victoria. This will upend the lives of hundreds of Yarra residents and must be fought on all levels, including through local councils. One of our candidates is currently leading the fight to save these towers in the courts, but we also want to use the council as a platform to organise community campaigns around the issue.

I currently study at RMIT, where I recently helped organise a nearly 600-strong student meeting in support of Palestine.

If elected as a councillor in Yarra, I’ll fight for you.