Hi, I’m Sarah. I am running in this year’s council election as a candidate with Victorian Socialists because I believe that working-class people deserve better. I have lived in Thomastown for the past three years and I have seen how the cost-of-living crisis has affected people in our community. We are all struggling with higher mortgages, rents and groceries. Change is needed at all levels of government, and it must involve putting people before profit.
As a new mum I see firsthand how important council services are to our community. I want to expand and see more funding for programs for kids, parents, and the most disadvantaged in our community. The people of Whittlesea deserve the same quality of services as those in neighbouring, more wealthy councils. As well as more services, I want to see the number of green spaces in the area expanded.
I have been a socialist for over 15 years. As a student I helped to run a successful campaign to stop the implementation of massive fee increases under the Abbott government. I have since been involved with many campaigns to defend and expand healthcare, as well as access to public and affordable housing. A passion of mine has always been supporting refugees. I believe council can play a role in helping refugees in practical ways and by taking political positions against racism and discrimination. I stand with Palestine and want to see our council take a strong position against Israel’s war on Gaza.