Independent for
Darebin City Council

Innovating A Better Future

I’m running to represent the North-East ward and to be your councillor on the Darebin City Council from 2024 - 2028 to amplify -

  • Community

  • Innovation

  • Intergenerational representation


 
 

Meet Your Independent Candidate - Kim

I’m Kim , a lawyer-turned-community entrepreneur, and emerging millennial politician who wants a better future for all - irrespective of our generation.

As a Vietnamese - Australian young woman, I am committed to making this happen by creating opportunities for inclusion and catalysing community leadership in Darebin and beyond to contribute towards a fairer, inclusive and sustainable Australia.

Read more
 

Why Darebin?

Darebin is a bustling area known for the vibrancy of its multicultural diversity, its flourishing array of ethical businesses and is a growing location of choice for first-time renters, university students and new families, enabling opportunities for community culture and intergenerational participation.

Being born and bred in Darebin, and currently an active resident, I would be honoured to represent Darebin locals as a councillor from 2024 - 2028 by listening to your ideas, collaborating with diverse community partners and leading with integrity, to create a thriving and liveable city - currently and for the next generation.

What’s the current situation in
Darebin City Council?

Lack of diverse representation in local council

Although 1 in 3 residents in Darebin are born overseas and / or speak a language other than English at home, the previous council for city of Darebin was not truly reflective of Darebin’s multicultural population in terms of diversity make-up.

We need more candidates running for council and councillors from culturally and linguistically diverse / ethnic backgrounds in council to fully capture the broad spectrum of needs, insights and considerations of the Darebin community.

Lack of intergenerational participation

In Victoria, less than 9% of people between 26 and 35 years old hold positions in Local Council. In fact, the number of councillors aged over 76 is increasing every election, whilst the number aged under 25 is decreasing.

We currently have no councillors under the age of 35 in Darebin, even though more than half of our residents are under 35 themselves.

We need to create opportunities for female role models to lead.

It is so important to have young people represented in local.

But sadly, young women are hugely underrepresented at a local government level across Victoria, including here in Darebin.

If women are not equally included in the levels of politics, including local and state decision-making forums, then the bias will carry through to who fills out the senior positions across federal politics.

If you can’t see the change, let’s be the change!

Why choose me?

Community - First

I believe in “think global, act local” and am a big advocate for collaboration, championing lived experiences and supporting locally-led leadership.

As your member for local government and community representative for Darebin, I will strive to -
1) Engage with Darebin community to ensure a community-first approach when making decisions and driving change.
2) Amplify the insights, experiences and ideas from people of diverse backgrounds and intersectional needs, with inclusivity and transparency.

Lead With Curiosity.

I believe there is a “learner” and a “leader” in everyone. As your local councillor, I am committed to:

1) Exploring issues that affect our local community with curiosity and candour.
2) Navigating conflict with empathy and forward-thinking strategy to enable sustainability.
3) Leading with integrity and being open to collaboration.

Create Change by “Doing”

I am undoubtedly biased towards action.

As your local councillor for the North-East ward and beyond, I will be:

1) Driving solutions with actionable and meaningful outcomes.
2) Generating policies, proposals for developments and plans for the betterment of Darebin that are citizen-centric.

If I was elected on council, I would propose...

  • More creative events, arts and entertainment spaces

  • Skills-training and support for businesses and vendors

  • Local leadership program for young people to run for office

  • More accessible spaces for young women from migrant and vulnerable backgrounds to engage in physical activity

  • Environmental projects promoting sustainability and reduction of food waste

Together, let’s create a Darebin where all can thrive. #thatsmydarebin