About Kim
I’m Kim, a millennial and a lawyer-turned-social entrepreneur who wants a better future for all - irrespective of our generation.
I am passionate about change, community, creativity….and ethical chocolate! :)
Growing up, I never thought I would run for local council one day. As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, I recognise that I have won the "birth lottery" of being born in Australia, the land of “the free and fair”, and am here to serve the community by ensuring all voices, of those current and the next generation of Australians are heard.
~ Story time ~
When I was in grade 5, I wrote an email to Darebin City Council to ask for the playgrounds around Kingsbury / Reservoir to be refurbished as they were dilapidated and in a state of disrepair. (I even captured photos of the playgrounds around the local area and attached it to the email.)
Though Council did take some time to reply. It was pleasing to see that the following year in 2006 , there were works under way to have the playgrounds upgraded and new installations in place.
This is one of many examples throughout my lifetime in which I have demonstrated my proactive nature and community spirit, being unafraid to reach out to senior leaders and /or government to propose new ideas and initiatives for the betterment of society and those around me.
Having been involved in the community sector for almost a decade through human rights’ advocacy, social entrepreneurship, community lawyering, leading my own social enterprise organisation, and to recently, signing up to join the Australian army, I'm keen to continue developing my understanding of the world and give back to our community, locally in Darebin, across Australia and globally.
From calling up Centrelink countless times to seek the “Jobseeker Allowance” and applying for job after job, to experiencing mental health issues and witnessing the poor treatment of young people in our mental health system, to assisting elderly people with their wills and supporting Afghan refugees in submitting their visa applications, I have experienced first-hand how time and time again, what it is feels like to be “young and doing it tough” while “having BIG dreams to serve and drive change” in the world.
Through my personal experience and working in the not-for-profit and community sector, I’ve come to recognise the powerful role that local council can play in our everyday lives.
As Senator and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong says, “We all have a choice whether or not to be interested in politics, but we ALL are influenced by it.”
Politics matters. Local government matters…. especially in Darebin.
I went to law school with a dream to become a human rights’ lawyer and learn how to navigate the legal system to tackle injustices and serve the community, especially those living on the fringes of society. Along the way, my dream has shifted from becoming a lawyer to a social entrepreneur as my curiosity for innovation and impatience for accelerated and agile impact grew. However, even today, what remains is my insatiable desire to drive systems’ change.
I believe that being involved in local council, and politics in general, will enable this to occur as this pathway combines my three areas of passion, “policy advocacy, community and entrepreneurship” and provides the platform in which I can amplify the needs, insights and experiences of the Darebin community and beyond.
Why I Want to Become Your Local Councillor for Darebin City Council?
As a Vietnamese - Australian young woman, I want a better future for all residents in Darebin City Council.
My vision is for “An Australia where everyone thrives and no one is left behind, irrespective of our generation.”
To do so, we need a local council that is truly reflective of its people – we need to create opportunities where people can lead, challenge the status quo, introduce new ideas and drive change.
Spurred by fresh energy and backed by the communities that I am privileged to be a part of, I am here for the big ideas that will shift the way things are done, for the better, and engage in in innovative leadership.
I invite you to consider choosing me to be your local councillor for
North-East ward - Darebin City Council.