Across climate action, democratic reform, education equity and reconciliation, the thread is consistent: fairness, accountability, and long-term thinking.
Since running in 2022, I have continued to deepen both my community engagement and my policy expertise. I was a plaintiff in the High Court challenging Victoria's electoral funding laws, arguing that they created an uneven playing field for community independents. My motivation was simple: democracy must be fair, accessible and transparent. I also presented to the Expert Panel on Electoral Funding, advocating for structural reform that strengthens public trust.
My commitment to protecting country and accelerating climate action has remained constant. I have campaigned against native forest logging, taken politicians and media into Toolangi Forest to witness its impact firsthand, volunteered with the Australian Conservation Foundation, and supported community climate initiatives through Electrify Boroondara. Earlier activism in Eden where charges were later dropped reflects my willingness to stand up for environmental protection when it matters.
Professionally, I bring executive leadership and proven delivery capability. In my role at Holmesglen TAFE, I coordinated Diversity, Equity and Inclusion across the organisation, advancing LGBTQIA+ inclusion, gender equity, disability action and the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
This builds on nearly 30 years of work expanding participation in education for low-SES, regional, remote and First Nations young people. Previously at Swinburne University, I led a team that won an Australian Financial Review award for our Care Leavers and Assistance Program, supporting highly vulnerable young people into higher education, and I was part of a research team that received a national Good Design Award for a HEPPP equity project. These achievements demonstrate my ability to translate values into measurable outcomes.
My work with Reconciliation Victoria and the Boroondara Reconciliation Network reflects my ongoing commitment to truth-telling, justice and community partnership. I am an alumnus of the Pathways to Politics program and hold an undergraduate degree in Community Development and a Master of Public Policy and Governance. I understand how policy is designed, funded and implemented and how to ensure it reflects lived experience.
In 2022 I stood for Hawthorn, and just under 9,000 people - almost one in five voters - put me first. That result came out of thousands of conversations: on doorsteps, outside stations, in halls and in living rooms. Those conversations did not stop on election night, and they were never confined to one electorate.
It is why the Voices groups in Ashwood and Malvern asked me to stand this time for the whole of Southern Metropolitan rather than for a single seat. The eleven districts of this region expect integrity and competence from their representatives. I bring both, alongside courage, experience, and a demonstrated capacity to deliver meaningful change.
I am ready to represent our community with independence, evidence-based policy, and unwavering commitment to integrity.
