My journey to becoming councillor, and eventually mayor in 2022, was propelled by a belief instilled in me by my parents about the importance of community.
To this day, I remain committed to giving my community a voice – and particularly our youth, including those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, like myself.
The first two years of my time as a councillor at Maribyrnong council has provided an incredible opportunity, with the support of my colleagues, to effect real change locally; by advocating for mental health services for young people, supporting residents and businesses impacted by COVID-19, and supporting the initial relief efforts following the October 2022 flood event.
Earlier this year, I was advised I had been shortlisted for the 2022 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year.
This is an incredible honour and accolade not only for myself, but also acknowledgement of my fellow councillors who have guided and mentored me during my term.
It has been my goal to inspire others like me – young and from a diverse background – to strive for leadership positions in politics, industry, and education and to drive change and I want to encourage them to also step up and take their place in the world.
The Maribyrnong community has afforded this young Vietnamese Australian the opportunity to make a difference, for which I am extremely grateful, and I remain committed to continuing to make them, and my parents, proud.
