A little bit more about me...

Well, I currently work for the Victorian Department of Justice in theProblem Gambling area. Previously, I've worked for the Victims Support Agency and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. I've also worked in private enterprise and community agencies.

For me its not just enough to work for an organisation - you have to believe in what that organisation is doing. Which is why I've been proud to work with Victims of Crime, helping to make the criminal justice system more accountable. I am also proud to work in an area which can have a direct impact on individuals and their families. Helping people for whom gambling has become a problem.

During my time, I've run into people who are dedicated to helping others. Whether it is local police, public servants, social workers and yes, even politicians - there are many people out there doing their best to make a better world for others. The role of a councillor is that of a communicator - someone who listens to people and to what is being said more broadly and represents those views back to council.

Which is why, if elected, I will advertise for people who are concerned for what is happening in their community, and would like to have more of say and an understanding on how decisions are made. It is essential that these people aren't just those who voted for, or agree with the councillor. A representative must be challenged by his - or her - constituents.

Of Ants and Grasshoppers

While we are assured by banks and government that our institutions are "fundamentally sound", I think it timely to revisit and shore-up our social support services - just in case. "Plan for the worst, hope for the best" should be the catchcry of all governments at whatever level to ensure that we are prepared for what happens.

The fact of the matter is that the US financial crisis is having and will continue to have an affect on national and local economies. If only because the market operates on two emotions - greed and fear. Investment necessary for growth will go elsewhere. And jobs growth will slow, or even decline.

Much of our recent boom has been on the back of easy credit - and leveraging off our houses' increasing worth. This too will slow - and as such, consumer confidence will soften, economic growth will slow etc.

I believe we are yet to feel the true brunt of this economic crisis. Think about how much better prepared we could have been if we had, like the Ant in the Ant and the Grasshopper fable put away some of the bounty while the sun shone. Ensuring we have adequate public transport, ensuring we have adequate social, financial and accommodation infrastructure for those who need it.

In recent memory, the 90s Recession caused families real hardship. To people of my grandparent's generation, the Depression was all encompassing. We are so much more wealthy and aware now - surely we can use some of that wealth and knowledge to secure the future for our children, so that they don't need to go through the dislocation and despair associated with depression/recession.

If elected, I will ensure that Council revisits its budget, to act quickly to do what can be done to promote social infrastructure and support - supporting such groups such as Dandenong Ranges Community Relief Service, the various neighbourhood houses and other social services.

By doing so, perhaps we can make allowances and provide help for the other protagonist in the Aesop fable - the grasshopper.

Which is of course, what strong and resilient communities do.