Hadi Saab: On caring deeply for community
Edited by Vivien Yii
As a first-generation Australian, Hadi Saab’s upbringing is typical of modern-day Australia. He grew up in a close-knit multicultural family that takes pride in representing what he sees as the best values of his local area: hard work, selflessness and caring for others.
Woven into the culture of his local community, Hadi has volunteered in community groups since he was 17. In 2018 and 2019 he was elected to represent 40,000+ of his fellow students at Monash University’s Student Union, first as the People of Colour Officer, and then as the Executive Representative. There, he worked to better student life on campus, promote opportunities for people of colour, and revitalise the vibrancy of student community culture.
Professionally, Hadi is a Software Engineer who is currently working as Technical Consultant. He is passionate about the environment and protecting and caring for his community. This October, he is running for election as a candidate for Karkarook Ward in the City of Kingston.
What inspired you to run in the City of Kingston?
I was inspired to run after sitting in on my city’s council meetings and recognising opportunities to be doing more for my community.
I observed our current political and economic climate and could see that our students, families, local businesses and pensioners were struggling to get by with the level of support that was being provided, and I wanted to do more about this.
I saw the need to act now, on a local level, or risk it being too late to address our planet’s environmental problems on a global scale.
I didn’t always plan on getting involved in politics. I am a Software Engineer by trade, but all my adult life I have been involved as a volunteer in community groups and on committees. After being elected to Monash University’s Student Union in 2018 and 2019 to represent the interests of more than forty-thousand of my fellow students, I found my passion for working for the betterment of the community, for being able to help change people’s lives on issues small and large through my work, advocacy, and support.
What are the key causes and impact areas you are championing?
Like many young people, I am really passionate about our environment.
More specifically, I am passionate about our waste and recycling infrastructure. These are particularly pivotal issues in this upcoming council term. Cities across the world are facing similar problems with their waste management, and are looking towards developing their own infrastructure. The scale of this problem requires Councillors across municipalities to work together to develop a solution and this is something that I will aim to do.
I also want to ensure the development of Victoria’s Sandbelt Open Space Project and the Chain of Parks project in Kingston, which is right in the heart of my ward.
These are just a few of the key issues that I am aiming to champion if elected as councillor. I care deeply about my community, about their council rates being spent wisely, and about supporting community members whose struggles have been ignored for too long.
“Your opinion matters, your perspective is important and you should run. If you are passionate and committed and believe that you can make real, impactful and meaningful change, you should do it!”
What is your message to other young people who may have thought about running, too?
Your opinion matters, your perspective is important and you should run. If you are passionate and committed and believe that you can make real, impactful and meaningful change, you should do it!
We need more people like the people who are reading this, who are eager and driven enough to take a chance, to put themselves out there. It can be scary, and at times it can be hard, but through groups like Not Too Young To you can find support networks that are as keen to see you elected as you are. People will recognise your passion and your values, and they will help you.
If you are doubting yourself, stop asking, “Why me?” and instead ask yourself, “Why not me?” Why not try to do what you can to make a change? Even the act of putting yourself and your ideas out there will help to drive discussion, and potentially create movement on the issues that you really care about.
Hadi Saab is a candidate for Karkarook Ward in the upcoming City of Kingston council elections. You can follow and support his campaign at:
Website: www.hadi-saab.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HadiSaab4Kingston
Instagram: @hadisaab4kingston
