Hugh Morris-Dalton: Leading and caring for residents, present and future
Edited by Vivien Yii
Hugh Morris-Dalton has lived his whole life in Darebin. He grew up, played sport, and went to school in the area, and now, he’s running as a candidate for South Ward in the upcoming Darebin City Council elections.
Hugh believes that now, more than ever, councils need young representatives who will take action to address the impacts of COVID-19 and the climate emergency. Councils will need to lead meaningful policy responses that first and foremost consider the impact on all residents, present and future. Hugh also believes that councils should appropriately acknowledge the sovereignty of First Nations Peoples and work to address the impacts of colonisation where they can. To Hugh, these are the things that really matter to people of younger and future generations, today.
As an independent candidate, Hugh doesn’t have the backing of a well-oiled party machine. However, he does feel that he has the support of passionate community members who want the fresh voice of a life-long local to represent them on council. This is what drives him.
“I’m inspired by the opportunities that councillors have to look after their community... I want to ensure that Council shifts its focus from value statements to practical policies that improve our quality of life, help us to live more sustainably, and better connect us as a community.”
What inspired you to run for election in the City of Darebin?
I’ve always lived in this area, been active in the local community, and engaged with local politics. At the same time, I’ve seen young people around me feel exasperated with the lack of youth representation at all levels of government. I am running to make sure Darebin City Council is led by a young, independent voice who knows our community.
Young people are extremely worried about what the crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current climate emergency mean for their future. Given the disproportionate impact on young people by these crises, the impact of council policies on our lives can no longer be an afterthought. We need to make sure that young voices are heard at all levels of decision making and I want to help address these concerns as we emerge from lockdown.
I’m inspired by the opportunities that councillors have to look after their community, protect the natural environment, and support local businesses. I want to ensure that Council shifts its focus from value statements to practical policies that improve our quality of life, help us to live more sustainably, and better connect us as a community.
What are the key causes and impact areas you are championing?
I want to ensure that Darebin City Council has a better focus on youth services. Darebin has some great offerings, but with greater accessibility and awareness, a larger and more diverse group of people may be able to benefit from these services within our community. It is crucial that our council works with local services and community organisations to ensure everyone in our community can participate, build life skills, and access employment opportunities. We need to cater to all gender identities and all abilities. More broadly, I think our council has a bigger role to play in engaging the community and helping to bring it together.
As well as Council’s key responsibilities, it’s also the little things that councils can do to make a huge difference for groups such as older people in our community, who have been particularly affected by issues of health and social isolation during recent lockdowns. Things like level footpaths and safe crossings are what allow people like my grandma to exercise in Darebin every day. Care services, like Meals on Wheels are often the only daily interaction our older citizens have. I think Council can better engage and care for the older members of our community. Improving accessibility to the amazing parkland, paths and green space we have around Darebin will allow many more people to enjoy and benefit from them.
I want to also work to ensure that Council appropriately addresses the significant impacts of COVID-19 on our community, as well as the climate emergency that we’re living in. Current environmental initiatives target homeowners and older residents, but young people and renters need to be part of the plan! I’d also like Council to do a better job of working with the Traditional Owners of the land we now call Darebin, the Wurundjeri People.
What is your message to other young people who may have thought about running too?
I encourage you to get involved and give it a go. If you are passionate, running for election to local government is a great opportunity to build relationships in your community and make a positive change.
As a candidate who is running as a true independent, I don’t have the backing of a well-oiled party machine. What I do have is support from passionate people in the community who want a life-long local to represent them on council, and that is what drives me. There are also organisations like Not Young Too and Run For It, who do a great job of providing candidates with support and connections to other like-minded people.
Hugh Morris-Dalton is running as an independent candidate for South Ward in the upcoming City of Darebin council elections.
You can follow and support his campaign at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hugh4Darebin
Instagram: @Hugh4Darebin #Hugh4Darebin #Vote1HughMD
