Liz Walker: On serving your community
Liz Walker is a third-year Law/Arts student at Monash, growing up in Wheelers Hill in Monash for her entire life. Growing up in Monash has made this election campaign sentimental, personal and incredibly important for Liz - someone that has shown continual dedication to serving the Monash community through her involvement with local clubs, organisations and businesses located in the local area. There’s no doubt she understands Monash and is passionate about making Monash a better place to live.
What makes Monash particularly interesting is it’s large youth demographic - with University student accommodation dotted across most streets. However, Liz noticed that the Council’s making decisions about facilities and resources available to young people was from young itself.
This local council election, Liz is standing up to add the perspectives of young people to the Council, to add the perspectives of a long-time resident who has seen Monash evolve to the area it is today, and to add the diversity of thought that is important to make our Councils inclusive, productive and thriving.
“Despite what people may – or may not – tell you, you are not ‘too inexperienced’, ‘too young’ or without enough ‘connections’. If you have ideas, a vision and a community you love, that is the perfect recipe for a successful candidature.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Liz, and I am a third-year Law/Arts student at Monash University. I am passionate about local community, having been a volunteer at my local church, volunteering with local businesses and serving local organisations throughout my youth. Currently, I am a youth leader and serve on various local youth committees. I am passionate about driving grassroots change, and want to see Council adopt a more flexible, transparent framework, which ensures communities are consulted in every decision and that Council itself and its resources are accessible. In my free time, I enjoy baking, playing squash, going to the beach and hanging out with friends. In a non-COVID time, you will often find me at a local restaurant or café, trying everything I can (I am a MASSIVE foodie!).
What inspired you to run for election this year?
I was observing the current Councillors in my ward and Monash Council one afternoon at the start of the year. It struck me that there was such a limited demographic represented on Council. Further, there was an absence of youthful presence. Given Monash is quite highly populated by youth living in share houses, University accommodation and young adults living with their families, this realisation was quite startling.
What are the key causes and impact areas you are championing?
Monash is a beautiful area to live, raise a family and have a small business or community organisations – however, there are still measures to go to ensure it is the best it can be. I will fight to secure essential infrastructure for local community and sporting clubs, such as executing long-planned Upgrades and developing plans to encourage local participation. Additionally, I am a passionate advocate for mental health. Monash have only recently secured funding for a Headspace centre within the council, and while this is fantastic, many individuals in Monash still require essential mental health resources which are not reached by this initiative. As well as this, I am driven to preserve our greenspaces and protect the tree canopy that Monash offers in its local parks, streetscapes and reserves.
What is your message to other young people who may have thought about running too?
My advice is to go for it!
Despite what people may – or may not – tell you, you are not ‘too inexperienced’, ‘too young’ or without enough ‘connections’. If you have ideas, a vision and a community you love, that is the perfect recipe for a successful candidature.
You can learn on the job, as well. If you feel you do not have enough experience, for example, managing a budget or being involved in community groups. Speak with local leaders, send off an email or two and understand how you can best contribute and help your local community.
Liz Walker is running as an independent candidate for Mulgrave Ward in the City of Monash’s upcoming October council elections. You can follow and support her campaign at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizWalkerMulgrave
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizwalkermulgrave/
Website: https://www.lizwalker.org/
Phone: 0401 450 978
