Ricci Steckoll: On strong local voices & quality community services
By day, Ricci Steckoll is a financial professional. Leveraging the finance side of his Civil Engineering and Finance Bachelor’s he plans to use this skill set to optimise how the funds of the Glen Eira Council are used. The platform Ricci is running on however brings up both his engineering roots and long held involvement in community organisations.
Ricci’s passion for functional construction and design comes through via his campaign focus on keeping parks and other community spaces in the hands of residents. He is also striving to ensure appropriate and sustainable development plans for Glen Eira were he to be elected.
Outside of the office Ricci is actively involved in Glen Eira – a community he has lived and worked in his entire life. Ricci was part of the Australian Union of Jewish Students for six years and is currently treasurer of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. He has also mentored youth through non-for-profit TRY Australia which is focused on early years learning, youth mentoring and job pathways. This passion for building community underpins his camping focus for high quality community services and supporting Glen Eira’s volunteering organisations, businesses and families with a special focus on the arts and creative industries.
What inspired you to run in Glen Eira Council?
I grew up hearing the quote "If not us, who? If not now, when?" and it's these questions I strive to not leave unanswered.
I have been politically engaged and involved in my local community for most of my young adult life. To me running for Council is the natural progression of how I can continue giving back to my community.
Giving back to my community has always been a central pillar of my life, continuously asking myself what can I do to make society a better place. This has led me to be an advocate for change in my local community. Currently I am the Treasurer of the roof-body organisation of the Jewish community (JCCV), and previously I have been a youth advocate and board member as a part of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students. Outside the Jewish community, being a mentor for youth from difficult backgrounds has taught me the value about equity and equality and the impact of having good role models can have on a young person's life. This experience has inspired me to continue my work as a youth advocate and be a positive role model for the whole community.
It is these combined experiences that has led me into the world of politics. My aim is to create a kind and caring politics which seeks to include the most vulnerable in our society. Looking at a post-COVID world, we need politicians who will not cut services and supports for those in need but rather who want to help and encourage our community to become more equitable and fair. I will aim to continue to advocate to support our youth, create an inclusive place for all and build on the great facilities and services within my community.
Lastly, as a young professional seeking to enter the political sphere, I want to ensure my generation is thoroughly represented. Many in our community today will not have to deal with the consequences of ill-thought out and unrepresentative policy decisions. Without politically involved youth we risk this becoming a reality. I want to stand-up to ensure we are counted and our voice is heard and that Councils (and all forms of Government) consider the key issues for young people.
To me Council is the most local form of Government, the one that has the most direct impact and connection with residents and people. Council can have a large impact over the issues close to people's homes and with great representation can have a big influence over how we view our surroundings and interact with our local community. Unequivocally, I want to be a part of that and ensure we build a safe and fair society for all.
What are the key causes and impact areas you are championing?
We need strong, local voices with vision to guide our Council through this pandemic and to build a better Glen Eira that suits the post-COVID world – one where every local has the facilities and services they need to live, work and play in Glen Eira. Thinking about this and the services we need is what drives the causes that I want to champion
More community spaces and park lands - Glen Eira (my local Council) has the smallest amount of parkland per capita in all of metropolitan Melbourne. That is a stark statistic in a time where our parks have never been busier. I want to both act to improve our current outdoor spaces but also to increase the amount of community space. I want Council to act and ensure large developments provide space for community use and advocate to State and Federal Government to hand-over public land to Council, increasing Councils access to land.
Strengthening our community facilities and services - This pandemic has shown how fragile Early Education and Aged Care are - we need a voice on Council that will stand up for high quality, affordable and accessible community services. I will work on Council to ensure that our youngest and oldest citizens continue to get the highest level of care in Council-run centres and facilities. This means never compromising on the care we give in aged care or childcare and never allowing the privatisation of these precious public services.
Ensuring development is well-thought out and sustainable - Council can collaborate with locals to ensure developments are appropriate, well thought-out, and environmentally sustainable, while allowing for people in my generation and future generations to be able to afford to keep living in our wonderful community. I will make sure Council has a clear plan for the future to support growth for Glen Eira and provides clarity to residents.
As a volunteer, I’ll fight to do everything Council can to support our volunteer organisations who have been overwhelmed with requests throughout the pandemic.
Supporting our local organisations and businesses - This pandemic has been incredibly challenging for local businesses and families. We need our Council to step up to provide additional support to support those who are struggling. I want to collaborate with business owners, our community and other levels of government to ensure our businesses are given the support they need to see through to the other side of this pandemic. Council can take the burden off businesses by providing the infrastructure necessary to work safely in a post-COVID world.
Create an inclusive and welcoming community - Council has an important role to play to create an inclusive and welcoming society for the most marginalised people in our community. The establishment of well-throughout and evidence based inclusive policies and programs can create a more inclusive society for all. We need to ensure that Council places a high emphasis, and leads by example, when it comes to supporting residents from all backgrounds. I would like to see greater representation from people with a disability and those people who identify of LGBTQIA+ and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, Council needs to be an inclusive place for all and Council officers need to represent people from all sub-sects of the community. I will encourage a diversified workforce across Council to ensure representation.
Ensuring the survival of local Artists and the Arts industry - Council can be a strong advocate for our arts community by offering both financial and professional support. To ensure our local artists are able to survive we need to support them. Particularly now, artists need a space to work with and access to community resources. Council can create co-working spaces for our local arts community, encourage the use of community buildings to showcase their work and professional support to navigate the complex grant application process and support other business administration. Additionally, Council can support our artists by partnering with local organisations to create more local festivals, musical concerts and theatrical performances, all easily accessible for the public.
What is your message to other young people who might be thinking about running too?
Many young people second guess themselves, thinking they don't have the knowledge or the skill set to be an effective community leader and run for Council. Remember, that no-one knows more about your own community, then you and so none can be a better advocate then yourself.
It would be a lie to say that it was an easy decision to run. I freaked out a lot and still constantly feel nervous and question most of my decisions. I am lucky to know that what I stand for is important to me and drives me to continue on this journey. Feeling afraid is normal and part of the process.
It would also be remiss of me to not acknowledge the wonderful team I have behind me. A number of friends who have stood up and said we need someone who represents our voice and our values in the most local form of Government. So engage with the people you know and build a strong network behind you.
Also remember, most people who are directly asked for a favour will say yes. Ask your connections for advice, ask them to get you in contact with local organisations, politics and political activists, even ask them to come out and campaign for you. You will be surprised how much support you can gather by just asking. It is actually incredible.
I encourage all young people to run and be a representative for your peers. Speak up, loud and clear for what you stand for and how you will better your community. Just give it a go, it's been an amazing journey so far and I have learnt so much about myself and my local community.
Best of luck on your new journey!
Follow and support Ricci’s campaign:
Facebook - Ricci4GlenEira
Instagram - @riccisteckoll
