Tara Murray
Irene Stokes is the first president of the Brimbank Ratepayers and Residents Association. She talks to Tara Murray about the association, her role and what Brimbank means to her.
What’s your connection to Brimbank?
I have lived in Brimbank for almost three decades and have raised my children here, who attended Overnewton Anglican College in Keilor. Our business is also located in Brimbank, we employ staff and support a number of supply chain partners, also located within the Brimbank municipality.
What’s your favourite thing about Brimbank?
I love the walking paths along Taylors Creek and of course, Brimbank Park, which is a jewel within this municipality, which I believe is underutilised and has such great potential to be used for events, festivals etc.
Where’s your favourite place to eat or go in Brimbank?
My husband and I walk our dogs in Brimbank Park on weekends and really enjoy stopping for a coffee and snack at Lumbar & Co. This is a wonderful little cafe located within Brimbank Park. It serves great coffee and yummy snacks and has live music on Sunday afternoons and is really worth a visit for those that have not been there yet.
You’re part of a group of residents who have formed a new residents and ratepayers association. What’s your reason for getting involved?
At this difficult time where many Brimbank residents are suffering from both mental and financial stress resulting from numerous COVID lockdowns and ongoing restrictions, it is more important than ever that our rates are kept low and that our money is well spent on services and projects which help people. Due to this, a number of concerned residents have formed the Brimbank Ratepayers and Residents Association, whose key objective is to advocate for lower rates, less wasteful spending and increased accountability. These are the things that matter to residents and we aim to ensure that all levels of government works to improve the lives of all Brimbank residents. Brimbank has air and noise pollution sites which are destroying lives, a lack of tree canopy creating urban heat islands and poor rail and road infrastructure.
You’ve taken on the role of president in that group. How does it feel to be the group’s first president and what do you want to achieve?
I am honoured to have been elected as the inaugural president of the Brimbank Ratepayers and Residents Association. I am very passionate about my community and I want better. I believe Brimbank residents deserve so much better from all levels of government and will be working hard to ensure that happens. I am also very pleased to be working with a wonderful committee made up of like-minded residents who are very knowledgeable and equally passionate about their community. Every day I see individuals advocating strongly on specific issues that concern them, sometimes successfully, but more often than not, their efforts fall on deaf ears, and I encourage these people to join the Brimbank Ratepayers and Residents Association because as a committed group of concerned citizens we can achieve so much more than is possible as individuals.
