Tara Murray
Jasmine Nguyen made history when she was elected as Brimbank council’s mayor last Wednesday, becoming the city’s youngest ever mayor
She secured the council’s top job following a tight contest with councillors Virginia Tachos and Sam David.
Speaking on Friday, Cr Nguyen said she was still pinching herself.
“It’s such a privilege and I’m so happy. I didn’t think I was going to be a councillor let alone a mayor,” she said.
“Becoming a councillor opened up my eyes and encouraged me to step up even more.”
Cr Nguyen, who has a background in marketing, first put her hand up to run for council to provide a voice for the young people in the area.
She said many young people had struggled through lockdown and felt like they didn’t have a voice.
“A lot of people were having a hard time and were trying to finish studying, trying to find jobs or trying to stay in jobs.
“I looked at the council and thought there needs to be more youth.”
Cr Nguyen’s heritage also plays a major part in her life. She is the first Vietnamese mayor of Brimbank.
“I was involved in the Dual Identify Leadership Program in 2017 and I then wanted to help the program grow more.
“The program was about wanting to help second generation Vietnamese people connect with their heritage.
“I contribute my success to the DILP and the Vietnamese community. People walked, so we could run.”
Cr Nguyen said after another year of lockdowns, leading the council and the community out of the pandemic was one of her main aims the next 12 months.
She said whether it was through her work, volunteering or council, she wanted to have a purpose and help bridge the gap.
“I don’t just want to be a voice for young people,” she said.
“There’s unemployment and we need more mental health support in the municipality . There’s a report in mental health services due next year.
“Climate change is something I’m passionate about.
“Next year is an election year I want to make sure we advocate for services and infrastructure for the community in all wards.
“Brimbank deserves it. We are a multicultural community and the second most disadvantaged, our community needs it.”
Cr Nguyen said inspiring young people to take opportunities and risks was something she wanted others to take from her time as mayor.
She said it’s about being a team and supporting others where they need it.
“It is such an honour to be mayor 100 per cent want to put my heart and soul into it
“I want to help Brimbank bounce back.”
Cr Thuy Dang was named deputy mayor.
