Esther Lauaki
Steven Tabban has a heart for Brimbank just like his dad Sam, a former councillor in the area.. The longtime Sunshine resident chats to Esther Lauaki about his community service.
What’s your connection to Brimbank?
I was born in Footscray Hospital but have lived elsewhere in Brimbank.
How long have you lived in the area?
My entire life (35 years).
You ran for Brimbank council recently. What made you want to elevate your service to the community by running for council?
My dad Sam Tabban ran for Horseshoe Bend ward and was on council many years ago. I had considered running a few years ago and I spoke to my dad about it before and he said, “Over my dead body”. I decided not to run back then because I had a business to run. So I put it on the back burner and in recent years, I still didn’t see much change happening. I ran this year because I felt that I could dedicate the time to it and I really wanted to make a difference.
What do you love about living and trading in Brimbank?
I established Create Real Estate in Sunshine three years ago and now we’re one of “the big four” agencies in the area.
What other hats do you wear in the community?
Before I ran my business, I served voluntarily at Enjoy Church in Sunshine North and that’s where it started for me. We were doing outreach programs and youth initiatives. I’ve been a part of clubs my whole life. That’s why I take every opportunity to support them. I’ve been involved with Albion Football Club and Sunshine Kangaroos, I’ve sat on the board and even went back to coach.
Why do you think it’s important to help out in your community?
I feel like I can sleep better at night. It’s fun. When I give I feel like I get back twice as much as what I put in. I help for selfish reasons because it makes me feel good. When a community gives you so much, you have to give back.
What would you like to see improved in Brimbank?
The crime rate in our area is one of the main things I would like to see improve. As a real estate agent, I hear from people who are from the other side of town say that our area is “scummy” or they don’t want to live here because there’s too much crime. It hurts me because I live here and I love Brimbank. I’m proud of our area. I love the west. We’re underrated in so many ways and there is so much potential in Brimbank that can be tapped into.
