An Ardeer community worker and recent Victoria University graduate plans to stand for Brimbank council in the 2016 election.
Simon Vallone, 28, has lived in Brimbank since his teenage years and wants to see improvements in education and social issues such as homelessness and bullying.
“The schools weren’t up to scratch when I was enrolled, and a lot still aren’t,” he said.
“The same inequalities I faced back then as a disadvantaged youth are still prevalent.”
Mr Vallone graduated on October 17 with a services and community development diploma.
“I realised while at university that [VU] had so many resources to offer,” he said.
“[If elected] I’d push for VU to have more impact in Brimbank, to unify everyone a bit more.”
Mr Vallone said that between now and the election he would focus on creating vibrant community events.
“I’m hoping Brimbank can have its own Holi festival of color,” he said.
Holi is an ancient Hindu religious festival, which has spread around the world in recent years as a spring celebration of love and color.
In March this year, a Holi festival at Werribee racecourse drew a crowd of almost 15,000.
Brimbank council’s community grants program can provide grants of up to $10,000 for cultural events like this. They are something Mr Vallone is considering applying for.
“It’d be a great cultural boost for the area and could become our annual March event,” he said.
