Last month the City of Greater Geelong introduced the new members of three if its key advisory committees. Three of those newly-inducted committee members spoke to The Independent about why they applied to join, what they hope to achieve and what they bring to the table.
Alex Malibu, LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee
Did you grow up in Geelong?
I grew up living in the Golden Plains Shire, attended high school in Geelong, have been working in Geelong for over 8 years and living in Geelong for over 3 years.
What inspired you to apply for the Advisory Committee?
I’m very passionate about creating safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community in regional and rural areas and the Advisory Committee sounded like a great way to continue working on that goal. Hopefully, by sharing my lived experience with the Council, they will be able to make informed decisions to greatly benefit the LGBTQIA+ Community in the City of Greater Geelong.
What was your reaction to finding out you would become a member of the committee?
I was really excited to be accepted as a committee member and I think the pride will kick in once we’ve had a few meetings with the Councillors and see what work is lined up for us over the next 2 years.
What do your lived experiences allow you to bring to the table?
I am a non-binary, queer person who has been out and proud in the community for almost 15 years. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of incredible LGBTQIA+ icons throughout my career in Events and their stories have continued to educate and inspire me to fight for change.
What do you hope to achieve as a committee member?
I hope to see some tangible changes in Geelong through the actions of the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee by the end of our 2-year term. I hope to provide the COGG Council with a clearer idea of what the LGBTQIA+ Community of Geelong wants and needs and to offer greater education for the council on LGBTQIA+ issues.
Why do you think the Advisory Committees are important?
There is such a great range of diverse people throughout the City of Greater Geelong and it’s important that the Council’s decisions are informed about the needs of the entire community, not just those in the room making those decisions. By having advisory committees, we’re able to offer the Council real insight into the wants, needs and concerns of groups that may not be otherwise represented.
Raegan Cavagnino, Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee
Did you grow up in Geelong? If not, when did you move here?
My first few years were spent in Gippsland, before moving to Geelong in around 1986.
What inspired you to apply for the Advisory Committee?
I was inspired to apply for the Committee as I believe my lived experience as a person with a disability in and around the Geelong region can bring valuable knowledge and insight to the table. As a person with a disability, I have found some aspects in community life a challenge and would love to be a driving force in bringing about change for the benefit of all people in the Geelong area, not just those with a disability.
What was your reaction to finding out you would become a member of the committee?
My reaction to finding out that I was asked to become a member of the Committee was honestly surprised, and very proud of my achievement! It is a bit daunting, but I’m excited for the opportunity to help bring about change in the community.
What do your lived experiences allow you to bring to the table?
I have been legally blind since birth and have found that navigating community life can be quite challenging at times due to a gap in knowledge and understanding around things like public access (uneven public surfaces, dim lighting, lack of contrast and so on). I am also studying Community Services at the Gordon currently and feel that my new knowledge of the Community Services sector is giving me a different perspective as to how Council can become more inclusive in the community.
What do you hope to achieve as a committee member?
I hope to achieve a greater understanding of inclusivity in the community for myself, but also hope to assist with advocating for those with a disability and their support networks while encouraging knowledge and understanding for the community as a whole.
Why do you think the Advisory Committees are important?
I believe that Advisory Committees are a vital part of the city of Greater Geelong Council, and the community in general because it helps the Council hear what the constituents’ needs and wants in a safe and supportive way, directly from members of the community, and are able to action changes and make a real difference for the benefit of the community as a whole.
Katie Wright, Women in Community Life Advisory Committee
Did you grow up in Geelong?
I grew up in Melbourne and moved to Geelong in 2009.
What inspired you to apply for the Advisory Committee?
I am an Executive Manager with The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (SAFV Centre), a not-for-profit organisation providing specialist sexual and family violence support services, including primary prevention initiatives to stop violence from happening in the first place. I am deeply committed to The SAFV Centre’s vision, which is for a community free from sexual assault and family violence, and a society underpinned by the principles of gender equality, social justice and human rights. The Women in Community Life Advisory Committee plays a key role in contributing to Greater Geelong’s approach to progressing gender equity and increasing women’s participation, representation, and leadership. The committee’s remit provides an opportunity for me to advocate on behalf of those impacted by sexual and family violence across our community.
What was your reaction to finding out you would become a member of the committee?
I was very excited to find out that I would become a member of the committee. There are so many incredible women on this committee who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge and I feel privileged to be part of this group and to have the opportunity to share my expertise and insights with these women and the City of Greater Geelong.
What do your lived experiences allow you to bring to the table?
Prior to commencing in the not-for profit sector, I held senior management roles with the Victorian Government and within the private sector, primarily in consulting firms with a social policy agenda. My interest in advocating for change in areas such as sexual and family violence stems from my academic study where I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration and a Masters of Criminology. Within my current role, I oversee the Primary Prevention team, which develops and delivers gender equity and prevention of violence against women and children initiatives across the broader Barwon region. I have a strong understanding of gender equity and the need to address the disadvantages women face in every facet of their life through our systems and structures.
What do you hope to achieve as a committee member?
As a committee member, I would love to see gender equality and gender equity practices embedded across the Geelong community. Evidence tells us that gender equality prevents violence against women and creates a respectful and safer community. It is critical that we listen to women’s lived experience, call out disrespectful attitudes and behaviours, support women in gaining leadership roles, and work with men and boys to be advocates for gender equality.
Why do you think the Advisory Committees are important?
The Women in Community Life Advisory Committee plays a key role in contributing to Greater Geelong’s approach to progressing gender equity and increasing women’s participation, representation, and leadership. It is important that women’s voices are reflected in this work and that members with a range of experiences, expertise and insights into the issues faced by women across the local community are represented on this committee.
