Harsimran Kaur is a local who has her sights set on running for Hume council later this year, for now, she tells Star Weekly about why Hume has become home.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I am a Craigieburn resident, mum of two and an engineering project manager by profession.
I am passionately community minded and pursue community services in biodiversity, pragmatic sustainability, youth work and social support with equal passion.
What’s your connection to Hume?
Hume is home. I have moved here from south-east Melbourne after migrating to Australia and have loved it ever since.
I find joy by being involved with the local community through volunteer programs, some of which are council-led.
I started by volunteering at the school parent club and have been on the school council for 6 years, currently vice president on the same. I did the Hume Enviro Champs program and went on to do a project at Malcolm creek, then moving to being a volunteer with Gardens for Wildlife program. I volunteer as a youth worker for Hume’s local Victorian learning networks as well as the City of Maribyrnong. I keep myself aware of people asking for support and try to provide or refer. I also attend community forums by organisations regularly and provide my inputs.
Accolades are not something I do volunteering for, but it felt great to be recognised with winning Hume’s Community Excellence awards last year among 8 residents.
What do you like about where you live?
I feel we are blessed to have open spaces to enjoy as well as so much diversity of cultures and food to enjoy. I love our libraries and enjoy the programs that they run with my kids.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I think Hume as a city is rapidly changing, especially with huge infrastructure projects led by both levels of governments. When completed, they will have a positive impact for all of us.
I believe we can at the same time work towards building a cohesive community where all sorts of lifestyles are cared for and have access to support systems.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
I like a quick walk to Malcolm creek and love going to different parks around Craigieburn and surrounding suburbs.
Coffee places around Craigieburn are also great to catch up with friends.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
Maybe not surprising, I love to doodle while listening to music and prayers. I am an avid gardener and I love sharing plants and produce from the garden with the community from my front yard fence. I want to build something like a street library box for sharing the same.
Why do you want to run for council?
Hume is a huge and growing council. I have seen rapid growth in the last 5 years and I believe we need people who are wanting to make a positive social impact through purpose-driven servant leadership. I have a vision to see my locals kinder and connected to each other. I want to be able to create more future leaders from the community so that everyone can thrive with good governance. I will tick all of these boxes and be available and aware.
I was one of the 63 women selected for a fellowship to do the Women Leading locally program across Victoria last year. I have recently finished the course under great mentors which prepared us to enter politics and will put my best foot forward on this journey.
