I am very happy to share this article with you today. I was interviewed by the Brimbank & North West Star Weekly about the lack of disability inclusion provided by Brimbank City Council.

You can read the article here 👇
https://brimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au/news/fighting-for-inclusion/

#WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank #disability #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityPride #DisabilityRights #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #neurodiversityacceptance #neurodiversity #disabled #coviding #CovidIsNotOver #covidisstillhere

Original toot date: 20 June, 2023

Brimbank City Council recently released the feedback from submissions to their draft budget.
Below you will find the feedback I provided in my submission, along with the completely and utterly inadequate response that was received.
One point I raised, was that we needed investment in sports programs for disabled people aged 25-55; Council responded by saying they offered programs to disabled people aged 6-18 🤦‍♀️
Another point I raised was in relation to online participation options for disabled people in our community. Council were so lazy, they literally copied and pasted their response, to the question I raised in the March council meeting and did not address any of the specifics raised in my feedback 😡

I have presented these 2 concerns as questions to be addressed at tonight's ordinary council meeting. Tune in to hear their response!

#WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank #WeDeserveBetter #disabilityinclusion #disabilityrights

Original toot date: 07 June, 2023

Yesterday, I had a meeting with a representative of Brendan O'Connor's named Colin.
We had a long chat about all the issues we have regarding the 3rd Runway at Melbourne Airport.

Read the full story here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/N3RBOC

#N3RM #No3rdTullaRunway #WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank #SaveThePlanet #SaveTheAnimals #ProtectTheEnvironment #ClimateCrisis

Original toot date: 30 May, 2023

This weeks Brimbank & North West Star Weekly article (with a few lines from me) about the 'Better Buses for the West' campaign and the rally I spoke at.

My rally speech can be seen here:
https://fb.watch/kR6z29DlD2/

#WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank #BetterBuses #BetterBusesForTheWest

Original toot date: 26 May, 2023

Elyse Cunningham from Sustainable Cities and I spoke to 'The Star' earlier this week, about the lack of funding and investment of much needed bus reform in Brimbank.

Together with Friends of the Earth Melbourne, I will continue to fight for Better Buses for the West!

🚍 Read the article here:

https://brimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au/news/battle-for-better-buses-in-the-west/

#WeAreBrimbank #brimbank #SustainableCities #FriendsOfTheEarth #BetterBuses #BetterBusesForTheWest

Original toot date: 21 May, 2023

An article about this weeks Better Buses for the West rally from Friends of the Earth Melbourne...and I got a mention ;)
🚍

https://www.melbournefoe.org.au/better_buses_rally_on_parliament_steps?utm_campaign=age_article_rally&utm_medium=email&utm_source=friendsofearthmelbourne

#WeAreBrimbank #brimbank

Original toot date: 18 May, 2023

Some photos of yesterdays 'Better Buses for the West' rally, hosted by Friends of the Earth Melbourne.

The event was attended by David Ettershank MP, Trung Luu MP, Tim Read MP, Richard Riordan MP, Katherine Copsey MP, Jorge Jorquera Councillor for Maribyrnong and Bernadette Thomas of Westside Greens.

Thank you to Elyse Cunningham from Sustainable Cities for inviting me to speak as a residential representative of Brimbank; it was a real honour.

My speech can be watched here 👇

https://youtu.be/0v6dvZAk8qw

#sustainablecities #WeAreBrimbank #BetterBusesForTheWest #brimbank

Original toot date: 30 April, 2023

This is all I need today!
When I noticed that there was no online attendance option for Chloé Hayden's tour, I reached out. Chloe's Mum (Sarah), was kind enough to look into this for me.
Although it was not achievable this time, Sarah advised that they will now be offering online attendance as an option for events going forward.

I love it when event organisers; who had overlooked live-streams as a mechanism to inclusion, act on feedback and commit to removing such barriers to participation. Even better when they actively acknowledge your contribution and encourage you to continue the fight for better disability inclusion.

Will you now make the same commitment?

#WeAreBrimbank #disabilityinclusion #autisminclusion #coviding #disabilityrights #disabilityawareness #disabilitysupport #disabilityadvocate #disability #neurodiversity #neurodiversityacceptance #neurodiversityawareness #neurodiverse #ASD #asdawareness #chloehayden #DifferentNotLess

Original toot date: 28 April, 2023

Long (but important) read.

Earlier this week, I met with Cr. Borg, who was generous enough to give me the entire afternoon to discuss the concerns I have in our community. Top of the agenda was Disability, but I also discussed issues regarding coviding, the arts and Indigenous history.

Read the full story here 👇

https://tinyurl.com/CrBorgMeeting

#WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank #Disability #neurodiversity #indigenoushistory #indigenousculture #murruptamboore #StillCOVIDing #coviding #communitymatters

Original toot date: 25 April, 2023

A few photos from today's ANZAC service in Keilor Village. I didn't have the money for a wreath, so a made a little one with some rosemary from my garden 😊

If you would like to support the Keilor Historical Society, consider joining or purchasing their very affordable publications. More information at: https://keilorhistoricalsociety.org.au/

#WeAreBrimbank #LestWeForget
#ANZACday

Original toot date: 18 April, 2023

For those of you who were unable to attend the No 3rd Tulla Runway rally this past weekend; you can now watch all the speeches and community comments/questions here 👇
https://youtu.be/iWpwyEeLnfY

Please be sure to support the campaign by joining the Facebook group & sharing this video with your local networks.

** Sorry the audio and footage isn't better, I didn't have an external mic or tripod with me, as I had not planned on shooting the rally myself. I was also in a fair amount of pain as I had minor surgery just a few days before.

#WeAreBrimbank #brimbank #No3rdRunway #No3rdTullaRunway

Original toot date: 16 April, 2023

I had an amazing afternoon at the Harricks Precinct open day and meeting with my fellow members of the #KeilorHistoricalSociety. This amazing event is hosted by Keilor Historical Society & Brimbank City Council.

Become a member of the Keilor Historical Society today 👇
https://keilorhistoricalsociety.org.au/membership/

Photo 1:
Top Left: left to right: Shannon Meilak, John La Mendola (Keilor Historical Society Treasurer), Aaron Magro (Keilor Historical Society Secretary) holding publications available for purchase from Keilor Historical Society.

Top Right: Left to right: Shannon Meilak and Natica (Brimbank Heritage Advisor) outside of the Policemen's Hut.

Bottom Left: Deputy Mayor Ranka Rasic giving her speech at the presentation.

Bottom Right: Keilor Historical Society President Susan Jennison giving her speech at the presentation.

Photo 2:
Top Left: Harrick's Cottage exterior.

Top Right: Bedroom inside of Harrick's Cotlttage.

Middle: Policeman's Hut exterior.

Bottom Left: Original interior of the Policeman's Hut.

Bottom Right: Reconstructed side of the Policeman's Hut interior.

#wearebrimbank #history #historyvictoria #keilor #Brimbank #localhistory #localhistorymatters #KeilorPark #Naarm

Original toot date: 04 April, 2023

Proposal update: Murrup Tamboore.

See image below for update.
Link to draft proposal:
https://tinyurl.com/MurrupTamboore1

#WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank #alwayswasalwayswillbe #alwayswasalwayswillbeaboriginalland #aboriginal #indigenous #indigenousculture #aboriginalculture

Original toot date: 29 March, 2023

1/3

#WhoAmIWednesday - The One Who Fights Despite Adversity.

I have had a strong sense of justice for as long as I can remember. I have spoken often of my need to help others, to stand up for what I believe in, to say something when something doesn’t seem fair or right. I have often fought battles that are unpopular; animal rights and Veganism, climate action since the mid-1980’s, Indigenous rights, defending the right for Muslims to choose to wear a burqua, fighting against the proposed religious discrimination bill, speaking out against transphobia before it was cool, advocating for same-sex marriage; again before it was cool, standing up for those who have been left behind and forgotten in an ongoing pandemic the government wants us to forget about…and the list goes on.

(continued in replies)

#adversity #equality #justice #keepgoing #staystrong #nevergiveup #neverbackdown #yougotthis #lgbt #blacklivesmatter #freedom #womensrights #transrights #disability #neurodiversity #actuallyautistic #vulnerable #animalrights #govegan #iamwoman #authentic #thisisme #WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank #eurovision

Original toot date: 27 March, 2023

1/8
#TopicTuesday Long Read: Disability Inclusion within Brimbank.
My first question raided at this months council meeting was as follows:
“Brimbank's 2022-2026 Disability Action Plan was released around 4 months ago, yet there is no reference to Neurodivergent people (other than reference to a symbol identifier), let alone any planning to ensure their inclusion in our community. Neurodivergent people should not need to wait until 2026 before their barriers to inclusion in Brimbank events will be considered, so what action is Brimbank City Council taking, to ensure their inclusion is possible at council run events?”

(continued in replies.)

#WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank #disability #disabled #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autism #autismawareness #autisminclusion #sensory #sensoryoverload #disabilityinclusion #neurodiversityacceptance #disabilityawareness #invisibledisability #invisibledisabilityawareness #immunecompromised #atrisk #isolation #community #CovidIsNotOver #CovidIsntOver #covidisstillhere #COVIDisAirborne

Original toot date: 26 March, 2023

I have really enjoyed my day out at the 'Lions Music & Picnic in the Park'. Chilling out with some great music in one of our best local parks; Taylors Lakes Linear Park. It was great to also see our mayor and a few councillors supporting this local event too.

Thank you Taylors Lakes Lions Club for organising another fabulous event. See you again next year!

#WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank #communityevent #community #lionsclub #taylorslakeslionsclub

Original toot date: 24 March, 2023

#FlashbackFriday - The Santa Run

When I was 19 or 20, I realised that kids in the neighbourhood were no longer able to see Santa on the back of a fire truck, handing out lollies on Christmas morning. This made me really sad; Santa is for EVERYONE! So, I organised with my parents to step in and fill that void.
I didn’t have a firetruck, but Dad had a Ute, which in hindsight, just gave my endeavour an Aussie spin. I dressed my father up as Santa and put him on the back of the ute. I couldn’t give out mixed lolly bags as I didn’t have a commercial kitchen, so instead, I purchased (with the help of my folks), individually wrapped lollies, bags of chips and small toys.
I wore something Chrismasie, sat on a milk crate on the back of the ute with Dad and helped Santa hand out toys and treats to the all kids in the neighbourhood. We even took dog treats with us for any fur-babies that come out to greet us.
We continued this tradition for about 15 years before it become too difficult to continue both logistically and financially, but the best thing was, we actually had parents tell us that they remember Santa coming to them when they were kids – we had managed to do this across 2 generations and leave community with some very special memories of our initiative.

#santa #santaisreal #christmas #christmastime #aussiechristmas #australianchristmas #community #WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank

Original toot date: 22 March, 2023

#WhoAmIWednesday - Disabled, Neurodiverse & Queer.

I wasn’t sure I should post this story. In fact, I'm still not sure. As I get ready to press the Toot button, my heart rate is increasing, my head is spinning & I feel like I am going to have a panic attack.

But you can’t be what you can’t see. You can’t raise awareness if people don’t know you exist!
So here it is, one of the most personal stories I have shared to date.

Full story here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/WAIWDNQ

#chloeshayden #JordonSteeleJohn
#EllyDesmarchelier
#DiversityandInclusion
#glbt #lgbtqia #LGBTI #GLBTI #queerrights #disabled #disabilities #disability #invisabledisability #disabilityinclusion #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodiversityawareness #ADHD #adultadhd #autistic #autisticadults #autism #autismawareness #autismacceptance #AdultAutism #OCD #obsessivecompulsivedisorder #PCOS #pcoswarrior #pcosawareness #WeAreBrimbank

Original toot date: 17 March, 2023

#FlashbackFriday - Black Saturday Bushfires.

Back in 2009, Victoria suffered one of the most significant bushfires it had seen to date...I signed up to volunteer at a donation centre in Wallen...there is always that one interaction that sticks with you. For me, it was a mum who had come in with her toddler.
...
This woman...pulled me into an embrace and cried softly into my shoulder so that her child could not hear her.
...
We do not need to know someone to help them. We do not need to experience their trauma to sympathise with them. We do not need to understand them to be there for them. We do not need to have anything in order to give.
...
When we start seeing what the community can do for us and stop seeing what we can offer to our community, the community loses something special. We all have the ability to make our world a little better for our community. Will you share your time, your heart, your smile with your community?

*The photo below was the certificate sent to me by the Mayor of Whittlesea. I didn't know I was getting it, nor did I expect to receive it and though I am grateful for the recognition, I am more thankful that I was given the opportunity to help others and feel like I was really doing something that mattered to the community.

FULL STORY HERE 👇
https://tinyurl.com/FFBSB

#community #communitysupport #communityspirit #communitymatters #communityfirst #communityassistance #communitygiving #BlackSaturday #bushfires #wallen #whittlesea #WeAreBrimbank

Original toot date: 15 March, 2023

#WhoAmIWednesday - The Egalitarian Community Member.

1/7
Over the past few weeks, I have had my motives questioned on more than one occasion; simply because I dared to post information about projects that directly impact my community. We have become a society of mistrust, not just in our government but in our fellow community members. But what is all of this based on?
Well for me, I am sure it stems from the fact that I ran in the state election last year. I mean, how dare a member of the community run in an election to represent her community and highlight issues affecting them. How dare she stand up for what she believes in. How dare she try her best to ensure we receive the funding and investment we deserve in the West. How dare she run for a party that seeks an end to speciesism!
And that is where I believe all of this really stems from - that last sentence.
🐾

(continued in reply)

#wearecommunity #community #EqualRights #egalitarian #queerrights #indigenousrights #womensrights #transrights #disabilityrights #animalrights #endracism #endspeciesm #vegan #WeAreBrimbank