39 minute read
Some insights from the successful students from HSC 2021: A guide for HSC 2022
By: Preeti Gupta
Now that the dust has settled on the HSC 2021 results, we spoke to students from a cross section of schools in NSW and how they felt they had fared. HSC is the first major examination on their journey towards being employable, it is usually a stressful year but it was made worse for this Cohort as they were impacted by the COVID the moment they stepped into their Stage 6 studies.
One has to acknowledge that the results reflect the resilience of this cohort. Well, they are most pleased as they have achieved what they wanted and have found a place in the course of their choice. It is interesting how all of them echo each other in the way they navigated their HSC year and there is some very tried and tested tips being shared here:
Dhruv Hariharan, Knox Grammar (99.95 ATAR) What are your thoughts and emotions in the post HSC result context?
Mostly a sense of relief that it’s all over, and I managed to get through it. While I am obviously ecstatic with the result, I think I am most proud of the effort I put in to maintain my non-academic endeavours, e.g. sport and co-curricular activities like debating, while still engaging in studies. Taking the next steps into University comes with a lot of uncertainty, but after this past year, I think I can handle it.
Do you think the strategies you used to prep for your HSC have paid off? How so?
After my school’s trial exams in August and the announcement of the HSC moving to November, I knew that the biggest challenge I would have is maintaining the motivation to study. Trying to vary what I would study each week helped me, and though it was hard in lockdown, group study with mates on Zoom meant we could support each other and peer-mark answers. In the end, it helped me avoid being “burnt out” when exams came.
I also tried to simulate the HSC exam as closely as I could with each practice paper, e.g. using the same kind of pen, using the HSC-style writing booklets and taking the time to check over them in detail, rather than trying to get through as many papers as possible.
Any advice for the HSC Cohort of 2022?
It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday chaos of Year 12, so never lose sight of what you want to achieve. Take the time to stop and ask yourself why you are doing what you are. Also, do not give up the things you enjoy while in your final year, like sports etc. This year will be a test of how long you can remain motivated, and taking some time away from studies to relax with cocurricular activities will rejuvenate your mind and keep you focussed.
For those doing sciences and looking for a Band 6, I would recommend planning your answers worth 4+ marks before writing them in exams. Gaining clarity over how you approach answers means you can better exclude irrelevant information, saving time and making your answer easier to mark.
Though it could differ between languages, for German I found it helpful to focus the 10 minutes reading time on the Reading section, which saves time having to translate later on.
Rohan Gandhi, Newington College (IB Course achieved 99.95 ATAR) What are your thoughts and emotions in the post HSC result context?
There is certainly a turbulence of emotions that I am gripped by when
reflecting on my Year 12 results. First and foremost, I am met with a welcome sense of relief - perhaps exclusively to our cohort alone, we are ‘free’ not only from our senior schooling studies, but also from the state-wide lockdown that impacted our Year 12 journey. Whilst we are still affected by the pandemic, I am relishing the opportunity to catch up with friends and go out with the family. Just as importantly, I am also extremely proud of both my results, and that of my peers. My result was worth more than the ATAR - it was a reflection of my ability to find it within myself to persist and find motivation in the most trying and unprecedented circumstances. For that, I could not be happier.
However, a sense of sadness still certainly remains. Upon reflection, the opening of my results marked a special milestone: the transition to university. Whilst exciting, this also therefore marked the true farewell of my high schooling journey, one that I dearly miss and would love to relive. I continue to be overcome by an acute sense of nostalgia for my experiences in the classrooms, sporting fields, music ensembles and debate rooms.
Do you think the strategies you used to prep for your HSC have paid off? How so?
The main strategy I employed in preparation for my final exams was to stay connected. This involved collaborative study over Zoom, or even just regular Facetimes. Whilst this seems to be an absurd strategy to use before exams, it was only through these virtual interactions with my friends that I managed to keep perspective during my final year. These conversations were also inherently motivating - I found that the synergy within these group environments, where we talked about our optimal study techniques and sought advice on our recurring mistakes, was a strong force that inspired us all to work harder and more effectively.
Maintaining some sort of an exercise routine as my exam period approached was also crucial. My ‘lockdown runs’ were almost a form of therapy, as they decluttered the swirling and sifting thoughts in my head. Although I would return home slightly fatigued, I would also possess a clear presence of mind, which was crucial for my study sessions.
Any advice for the HSC Cohort of 2022?
Year 12 is built around one word: motivation. You must try and find a ‘why’ in Year 12 - something, someone, or some idea that drives you to be relentless in your academic pursuit. Just as importantly, stay motivated by remaining connected to your close circle, and by allowing yourself to remain involved in some of your hobbies and co-curricular activities. Without experiencing the happiness that arises from your hobbies, Year 12 can very quickly become a dark, difficult, and treacherous journey.
Nonetheless, you must remember to hold yourself accountable. Set incremental study goals - on a daily, weekly or monthly basis - and ensure that they are achievable yet ambitious. These goals should give you a sense of direction - they prevent the aimless study that eventually leads to procrastination - but they should also impose upon you a sense of responsibility that many often don’t feel in Year 12. Just as you will be responsible for your ATAR, you are also responsible for all the small steps and study sessions that take place along Year 12. With this responsibility comes compromise - understand that whilst you must provide yourself with avenues of self-care, you must also sacrifice certain elements of your normal lifestyle in order to work more productively.
Shiv Suresh, Knox Grammar What are your thoughts and emotions in the post HSC result context?
After experiencing 2 years of restrictions, lockdowns, and isolation, the main emotions for me and my peers in my cohort have been relief and gratitude. After going through some difficult experiences over the last few years, it makes me very glad to say that we successfully completed our HSC and as a cohort, and satisfied our goal of building a brotherhood within our school and other schools in our area. Hence, I am relieved that we made it through. While the journey was difficult, undertaking co-curricular activities, and being able to build such a close connection with my friends in my school equally with peers from other schools makes me incredibly grateful for the entire experience, despite the covid restrictions.
Do you think the strategies you used to prep for your HSC have paid off? How so?
Absolutely! Even though I secured an early entry before I sat trials and final exams, the strategies and dedication I had was incredibly beneficial to my results. One of the key techniques I used was studying with friends. While at first it may be distracting, being able to challenge each other to solve problems in new ways taught me new exams techniques, which assisted me in solving questions in my final exams. Because of studying with friends, I was able to both solve problems in exams and maintain my mental health throughout exam; a very important factor considering the loss of connection over the past two years.
Any advice for the HSC Cohort of 2022?
The main advice I would suggest to the 2022 cohort is to enjoy the experience of year 12. Everyone has bad results occasionally and that is completely okay. It did not stop me from getting into my course of choice and it likely will not severely affect the course you are offered. Everyone is in the same situation and your friends are always there to support you, whether that be while studying or with mental health. Furthermore, I would absolutely suggest applying for early entry. Even if you don’t get into the course you’re hoping for, getting an offer before trials or before your hsc is a significant morale boost, and will assist your motivation to study for your next exams.
Dev Yadav, Parramatta High
What are your thoughts and emotions in the post HSC result context?
My thoughts and emotions in the post HSC result context are bittersweet as I am glad it’s all over but I also miss school a little bit. In terms of results, I am happy with my marks and feel a sense of satisfaction as I approach a new chapter of my life. I have secured a spot in the course and University of my choice. Overall, I am keen for uni and feel like high school was a wrap but really think about how much I am going to miss school in both, the short run and long run.
Do you think the strategies you used to prep for your HSC have paid off? How so?
I feel like the strategies I used to prepare for the HSC paid off as I was very confident in my study methods and I held a powerful attitude throughout the preparation and HSC period. I used effective revision and memorising methods to learn all my content and did heaps of practice questions and papers to mock the HSC examination’s setup. I also studied with friends who would not distract me as having a study buddy helped me stay engaged while preparing.
Any advice for the HSC Cohort of 2022?
All I would say to the Class of 2022 is that study hard for the HSC but do not overwork yourself. Make sure to have fun and enjoy your last year of high school as it goes by quickly and you will not even realise where the time went. Stay focused, set good study habits and make sure to enforce balance in your everyday life and activities.
Esha Tewana from MacArthur Girls High, What are your thoughts + emotions in the post HSC result context?
Post HSC, I feel much more relieved but reflecting on the roller coaster of a journey it has been, the HSC has been an emotional journey which has been about so much more than just attaining an ATAR, but rather has shaped my interests and provided a direction for future studies and employment plans. It was a tough two years, but everyone in the HSC 2021 cohort persevered and should all be happy and proud of themselves regardless of the mark they achieved
Do you think the strategies you used to prep for your HSC have paid off? How so?
The strategies that I used to prepare for the HSC have most certainly paid off, however I believe that the best thing you can do to prepare is to enjoy whatever it is that you’re studying. Concentration and utmost attention to what you’re trying to study or memorise is key and if you’re not going to enjoy what you’re studying, you’re unlikely to concentrate on the work. So, strategically, it is important that you enjoy what you study and pick subjects that you’re truly passionate about - not because someone else tells you to pick them. Personally, I really enjoyed all the subjects I studied in my HSC and primarily I looked forward to every class I had which definitely helped me to persevere and focus on studying despite the turbulence caused by COVID19 changing our day to day lives.
Any advice for the HSC Cohort of 2022?
The main piece of advice I would give to the HSC cohort of 2022 would be to keep focusing on their goals and study aims since we live in a world of uncertainty, however with more stability *fingers crossed* promised in the future. You might not be able to control the impact COVID19 is having on face to face schooling or the way it may have changed your Year 11 studies; but if you set your mind to studying and do all and whatever you can do on your end, give it your best shot, then there is no reason to be disappointed with what you achieve! Besides our 2021 group serves as an example of perseverance throughout the HSC, if we can make it, then 2022 most certainly can!
KHUSH PERSHAD, Ryde Secondary College (98.60 ATAR) What are your thoughts and emotions in the post HSC result context?
Relieved that the HSC is finally over. Nervous and excited for the start of Uni. I did a lot better than I expected to, so i’m very happy about my results.
Do you think the strategies you used to prep for your HSC have paid off? How so?
Studying a lot seems to pay off. I didn’t really do that until just before the HSC exam period, at which point I did as many past exam papers as I could find. Doing them under exam conditions gave me the experience I needed to perform well during the actual tests
Any advice for the HSC Cohort of 2022?
Study, pace yourself, and be ready to experience some sort of burnout during the year. Burnout is ok, it just takes time to get back into it.
Know your Councilors from South Asian Background
Council elections for NSW were held on 4th Dec 21 where voters elected representatives to councils across NSW. Each council is made up of between five and 15 councillors with the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor elected by the Councillors. Here are the 22 councillors of Indian sub continent elected in NSW this year
Dy Lord Mayor Clr Sameer Pandey City of Parramatta Council (ALP)
I would like to thank everyone for your love and support over the past 4 years.
Since being elected in 2017, I have campaigned for several reforms and initiatives in areas of Health, Safety, Heritage, Environment, Local Businesses, Open spaces, Accessibility and inclusiveness, Smart City, Promoting Multiculturalism, and improving Social and Transport Infrastructure among others.
Recently, I have been elected the Deputy Lord Mayor for City of Parramatta. I am very humbled to be the first person from the Indian subcontinent to be elected Deputy Lord Mayor of a Major city in Australia.
It is an exciting time for the City of Parramatta. A period of dramatic change and transformation.There are several challenges that we face today and they are real. There is work to be done and action to be taken to build a future that has opportunity for everyone in Parramatta, to build a future where social, cultural and transport infrastructures are adequate for our community, where our elders live a dignified retirement, where our children’s have access to affordable childcare, where our youths have opportunities for education and local employment, where all individuals & families prosper, where businesses thrive, where our heritage is protected, where community organizations are nurtured and supported, where we provide opportunities for sports, physical and mental well-being for everyone, where interests of the most vulnerable in our community are prioritized, where the government serves not rules.
My vision, with your support, is to build on work done so far and to make the City of Parramatta a safer, healthier, liveable, smart, sustainable, progressive & inclusive city.
Dy Mayor Clr Barbara Ward Ku-ring-gai council (LIB)
Deputy Mayor Ward was born In Fiji and is proud of her Indian heritage but is quick to remind us “I am Fijian”. Her Fiji style is tranquil, friendly smile and mannerism is quite disarming. When I referred to her as Deputy Mayor she smiled and said “always Barbara to you, I never let a position define me”.
My vision is at a macro level and I want to make a positive impact, Ku- ring gai a metropolis with growth, vibrancy, green space and community that will lend itself to business and tourism and my hope is to achieve these with my fellow Councillors.
Our environment is our treasure with amazing parks, bushland, wildlife and heritage that we must enhance and promote but also be cognizant that for us to be viable and sustainable that will serve well for future generations we need sensible and responsible growth said Barbara.
Deputy Mayor Ward has always been community minded a philanthropist and voluntarily works tirelessly for many charities, Not for Profit and individuals. It is no surprise that she is looking forward to building on what Ku ring Gai has and is aiming to continue to grow the diverse and successful community
Clr Livingston Chettipally City of Blacktown Council (LIB)
Clr Raj Datta Strathfield Council (ALP)
I led the Labor team for the Strathfield Council election in 2012 and served as a councillor for 2012-2017. I was preselected to lead the Labor team for the Strathfield Council Election in 2017 but for personal reasons I did not run in 2017 .I have been elected as a councillor in Strathfield Council for 2021-24 in 2021 Council election.
Clr Shibli Chowdhury Dubbo Regional Council (NPA)
I am a certified Social Worker/Change Manager for over 21 years now and currently work as Senior Change Analyst & Programs Officer at the Department of Communities & Justice. My wife Bhagya is also a registered Social Worker manage a non-profit organisation in the Blacktown region and provide Therapeutic Counselling, Domestic Violence support and JP services.
I have a experience working as a Community Development Officer at Cumberland (Auburn) Council and have served as Executive Officer at CRN a sub-regional peak body in Blacktown, as part of the role I had chaired Blacktown combined Interagency, Interagency Convenors and was part of the Blacktown Council Multicultural Advisory & CDSE club grants committee.
I will be a strong voice for our local multicultural community; will support local families by initiating better Council services, Parks and Community Centres. I will support local businesses, advocate for Community Safety, Wellbeing and Stop Violence.
As a community worker:
4I established the Deepavali Festival Committee of NSW (DFC) 4Leading the DFC I initiated celebration of Deepavali in the Parliament House of
NSW in 2003, with exterior illumination of the Parliament House. It was the first ever illumination of the exterior of a Parliament House in Australia or in the world for celebration of Deepavali. This annual celebration by the DFC continued untills 2011. Acknowledging its popularity, in 2011 the Government of NSW took it over from the DFC for celebration by the government of NSW 4In 2007 , leading the DFC I installed a plaque in the roof garden of the Parliament of NSW. In 2011 leading the DFC
I initiated Premier’s Award for people of multicultural backgrounds in NSW in acknowledgement of extra-ordinary contributions of migrant communities.
Some of the matters that I and the Labor team plan to deliver are:
4Honestly representing the community in the council 4Building community 4Better planning and less congestion 4Improving public and community spaces 4Protecting all parks and greenspaces in
Strathfield LGA 4Placing stronger focus on public safety and building a safer community 4Establishing openness and accountability 4Establishing better local services and facilities 4Improving communication between council & residents on all matters of interest to communities
I was born and raised in Bangladesh, before moving to Australia in 2009. After spending time in Sydney, we came to Dubbo, and my wife Urmi and I have established our lives here with our three children.
I work in financial services and spend a lot of time involved in the community through roles with Clean Up Australia Day, Dubbo Health Council, Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie, and the Dubbo Multicultural Groups.
I believe a council should reflect its community, and Dubbo is home to a growing number of people from a multicultural background. I hope I can be a voice for people whose stories are the same as mine and are assimilating into this community. And also council need more new faces and diversity.
I want to see a bridge built to the south of the LH Ford Bridge to deal with some of the issues that are arising because of Dubbo’s growth. I also think council needs to play a role in helping with the housing situation that has resulted in low supply and heavily inflated prices for sales and rentals.
I believe I can bring a fresh face, a fresh perspective, and fresh ideas to Dubbo Regional Council. The issues that matter to a lot of the people of Dubbo, Wellington are the same as the issues that matter to me and it provides an opportunity to be a representative for a good cross-section of the community, from farmers right through to young families and singles looking to crack into the housing market.
Clr Susai Benjamin City of Blacktown Council (ALP)
A solicitor and barrister as well as a migration agent, Councillor Benjamin was first elected to Blacktown City Council in 2012.
Councillor Benjamin is Honorary Director of a free community legal service, Toongabbie Legal Centre Inc. and the outreach legal service Blacktown Legal Centre. He is also a director of the Australian Multicultural Forum Ltd and has held numerous positions in many community and government organisations.
Admitted as a legal practitioner by the NSW Supreme Court in August 2003, Councillor Benjamin has degrees in law as well as a Bachelor of Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work (equivalent to MA Social Work). Previously, Councillor Benjamin studied community development in the United Kingdom and was Director of a not-forprofit community development organisation in India.
Former Member of the Australian Multicultural Advisory Committee constituted by the Federal Government and served as one of the people of Ambassadors. Mr Benjamin served as the Board member and later President of the Multicultural Arts Alliance of NSW.
A passionate advocate for public open space and parks.
Clr Sazeda Akhter-City of Canterbury Bankstown (LIB)
My name is Sazeda Akter, a Bangladeshi Immigrant who began her journey in Aus-
Clr Masood Chowdhury Campbelltown City Council (ALP)
I came to Australia as a migrant in 1989, and actively participated in a diverse range of community work, such as being the active member of Multicultural Society of Campbelltown, ambassador of White Ribbon strong activist of Driving out Violence Convoy, Ex. President and school council member at The Grange Public School, registered Support Person of NSW Police, Ex. President of Campbelltown Bangla School, and a foundation member of the Bangladesh Australian Welfare Society.
tralia in 2012 and am currently a councillor for the City of Canterbury-Bankstown. I am a working woman and a mother of two beautiful children and I cherish both the roles close to my heart as both these roles are extremely important to bring about a positive impact in my position as councillor and as a mother. During these years, I have strived to bring about a positive impact by working with a number of reputed associations such as Women Council Australia Inc of which I am currently the president. This association has been working actively for supporting women empowerment, a cause that I strongly believe in. I am also a General Secretary of Fagun Hawa Inc an association organizing various social events. Being the vice president of Bangladesh
As a Councillor I yearningly want to represent the local subcontinent community in Campbelltown LGA. I was first invited to join the party’s team for the Campbelltown City Council election 2016 and was elected as one of the fifteen councillors for a four year term, Australia Fashion Association gives me an opportunity to assist various local boutique associations working from home to have a strong platform to show their work. Other associations that I am involved with are Australian Bangladeshi Business Council and executive member of United Bangladeshi Association of Australia.
As a Councilor and an Australian citizen, I actively work and aim to give this country as much as this country has given us. This involves doing as much as I can through my modest means for women empowerment and a safer environment for our children in Australia. This involves working actively for stronger involvement of women in politics and society.
and now my second term and re-elected as Councillor 2021. I am happily married to Zeenat for twenty-four years and have three children, and they have born and resided locally for 23 years in MINTO.
I was one of the organizers of Subcontinent New Year festival call BOISHAKHI at Campbelltown Stadium and also fundraised for the Cancer Council, NSW, and Victoria Bushfires for the past nine years. As Councillor in the Campbelltown City Council, I interact with other ethnic communities, sectoral and civic groups and the mainstream Australian community . My noble intention is for all the local Multicultural community being able to integrate well into the mainstream Australian community and all these different communities contribution it is fair share in nation building.
Clr Usha Dommaraju Camden Council (LIB)
Usha is committed to women and children welfare in Australia. She has been part of varios organizations supporting active aging, children in need and helping fee homeless people around Sydney. She has dedicated prime years of her life serving the family and supporting community.
Usha is recognised as a friendly and approachable person by family and other community members. She has been mar-
Clr Shwetha Deshpande City of Ryde Council (LIB)
I am a local mum with 2 primary aged kids living in North Ryde. I work in the pharmaceutical industry in the marketing division.
It’s now been over a few years since I called North Ryde and Australia home - this is where I have built a career, set up home and am raising my children. I have been fortunate to be now able to contribute back to this wonderful City of Ryde.
I believe to truly represent and celebrate our diversity we need true representation in our governing bodies. Our councils are the first place where decisions that impact on our liveability take place. The City of Ryde is a melting pot of different cultures. I would like to contribute to our beautiful City of Ryde by raising awareness on green spaces, building a family friendly city and a progressive liberal voice. Our team will make the City of Ryde a liveable, sustainable place to raise our families. This means taking action on over-development, raising the environment in our conversations and decisions making and managing tax payer rates which can only be achieved by a truly representative council.
ried for 28 years and has raised 2 lovely kids advancing their careers on Engineering. She is a home maker and has continued to her husband manage their family business over 11 years.
Her vision is “Vasudaiva Kutunbakam” which means the world is one big family. Her vision is to work in the public sector to reach larger community to help them overcome common issues. She is strong woman with the vision to empower the community and businesses to build a stronger nation.
As per my first Notice of Motion that was unanimously accepted by council, improving the City of Ryde’s green canopy is a major win having 1300 trees starting from September.
With the support of our current councillors, I wish to bring continued prosperity and harmony with state and federal governments.
Clr Noel D’Souza City of Randwick Council (IND)
Cr Noel D’Souza has been the resident of Randwick city got 40 years and has worked in Matraville for 38 years as pharmacist. He has Close working relationships with the French and local Indigenous people.
His key objective is a strong partnership with the community, one based on shared values and a shared vision for building an even stronger Randwick
Voting for The Independents is one of the most powerful things you can do to take action to save small business bring our community together in saving the planet, creating good government, and electing representatives who care about social justice, inclusiveness and equality.
Clr Sabrin Farooqui Cumberland City Council (ALP)
Clr Reena Jethi The Hills Shire Council (LIB)
I am Reena Jethi, a proud Indian Australian. Prior to my role as a councillor, I
I am a passionate advocate for human right, social justice and cultural diversity. Born in Bangladesh I came to Australia as an international student to study Master of Arts in TESOL in UNSW, later completed PhD in Education from the University of Sydney. I have worked for private and public sectors, in higher education, research and policy and I am the Founding Member and the current President of Cultural Diversity Network Inc. (CDNI) that reaches out to refugees in settlement programs and to those who are vulnerable and in need, including women who suffer violence here and abroad.
My vision is to facilitate a harmonious, multicultural Australia where all immigrants can be recognised as valuable contributors to the community and the economy. She has received multiple awards at local and State level for demonstrating excellence in leading social change and making significant contributions to the community.
As a Local Government representative from Australian Labor Party, I will be supporting the local community and will be dealing with issues of their concern. The community has faced undeniable challenges for the last couple of years. These were challenges that were experienced by everyone very differently, especially in isolation. Now that the lockdown has come to an end and the state is re-opened, I believe that it’s time for us to start fresh as a safer and stronger community.
have been a teacher and a banker - two roles which brought me in close contact with the community. This experience also inspired me to join the public office and work with the local community. The first Indian born female elected to The Hills Shire Council, I am also the owner of a successful local business - Kuber Vaults. A proud Indian Australian who thrived on the opportunities for growth after moving to Australia over 20 years ago, I am passionate about enabling others to enjoy a good quality of life and grow in their careers.
As a councillor, I am committed to the cause of empowering women. I support and work closely with many community organisations which focus on and address issues faced by women. Helping local businesses and generating jobs is also on my list of goals to achieve in this term. New migrants from all over the world need our support and I am associated with CMRC in their various initiatives to make them feel at home.
A big supporter of open spaces and public areas, I love every moment of my time in The Hills Shire with my lovely family. With your support, we will achieve our aim of making The Hills the best place for people to live, work and enjoy the outdoors.
Clr Masud Khalil Campbelltown City Council (IND)
about 6 years with my wife and my son. My wife is working as a GP and My son studying in Year 7. I am a Mortgage Broker and like sports specially soccer and cricket.
Communities can be better served by improving the capacity of local government. As the former Senator Fiona Nash said, - “local Governments are the lifeblood of their communities. My primary objective is to contribute to enhancing the erformance and efficiency of the local government of Campbelltown to serve the people better.
I would like to establish a smoother communication channel between the local community and the governing body through decentralized townhall and focus group discussion forums and online and social media platforms.
I would like to make sure people have easy access to the council, and they are more comfortable communicating with us and can get their jobs done without unnecessary delays. I want to ensure a proper plan and strategy for a clean and safe city and multicultural youth skill development program.
We need to unite the diverse people with a more inclusive approach, improve and rehabilitate the Simmos Beach Reserve, protect our Koalas and facilitate investment opportunities to create employment. Working together we can make Campbelltown a benchmark of excellence.
Clr Kushpinder Kaur City of Blacktown Council (ALP)
Equality, women empowerment, employment opportunities, peoples party, labor
Clr Charishma Kaliyanda City of Liverpool Council (ALP)
I was elected to Liverpool Council in 2016, becoming only the 11th woman elected to council in our 144 year history. values, attracted me to join ALP in the year 2014.Loved multiculturalism in the party which strengthens the social fabric and contribute to the strength of the Nation.
This wonderful country gave me great opportunities to show my skills and prosper. I brought with me Master of honours in Zoology with cytogenetics specialisation and in Master’s in Education from India and graduated in business Management, human resources and celibacy in Australia. I have demonstrated skills of Management, perseverance, counsellor, team player, problem solver, dependability, analytical and critical thinking. While in job I empowered many women to grow in their areas of work. I am a great team player with strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation skills which help me in integrating with the community for providing efficient services.
Council election 2021 was a great first-time experience and winning the title of being the
first Punjabi Women in Australia entering the third tier of government an additional feather in the cap.
I am thankful and indebted to the vibrant multicultural community of Ward 2 Blacktown Council for trusting me and electing me as councillor. Being a daughter of an army officer of values of integrity, discipline, honesty, loyalty, fairness are deeply inculcated and have contributed in the growth of my organisation and community. I will use all my expertise and skills for the benefit of our community.
I was raised in Liverpool and I am a registered Occupational Therapist currently work for headspace (the National Youth Mental Health initiative) in south west Sydney, working to build awareness of and reduce stigma around mental health and well-being so that young people can access the help they need.
Liverpool is a key part of the fast growing south west corridor. This growth means that we have a huge number of people that want to live, locate their businesses or expand into Liverpool – so we must not lose these opportunities which represent the further pathways for our residents. However, as part of our COVID recovery, we must ensure that our existing residents and businesses are not left behind. So it’s not a matter of choosing one of the other, but how we can effectively manage both of these priorities.
Secondly, we need to ensure that our city is liveable and inclusive. Over the last 18 months we have seen just how important our community infrastructure is and how much our residents value local events and activities. Ensuring that our community facilities and parks and recreational spaces are not only fit for purpose, but that they are well maintained and accessible to everyone is vital.
Finally, we know that access and sustainability are very important to Liverpool’s residents. We must ensure that our growth is accompanied by vital transport, health and social infrastructure.
My vision for Liverpool is one where everyone can achieve their potential. I will focus on building on the work done so far to ensure Liverpool is a liveable, sustainable and inclusive city.
Clr Sreeni Pillamarri Hornsby Council (LIB)
Been in Australia for nearly 25 years and having lived in Cherrybrook, Hornsby Shire for over 10 years I have grown to understand and experience the many challenges we face in our communities.
As a private citizen I have worked for many charities and causes and continue to do so. Moving forward, as a Councillor I will be a strong voice for the community, support local business, sports clubs, young families and protect and preserve our heritage and environment. As a local businessman, I believe in strong economic management, good governance and giving back to the community. I also believe in a cohesive, diverse and multicultural Australia and that this should be reflected in all levels of Government (Local, State & Federal). As a councillor I will work hard to preserve the character of our suburbs, especially the historic homes in Beecroft and Cheltenham and improve the traffic flow in trouble spots and support young families and kids with park facilities. I am appointed as a Justice of the Peace for NSW. I am married with two kids.
Clr Sandy Reddy Strathfield Council (IND)
I am popularly known as Sandy Reddy. I am the First Desi woman elected as Councilor in Strathfield LGA. I have been awarded as Strathfield Citizen of the year 2020 for
Clr Suman Saha Cumberland City Council (ALP)
Suman was born in Khulna district in Bangladesh which is bordered by India to the west. He came here as International Student in 2003, completed his study in 2006 and
Cr Moninder Singh City of Blacktown Council (ALP)
Alp Member for 15 years, VP of the quakers hill branch,
In Council since 2016,
• I was chair of youth advisory committee and cr Gillies is member, where we organized NSW youth conference in 2019, amongst many other youth activities my good community work. I have organised Food Drive for Food Bank Australia during pandemic. I am an active member of State Emergency Services SES and live in strathfield with my family, both my boys went to Strathfield south public school and my husband Karri Reddy is living in Strathfield from last 30 years.
I have always been part of Strathfield and appreciated Strathfield as a safe suburb with best facilities, I always enjoyed being part of the local community and to contribute more to the community and reach out to more residence I decided to be part of the council.
As a councilor I would like to tackle local
became Australian Citizen in 2010.
Suman was first elected as Wentworthville Ward Councillor on Cumberland Council in Sep 2017 and re-elected again in Dec 2021. He has a degree in Business (Accounting).
He works as a Finance Manager for a major University.
In the last term of Council (2017-2021) Suman applied his skills as an experienced accountant to become an insightful Councillor. He has fought hard against the privatisation agenda and argued tirelessly for Council’s budgetary priorities to be outwardly focussed and reflective of community need. With a young daughter, and a wife who also works outside the home, Suman is acutely aware of the pressures on young families in the area to
• Member of Multicultural advisory committee, • Member of Sisters’ cities committee • Took trade delegation to INDIA in 2019 where I paid my own expenses • Started quakes hill festival and • Started Diwali lighting competition • Currently I am Chair of Access Advisory committee. Where we will lobby for equal opportunities for Disabled residents.
In 2016, we had vision for transforming the city, with actual work done on the ground like
• ACU already stated classes • Warwick Lane plaza and car park opened • ICTE (Centre for Sports Training Excellence) under way • new animal holding facility at Glendenning being constructed • BBSI (Blacktown Brain and Spine Instiissues like
Tree Management for local residences Better waste Management and improve cleaning services Recreation Centre in Strathfield
Strathfield had 1166 Illegal Dumping reported last year, costing a lot of money in cleanups. I believe that every right comes with a responsibility and I want to do my best in serving the local community.
I would like to thank everyone who have voted for me and supported me in the campaign.
maintain a decent living standard.
During the current term, he is ambitious to take council’s service delivery to the next level. He will pursue plans for a Council service centre at Wentworthville and advance Cumberland as a smart city. He likes to support the Cumberland community with a reasonable community grants program, community consultation and re-install the advisory committees. He will continue to safeguard our community assets and council services against privatisation. He will push to keep improving and beautifying our town centres across Wentworthville, Pendle Hill and Toongabbie. We want to plant more trees and expand green space. Our diverse community deserves Council’s encouragement and support.
tute) underway
Going forward we Need to focus on Infrastructure in new area-
• Residents in Riverstone where big population Growth happening without matching infrastructure • Community is crying for road, footpath, parks for kids needed. Few residents don’t have driveway for nearly 1 year as the road id not built yet.
Besides we will continue lobby with state government to deliver on their promises • -Schofields car park • Rouse hill hospital, cancelled 3 times • Heavy traffic in the town, we support local chamber with their lobbying • Widening of Riverstone Garfield RD, in planning stage but no plan for railway crossing, or bypass to the town • Metro rail extension to Marsden park Where Jobs are but people can’t reach there.
Clr Sharangan Maheswaran Strathfield Council (ALP)
My parents are originally from the north of Sri Lanka but left due to the
Bhadra WAIBA City Canterbury Bankstown Council (ALP)
I’m Bhadra WAIBA, migrated from Nepal.
I have degree in Law and Nursing and been working as Register Nurse.
I work in various local community organisations and I was awarded the NSW local Women of year for my services to community.
I also worked in different positions of ALP branch.
ALP nominated me to run for the council of ROSELAND ward in Canterbury-Bankstown Council and elected for three years.
My team is planing to work in ensuring better local environment in term of cleanliness and safety.
Civil War. They found a new home in Brunei at first, and spent some time in Singapore. While life was comfortable for them there, they made the decision to come to Australia for one reason alone, which is the freedom and opportunity that would be afforded to their children in Australia. They absolutely made the right decision –Australians have an intuitive sense of fairness which is unique in this world.
One of the things that makes Australia great is a robust social safety net. Most people believe that access to a decent education and healthcare are basic human rights, and it is this belief that led me to join the Labor movement and stand as a Labor candidate for Council.
I am a practising lawyer – I principally focus on maritime law but I also have significant experience with environmental cases.
Sustainable development is a core part of what I seek to do on Council. On Strathfield Council, I hope to give residents access to expertise (such as architects, urban designers and planners) so that they can properly express their vision for the future of the area.
Any future growth will also need to reinvest in the environment and create local jobs. This is why I am advocating for the improvement of local river systems to increase water quality, create a safe environment for native birds and wildlife, and create more attractive green space for the community.
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