Hi everyone,
Welcome to our round-up of recent events on the Joshi4Ashwood campaign trail. We’re on a roll and building momentum for the November election — including pre-poll and postal voting in the weeks before.
Don’t miss out! Get involved — volunteer and donate!
Recent events
“Voices of” Pub Night — Thursday 10 September
We joined a lively discussion with Voices of Malvern and Voices of Chisholm on the theme It’s Time to Upgrade Democracy. We heard from Dr Sonia Randhawa (Sortition Australia) and Rémy Favre on citizens’ assemblies and countering democratic decline, plus a real-life look at Switzerland’s direct democracy system. We also met upper house candidate Melissa Lowe and her running mate Sal Noonan, and Malvern’s Christina Zigouras.
Hitendra spoke passionately about why he’s running and how integrity sits at the core of his campaign.
Volunteer Onboarding — Saturday 12 September
We ran our first volunteer onboarding and training session, where new campaign recruits met each other, learned about the campaign, and — most importantly — met Hitendra.
Don’t miss out — sign up to make sure you’re invited to the next session!
Street Talks — Sunday 13 September
Our street talks in High Street Ashburton and Mount Waverley Village Shopping Centre were a great way for volunteers to work alongside Hitendra, meeting locals and listening to their concerns. We even enjoyed a few toot-toots from the nearby Ashburton steam train “The Ashy Dasher”!
Climate 200 Event — Tuesday 15 September
Climate 200 ran a big event in Hawthorn outlining why the Victorian state election matters. Ashwood — and all Victorians — face a critical decision: a continued renewable energy future, Australia’s only Treaty with First Nations peoples, stamping out corruption, and holding the line against nasty, far-right, Trumpian political agendas.
Climate 200 also showed how independent candidates have been seriously impacted by unfair donation laws. We don’t have the resources of the major parties behind us — that’s why community support makes such an enormous difference.
Monash Shri Ganesh Festival — 19–21 September
Hitendra has also been supporting locals in our vibrant, diverse community at various events within the Monash Shri Ganesh Festival across 19–20 September, including a cultural exchange on Monday 21 September.
Next events
- Volunteer Pizza Night — Thursday 24 September — RSVP
- Bollywood Fundraiser — Friday 9 October — Get tickets — the event not to miss, see below!
Plus, various externally organised events where Hitendra will participate — stay tuned!
Bollywood Night Fundraiser — The Event Not to Miss
Friday 9 October, 7:00–11:00pm — 45-49 Miller Crescent, Mount Waverley
Get ready to dance — this is shaping up to be the biggest night on the campaign calendar. Expect a full Bollywood-themed dinner, DJ beats and the best community energy in Ashwood, all under one roof.
It’s also one of the most important fundraisers we’ll run before the election. Every ticket sold goes straight back into the campaign — the doors we knock on, the materials we print, and the volunteers we equip to get Hitendra’s message to every corner of the electorate. Bring your friends, dress to impress, and help us pack the room.
Tickets from $75pp, with table bundles available for groups.
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We’re incredibly grateful for all the help volunteers provide and for every donation we’ve received, large and small.
Please join us to turn Ashwood truly independent
Backed by the community — working for people, not a party.
Thank you for being part of this campaign.
Hitendra and the Joshi4Ashwood team
Authorised by G Storer, 16-20 Bulli Street, Moorabbin, Victoria.