Hi everyone,
Welcome to another update from the Joshi4Ashwood campaign trail. It’s Hitendra here, looking back at the past week and ahead to what’s coming.
We now have only five weeks until pre-poll early voting begins. If you haven’t yet, now is the time to get involved: please volunteer and donate.
Looking back
Chisholm Climate Action Network (CCAN) meet and greet — Thursday 1 October
I met the CCAN committee and had an insightful conversation with Dave, Ruth and the wider team, a passionate group deeply concerned about the climate. I learned how CCAN is organising the Ashwood Votes Climate candidate forum, and about expert research confirming that the climate situation is worsening. It reinforced my understanding and our position: climate is one of the top three priorities for this campaign and beyond.
ABC names Ashwood a battleground seat — Friday 2 October
I was pleased to be featured in an ABC article that sets out the facts and history of our Ashwood seat.
Meet and greets on the streets — Saturday 3 October
In the early wet hours of the morning I met people of all ages and backgrounds heading into the grocery stores and cafes at Pinewood shopping centre. Many seem genuinely confused about their choices in Victoria’s current political situation, and they welcomed a credible alternative. My aim is to be that alternative and to represent you in Parliament.
Swaha Garba night — Saturday 3 October
The energy at this Indian dance festival, celebrating Navaratri and the Goddess Durga, was extraordinary. The annual event, organised by cultural group Swaha Garba, brought together more than 450 people in colourful festive dress. It was a wonderful chance to experience the dance and meet local families.
Ashwood Candidates Forum — Tuesday 6 October
I shared the stage with the Labor and Greens candidates. The Liberal candidate was unwell and couldn’t attend, but sent a statement that was read to the audience. Ashwood Votes Climate and Environment Victoria organised the forum well, with several climate action groups at information tables around the room. I was glad the National Climate Risk Assessment was mentioned, because not many people know about it yet.
I enjoyed hearing the perspective of young speaker Erica Chow, which echoed my own concern that we must act more urgently. Moderator Ann Liao from Asians for Climate Solutions handled the prepared and audience questions very well. Thank you to everyone involved, and especially to the members of the public who came to our purple table with questions.
Flyers at Mount Waverley station — Thursday 8 October
An early start at Mount Waverley station gave me the chance to meet so many locals and hear their worries. As an independent candidate, I will listen to my community and represent you in Spring Street.
Corflutes are going up around Ashwood
Thank you to everyone hosting a corflute on your property. If you’d like to host one, or need more to display, please get in touch with my team.
Looking forward
Bollywood Fundraiser — Friday 9 October, 7:00 to 11:00pm
The event not to miss. I’ll include a Bollywood report in the next newsletter.
Coming up
- Mount Waverley Village Market — Sunday 11 October, 9:00am to 1:00pm. Details
- Affordable Housing Forum — Tuesday 13 October, 7:00 to 8:30pm, Phoenix Park Community Centre, 22 Rob Roy Road, Malvern East. RSVP
- Halloween on High St — Saturday 24 October, 5:00 to 8:00pm. Details
- Pub Night — Wednesday 28 October, 6:00 to 7:00pm. Details
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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.