Councillor Karimi: standing for council

I am a believer in ‘kismet’ or destiny. For many years, people had approached me and tried to persuade me to enter the political realm. For many years, it did not feel right. So, I would listen, with a wry smile, and move on. In 2019, when I was once more approached about running in the local government elections, kismet was a guiding force.

Being a Sikh Punjabi woman, the decision to run as a candidate in 2019 was a straightforward one. As a Sikh, we believe in and practice ‘sewa,’ being selfless service. This notion of selfless service can take many forms. To me, it is about giving back to the community in any way that one can. As someone who has more than 20 years of experience in the banking and corporate sector, I try to give back by using my knowledge and experience on boards and in community groups. Running for a position in a local government council presented as a logical next step after more than 8 years of serving on educational boards and assisting community groups.

The word ‘Sikh’ means disciple or seeker or learner. Since being on council, I have been a seeker and a learner. There is so much to the machinations of local government that you can immerse yourself in as an elected member. We have the privilege to inhabit the strategic realm and be involved in significant decisions that deliver progressive infrastructure and services for our community.

The process of running for council can be as exciting and exhausting as one allows it to be. When I ran, in 2019, I decided to stay true to myself and ensure that this was reflected in my campaign. It was a simple campaign designed to fit into my lifestyle as a working mum of three who was, and still is, active in local schools and community groups. I am very fortunate to have a supportive husband, two amazing teenage sons and a sassy 10-year-old daughter who allow me to be me!  

At this juncture, almost halfway through my first term serving as an elected member in the Town of Victoria Park, I am still learning; I am still enthused by the many connections that being a councillor affords me; I am still struggling to find sufficient hours in the day to be all the things that I need and want to be to so many around me but that is just life. The rewards of being a councillor are far greater than the tribulations and with an open mind and a willing heart I will continue to strive towards a better tomorrow.