Published author Kathy Zisiadis, who also has a background in Education Technology and Landscape Designwill be running in this year’s Darebin City Council elections in the hope to build a better and more dynamic local community.
Born in Australia to Greek immigrant parents – her father was born in Evoia and raised in Athens while her mother migrated from Sparta – Kathy embraces her Greek heritage, making the effort to regularly travel to Greece in order to connect with her roots.
“As a proud long-term resident of Darebin, I have loved raising my children in such a diverse and multicultural environment,” she says.
“I have a genuine interest in community concerns and am passionate about improving the wellbeing of residents through fair taxes; rates relief; green living; health and safety; sporting and recreational developments; and advocating for ‘shopping locally’ to boost jobs and business growth.”
A Post Graduate from the University of Melbourne and with 25 years experience as a Secondary School Teacher, Ms Zisiadis accustomed to dealing with diverse people and challenging situations.
“Having taught at a number of schools in the area like Thornbury Secondary College, Northcote High School and 15 years at Alphington Grammar School I have had the opportunity to establish strong community connections, embrace multiculturalism and diversity and connect with many families particularly Greek families in the area,” she explains.
“It is always heartwarming to connect with former students, parents and grandparents in the local community at local shopping centres, sporting facilities, Greek cafes and at Greek events like the Antipodes Lonsdale St Greek Festival. Hearing about their achievements post high school is personally rewarding to me as I know I have helped so many of these students on their life’s journey.”
With Darebin being one of the most diverse multicultural communities and with many elderly Greek immigrants living in the area, she sees herself as an ideal candidate.
“With English as their second language, this vulnerable group in our community needs the best support from someone who understands their culture, needs and language,” she goes on.
“Having elderly Greek parents and speaking the Greek language fluently, I understand their struggles and am ready to voice these as their Darebin Councillor.”
As an author and writer, Ms Zisiadis has collaborated in the ‘We Inspire Now’ book series to share her personal experiences in order to inspire and help others. She has also contributed a number of community related articles to Neos Kosmos over the years.
In her statement she said: “I love living in Darebin and as your Councillor I will remain committed to the issues at hand and allow your voice to be clearly heard through mine. I will engage in transparent and accountable governance practices, valuing fairness and inclusion, while listening with compassion and an open mind, and act with integrity to get the job done.”
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