“My Journey as the Independent Candidate for Ipswich Division 2”Neetu Singh Suhag

Brisbane, 16 March (MCCQ Newsdesk) by Amrita Deshpande

Recent City Council elections which were conducted on March 16th in Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan gave many new upcoming community leaders a chance to contest the election. One such candidate; a community leader and a young woman, gave her 100% to lead, to campaign, to door knock, and get herself counted. She is Ms. Neetu Suhag, an Indian by culture, a double masters one in communication and the other in physical education, who also has a diploma in Management and Community Welfare work. She has worked as a Physical education teacher, Community social worker and currently is the president of the Haryanvi Association in Brisbane. MCCQ editor Mrs. Amrita Deshpande had a conversation with Ms. Neetu Suhag after the elections to know more about her experience of the entire process of contesting the election.

Ms. Neetu Suhag wanted to contest the elections for her passion to serve the community and build a neighborhood that is conducive for migrants to live in peace and harmony. She says “ I contested the local Ipswich city council elections in division 2 because I was motivated to do so due to a deep-rooted passion for my community’s well-being and a desire to be an active part in shaping its future. I saw issues that needed addressing, and I believed I could make a positive impact by representing the voices of my constituents.”

When one nominates to be a candidate for Councillor office one has to be aware of the huge responsibilities lying ahead of them. They have to be trained and they undergo a short training delivered by the election office as a requirement to apply for candidacy. Moreover, the process of election from Start to Election Day needs planning and strategizing and for Neetu she says, “ It began with weeks of meticulous planning, including forming a campaign team, defining my platform, and strategizing outreach efforts.”

Campaigning is a major part of the process if you are new to the trade or if people in your ward are not aware of your abilities, skills, qualifications,and capabilities. Campaigning can be overwhelming, hectic and tiring. Neetu says, “Campaigning involved a whirlwind of activities – from knocking on doors and attending community events as well as engaging with voters through various media channels.”

Neetu was well aware that as a Councillor one needs to know their community members. They need to know what are the concerns and issues affecting them. The campaigning for elections then is steered by these concerns and issues with a promise to resolve them. Hence she based her campaign where she highlighted the issues concerning the Community as she heard them when door knocking, she says, “ Throughout my campaign, I focused on addressing pressing issues such as high rates, improving public transportation, enhancing access to healthcare, and park maintenance while prioritizing environmental sustainability. These were the concerns I heard repeatedly from constituents, and I was committed to championing their interests.” The experience of campaigning for Neetu felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. She says, “There were moments of triumph when I connected with voters who shared my vision and excitement. Yet, there were also challenges, from facing tough questions in debates to managing the logistics of a dynamic campaign.”

In an election process volunteers and supporters play an important role. For Neetu she says she was lucky to have supporters and volunteers who believed in her and her ability right from the start of her campaign. “I was fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers who shared my passion for community service. From door-to-door canvassing to phone banking and social media outreach, their unwavering support was instrumental in amplifying our message and reaching a broader audience.”

Election Day is the final moment of the diligent efforts one takes to prove themself to the public. The day is often where anxieties and emotions are running high. For Neetu the day was one in which she made sure that her campaign had been delivered well to let the voters know about her. Election Day Experience

Neetu summarized it as, “The election day was a culmination of all our hard work. From early morning until the polls closed, every moment was spent ensuring voters knew about me, my platform, and the importance of their participation in the democratic process.” She also added, “ The day itself was filled with anticipation and nervous energy. Seeing supporters lining up at polling stations and witnessing the democratic process in action was incredibly humbling. Every vote cast felt like a validation of our hard work and dedication.”

In her reflection of the overall experience of the election she says. “Overall, the experience was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of grassroots activism and the importance of civic engagement. While there were moments of doubt and exhaustion, the opportunity to connect with my community and work towards positive change made it all worthwhile.”

The election process is exhausting, and one may back out at any time but when asked if she would do this all over again she says, “Absolutely. Despite the intense demands and sacrifices, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Serving my community and advocating for the issues that matter most to its residents is a privilege and an honor. The journey may be arduous, but the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives is immeasurable.”

Neetu has been brave and courageous fighting her way to reach her goals. The elections were one of them. She definitely has set an example for many CALD women in Australia. Here is what she would like to tell CALD women who are interested in contesting the election, “ CALD women who are interested in contesting the election have so much to offer. I am the first person who took a step out for Councillor in Ipswich City Council from the Indian Heritage.Your unique experiences and perspectives can bring about positive change in your community. Don’t be afraid to step forward and make your voice heard. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek mentorship, and stay true to your values. Remember, you have the power to shape the future and advocate for the issues that matter to you and your community. Good luck on your journey!

Truly many more CALD women need to put their hand up to take up positions in the government’s decision making level. Our voices need to be heard for positive change and that will only happen when we become brave to take up the challenge and contest the elections thereby winning the support and the Councillor Position. Unfortunately, Neetu Suhag did not get elected but she definitely steered a few votes towards her and became an inspiration to young CALD women. Her efforts are definitely applauded.