Meet 43-year-old Tom Joseph, who hails from Kerala and has been elected as a councillor of North Ward in Whittlesea council.
Following the death of Whittlesea councillor John Butler last month, a countback for the vacant seat was held. Joseph emerged on top and he accepted his nomination as Whittlesea Council’s new North Ward councillor on Wednesday morning.
“I am thrilled to be elected to serve the community,” Joseph told SBS Hindi.
Joseph lives in Mernda with his wife and three kids.
He has been a prolific campaigner of local issues for over eight years and one of his campaigns, a 24-hour police station in Mernda will see fruition this November.
“We came to live in Mernda five years ago. There used be many house break-ins and the nearest police station was in Mill Park. I campaigned for a police station in Mernda and got the support of other residents in the suburb.
“I started the campaign on social media and soon people joined me in my campaign.
“I am happy to say Mernda Police Station will open next month,” Joseph shares.
Joseph, as a councillor, would like to focus on local infrastructure issues like road, schools and playgrounds.
“I would also like to play a larger role to benefit the community at large by working with state and federal members,” he says.
Joseph has also been the Founding President of Mernda and Doreen Multicultural Association and Founding Chairman of Diwali festival in Mernda, the largest multicultural festival in the City of Whittlesea.
