TWO newly elected Indian-Australian councillors say their victories at the weekend reflect Wyndham’s changing cultural make-up.
Western Institute of Technology chief executive Intaj Kahn was elected to Harrison ward while audiologist and former Federation of Indian Students secretary Gautam Gupta snared a spot in Chaffey.
They had 5.4 per cent and 3.4 per cent of primary votes respectively, with preferences getting them across the line.
In June, census data released revealed more than 8000 Wyndham residents were born in India, while 10,107 had parents from India.
It was a sharp spike from the previous count five years earlier, when 1565 people were born in India and about 2500 had Indian parents.
Mr Gupta said a council with two people of Indian background amid six new faces showed a shift from a traditionally Western cultural face. “Voters have spoken clearly and loudly against the incumbency, they want change,” he said.
“Integration works when we lead by example, and there cannot be a better example than getting the faces of diversity reflecting how Australia actually works.”
But Mr Gupta said his background would not influence his vision for Wyndham, with reviewing the rating strategy and addressing infrastructure shortfalls high on the agenda.
“I want to bring the council back to people, saying ‘this is the money we have, these are the choices we have, what do you think?’ “
Mr Khan believes the council’s cultural diversity would build confidence and encourage investment.
Along with fixing the roads network and make childcare more affordable, Mr Khan, who has purchased a former Mowbray College site, said he wants to put his education expertise to use. “I’ll be advocating for more universities and TAFE in the western suburbs.” — Nick Toscano
