Ari Casanova

Sheoak ward - Maribyrnong City Council

Hey there!
I’m Ari Casanova, and I’m running for Sheoak ward in the October Maribyrnong City Council elections.

Leaving home at 15 the following years were accompanied by consistently unpleasant experiences with a range of government affected services, things like Centrelink, social housing and so on. I went on to become one of 14,000 renters in the city of Maribyrnong. All these experiences have driven a passion to make change and a deeper passion for social justice.

I have learnt the importance of a strong community with great community infrastructure. Right now, in Footscray the existing infrastructure is not properly cared for. One such example is the Community Arts centre, which lacks the required operational funding, meanwhile the local government looks to build an entirely new theatre building. It’s so crucial we protect what we’ve got, and I am absolutely committed to properly funding the Community Arts Centre.

As a non-binary person and someone who has accessed gender affirming healthcare following a 2-year waitlist, I have experienced how crucial it is to provide more gender affirming healthcare services especially in the west. I am committed to fiercely advocating for increased Queer healthcare services in the west. I know we need to celebrate our queer history, and I am planning to work with local business and the Arts Centre to hold an annual festival celebrating the LGBTI+ community in the western suburbs.

Importantly I have seen the neglect which plagues Footscray’s CBD, and whilst working people struggle to find suitable housing, Footscray and the whole of Maribyrnong house more than 4000 vacant properties. For people with mobility issues the footpaths are inaccessible and even dangerous. Local business is struggling impacting jobs and the local economy. During a climate crisis when all branches of government need to do more, the Western suburbs are home to the lowest tree canopy cover in Melbourne, and our existing pockets of native biodiversity are threatened by a lack of consideration and consultation by the current council. This is why I plan to plant more native trees promoting biodiversity, repair and upgrade footpaths, and revitalise Footscray’s CBD.

I believe Footscray and the City of Maribyrnong are beautiful places, home to incredible communities, whilst the current council has neglected the local government area, there is significant potential for change. I want to build a stronger community, with reliable services and an active local government"

Warm Regards,

Ari Casanova