Cr Thomas O'Reilly

Cr Thomas O'Reilly
Councillor Cr Thomas O'Reilly JP headshot

Contact:

CrOReilly@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0409 210 431

More on Cr O'Reilly

Portfolio:

Sustainable Brimbank

Committees:

  • Audit and Risk Committee
  • Brimbank Youth Council (Co-chair)
  • Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee
  • Safety Roundtable
  • Social Justice Coalition – Strategic Implementation Group
  • Brimbank Community Fund Advisory Committee (substitute)

Find out more about Council's Committees.


Get to know Cr Thomas O'Reilly

Thomas O’Reilly was sworn in as a Councillor for Harvester Ward on 30 January 2023 to fill an extraordinary vacancy, following a countback conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission on 23 January 2023. More information can be found in our media release.

What is your connection to Brimbank?

Harvester Ward’s history of manufacturing and acceptance of people from different cultures is part of my own family’s journey through Brimbank.

My connection to Brimbank begins with my grandparents, who migrated from Malta to Australia in the 1950s and settled in Sunshine West. My mother, a community advocate, has lived in Sunshine West her whole life. My father first came to Sunshine, travelling from country Victoria for employment, in the 1970s. I come from a diverse, working class family and I am a proud, third generation resident of Brimbank. I have lived in Brimbank my whole life and have grown up across Sunshine. I attended local schools, support local businesses and have always enjoyed utilising the services that Council provide to the community such as my local library. I am a passionate volunteer and educator, and I enjoy being a part of the local community and helping others out wherever I can.

I have served two terms on the Brimbank Youth Council in 2020 and 2021, and graduated from the Brimbank Community Leadership Program in December 2022. During these periods, I collaborated with community members to support various advocacy and sustainability initiatives relevant to Brimbank. I have also served as a youth representative in projects focused on bridging inter-generational gaps, mental health, community safety, and reducing pathways into the youth justice system. I have also been involved in initiatives to improve digital engagement with the community. During my secondary schooling years I was proud to advocate for greater languages awareness in promoting the studies of Italian, Japanese and Vietnamese. I am proud to continue my family’s legacy of giving back to the community.

What do you think is the greatest strength of the Brimbank Community?

I believe our greatest strength is the combination of our close proximity to the city and the diversity of cultures, opportunities and experiences that can be found within our local region. Brimbank is a place where people can live, work, study and shop locally. It is a place where people can grow up, have the opportunity to receive an education at the tertiary level locally, and become immersed in different cuisines and traditions. It is a place where people and businesses can capitalise on its untapped potential and geographical location, which is at the heart of the Western Region and as little as 30 minutes away from the Melbourne CBD.

What are your greatest concerns for Brimbank?

My greatest concern for Brimbank is that our infrastructure is not keeping up to date with our population, particularly in terms of health, transport and education. The Melbourne Airport Rail Link and Sunshine Superhub have drawn much attention and development to Brimbank in recent years. With Sunshine set to become an even busier suburb, it is ever so important that future developments across the municipality such as those in transport and housing are balanced to take into account our history, our heritage and the needs and perspectives of local voices in decision making. I am also concerned about addressing the sight of dumped rubbish that litters our municipality.

What made you decide to run for Council?

I stood for Council because I want to play a part in creating a future that people will enjoy living in. I believe in putting our community first and being an inclusive and welcoming voice for all members of our community. I want to see a Brimbank that is more beautiful, safer and resourced which values amenities, services, sustainable developments and more open spaces. I was concerned by the appearance of some of the local assets in my neighbourhood - I saw that some were tired and in need of some extra care.

I was also concerned in how our demographically diverse community was being engaged on issues that mattered to them. I am conscience that as a local Councillor I am the first point of contact for many residents, sporting clubs and community groups to address their concerns. I am also aware of the need for prompt, transparent and genuine communication of those concerns to the relevant stakeholders so they can be followed up.

Everyone in our community has the right to have a voice - the right to feel safe, accepted and understood.

What do you hope to achieve in your term as a Brimbank City Councillor?

Being elected to Council half way through a term, I have had the unique perspective of working with our current Councillors as a fellow candidate, community member and now as a colleague within a single election cycle. As the now youngest Councillor representing Brimbank this term, I am also conscience of the stigma surrounding young people in positions of leadership. I want to reassure the community that I want to be here, and that I understand our local issues and the functions of local government. I wish to address the stigma through authentic communication and collaboration with my fellow Councillors, key stakeholders and the wider community in order to work towards positive outcomes for Brimbank.

As an educator, I am passionate about working with the community to understand how Council can support them. I would like to work with my fellow Councillors to create further opportunities for authentic community engagement where people can ask Council-related questions and understand how Brimbank is advocating on their behalf. In turn, I can learn more about the changing needs of local residents and businesses on an ongoing basis and represent the community in decision making accordingly.

I would like to advocate for further action on Council advocacy priorities, particularly in health, transport and education. Our population is expected to increase significantly over the following decades as outlined in Brimbank’s 2050 Vision, and we need additional amenities to support this growth. I strongly believe that all residents in Brimbank should have equal access to open spaces, education opportunities, sporting and community facilities to support happy and healthy living.

In decision-making, I will advocate for equitable upgrades to our parks, trails, roads and footpaths and for the inclusion for other amenities in public spaces such as rubbish bins and water taps. I will also advocate to promote safety through community-building initiatives and lighting. I will fight to preserve and increase the amount of green spaces in our community, so our future generations can enjoy a more beautiful, safer and resourced Brimbank.

What is your favourite thing to do in Brimbank?

I enjoy heading down to my local shopping village and supporting local for some spring rolls, dim sims and baked desserts. Businesses that sell any type of sweet are always a favourite for me! I also like spending time with nature along the Kororoit Creek Trail, which helps me to take a break and recharge.

Last updated: 31 January 2024 - 10:19am