Committees
- Brimbank Arts Advisory Committee
- Brimbank Community Fund Advisory Committee
- Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee
- Brimbank Economic and Employment Advisory Group (substitute)
- Social Justice Coalition - Strategic Implementation Group (SIG) (Chair)
Find out more about Council's Committees.
Get to know Cr Victoria Borg
What is your connection to Brimbank?
I have been living in Brimbank since I emigrated from Malta in 1972. I returned to study as a mature-age student at Victoria University, St. Albans campus. I completed all my tertiary studies, including my doctorate at this institution and worked there for many years as an academic. I have been involved in voluntary work since my two children were in primary school. Having spent so many years here, I feel very grounded and connected to this municipality and its people – as a wife, mother, grandmother and member of this great community.
What do you think is the greatest strength of the Brimbank Community?
Most of the members of the community are first generation migrants. Through their uprooting experiences, they developed lots of coping skills and resilience which they have passed on to their children. The community has the capability to capitalise on its rich ethnic diversity - celebrate it and cultivate and enhance its harmony. It is also embracing other emerging ethnic communities and their cultures.
What are your greatest concerns for Brimbank?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Brimbank has been identified as disadvantaged according to the Social Economic Index. It is even much worse now as a result of this pandemic. Mental health problems and unemployment have skyrocketed. The situation with youth in terms of mental health, disengagement and unemployment is also highly concerning. Lack of job opportunities and skills training also concern me. So do the great sense of isolation, especially among the elderly and lack of digital literacy.
What made you decide to run for Council?
I feel very passionate about giving back to the community, especially when I know that I have a lot to offer. The community is very much at heart. I come from humble beginnings. My academic and personal experiences, as well as my past term as a Councillor, provide me with lots of knowledge and skills to give a voice to the community at grassroots level and represent it at local government level.
What do you hope to achieve in your term as a Brimbank City Councillor?
COVID-19 pandemic and the response and recovery phase are very much in the forefront. I would like to advocate for more funds to meet the various needs of this vulnerable community, especially in mental health, family support, skills training and digital literacy. I would also like to play a significant role in helping the community to move from a survival mode to a thriving mode as part of the recovery phase from the pandemic. Last, but not least I would like to make sure that by the end of this term our youth have a venue of their own - a ‘haven’ where they can meet and engage themselves in a healthy and constructive way.
What is your favourite thing to do in Brimbank?
I really love to meet members of the community in various settings. I enjoy visiting various community groups get together and attend events and festivals. Among other things, it gives me the opportunity to celebrate and engage in various cultures. I also enjoy visiting the local parks and explore our indigenous heritage.