I arrived in Australia with my mother and two younger sisters from refugee camps in South East Asia in the late 1970s, after we escaped war-torn Vietnam. We eventually were resettled in Bossley Park.
Following my HSC, I got a job as a cadet journalist with the Liverpool Champion. Working as a journalist gave me the opportunity to dive into the stories, the issues, and the lives of our Fowler community.
I later helped set up the Fairfield City Champion in Barbara Street Fairfield, and became its journalist covering the Fairfield City Council area. Wanting to expand my reporting skills, and widen my knowledge, I managed to get a researcher role, and eventually grew into reporting and broadcasting with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
I stepped into politics in 2008 wanting to represent and make a difference to the community where I live and grew up. I was honoured to get elected on Council in 2012 and then elected as Deputy Mayor. I have worked tirelessly with Mayor Frank Carbone to deliver on many initiatives, at a local level.
On 21st May 2022, I was privileged and honoured to be elected as an Independent Federal Member for Fowler to the 47th Parliament of Australia, one of the 1240 Members of Parliament elected to the House since Federation. And the first Independent for the seat of Fowler. I cannot thank the people enough for giving me this opportunity to be their voice and representative in Canberra.
I will now take our stories, and my deep knowledge and passion for our Fowler community to Canberra and will fight and advocate for our fair share of resources, and to be heard.
My First Speech to Parliament
On the 5th of September 2022, I delivered my inaugural speech to the parliament of Australia with more than 200 people from our community supporting me in the public gallery.
Watch the full speech