New Mayor Commits to Continued Community Connection

Published on 08 November 2023

Maribyrnong’s newest Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam, will be leveraging her own lived experience in support of one of the most culturally diverse communities in Australia. 

This will be Cr Cuc Lam’s second mayoral term in her 10 plus years of service as an elected councillor for the Saltwater and Stony Creek wards for Maribyrnong City Council. Her first was in 2017-2018.

Having emigrated from Vietnam to Australia as a refugee in 1978, Mayor Lam said she was looking forward to again serving as Mayor of such a cultural diverse community “where neighbours support and help each other thrive in our wonderful City.”

She intends to be visible and available to all residents during her 12 month term.

“Maintaining the dialogue between different faith and cultural groups, and sharing in the many cultures in our municipality is important to me, while also ensuring all voices are heard. “I welcome any opportunity to meet with our community at child care facilities, libraries, the MAC, and the host of events and activities hosted annually,” she said.

Mayor Lam also acknowledged there are also some important conversations looming with our community – including on a north-south cycling corridor, our first Nature Plan, the Yarraville Gardens Master Plan, and Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy – among other matters.

“As we have seen in the past year, some of these conversations may be challenging, resulting in decisions that may not be universally popular. But here in Maribyrnong we are not only people from multiple cultures – we are also people whose thoughts and opinions are shaped by our different life experiences.

“My pledge for my Mayoral term is to celebrate our points of difference through understanding, supporting and most of all listening – to my fellow councillors and our residents – as we continue to work together towards one goal – delivering for the community we all serve,” Mayor Lam said.

Given her longstanding involvement with heath organisations, including Western Health, Mayor Lam has a strong interest in ensuring our residents are involved in decisions in the future of the Footscray Hospital site, and is looking forward to the completion of works on the Civic Precinct and Community Hub, which will see council meetings return to the historic Town Hall early in 2025, and this iconic building re-opened to increased community use.

Councillor Lam was first elected in 2000, then again in 2016. She was Deputy Mayor to outgoing Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter, during 2023. Her commitment to local government was recently acknowledged at the Municipal Association of Victoria Victorian Councillors Service Awards.

As a strong advocate for multicultural communities, Cr Lam is also deeply invested in ensuring Council’s first Intercultural Strategy, due to come into the chamber for endorsement next month, reflects its dedication to embracing diverse voices.

Cr Michael Clarke was elected Deputy Mayor.

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