Introduction: Who is Lauren Fernando?

For those of you who don't know me, and see me as a relatively newcomer on the local scene, want to know what exactly my 'political' or 'community' background is, I've included a short list of items. I feel that it is only right that people know exactly who I am and the influences that have shaped me as a person.

Education wise; I attended Lightwood Road Kindergarten, St. Joseph's Primary School, Springvale and Killester College, Springvale. I'm currently completing my course in Youth Work at Victoria University.
I value the extra curricular opportunities offered to me in my Primary and Secondary schooling as they paved the way for my future involvement in community as a young adult.

2008- Branch Executive- ALP Clayton South Branch
2008- Student representative on Victoria University Council.
2007- General Secretary- Victoria University Student Union. Inc
2006- Women's Officer/ Equity Officer - Footscray Campus Branch- Victoria University Student Union. Inc
2006- present- Youthlink/Youfra- Coordinator of youth group at St. Joseph's, Springvale
2006- present- Steward for Cake Decorating section in the Exhibition Pavilion at Dandenong Show.
2005-2006- Young People's Involvement Programme- Drug and Alcohol awareness community forum ( run by City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services)
2003-2004 Youth Connect- youth advisory panel (run by Southern Health and City of Greater Dandenong) Team Leader on Summerslam 2.
2003-present- Member of ALP Clayton South Branch- non aligned.

I've also had the honour of representing my community at World Youth Day in 2005 in Cologne, Germany and again recently at World Youth Day, Sydney this year.
In 2007, I was one of two representatives of Victoria University at the National Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values.

I love serving my community. I believe we have a responsibility to get involved with the community that we become apart of and help preserve the traditions, culture and environment for future generations. If ever I want to know about how something works - I go in and find out. This outlook has opened up many life experiences for me in a short period of time.

Community is every circle, every group, every culture and nationality. Its in integral part of our being and our sense of belonging in the world. I mean that in its truest form being real and authentic. What does community mean to you? And how has it shaped you?

I look forward to hearing your comments.

Cheers,

Lauren Fernando
ALP Candidate for Lightwood Ward
City of Greater Dandenong