You're the voice

This blog title is from one of my favourite John Farnham songs. Yes, anyone who has ever known me knows that if ever I had any regrets, it would be that I never saw the Last Time tour. But who knows, he was former Dandenong resident, would love to see him perform here again!
But this blog isn't about John Farnham, it's about being a independent voice that's loud and clear. Therefore I'm gonna post everything here what has been requested by the three newspapers, without edits:

The Leader
Lightwood Ward needs attention. I will be advocating for improvement of our public spaces, drought proofing our sporting grounds and creating leisure facilities. I am an active listener and will ensure residents concerns are addressed. Vote for Lauren Fernando.

The Star
Lightwood Ward needs attention. I will be advocating for improvement of our public spaces, drought proofing our sporting grounds and creating leisure facilities. We need to look forward and plan adequately for our future and deliver outcomes that are meaningful and sustainable.

I promise dedication, passion and to be an active listener to ensure residents concerns are addressed. Feel free to visit laurenfernando.blogspot.com

Please vote for Lauren Fernando.


The Journal
The Journal requested commentary on the four following topics.

Springvale structure plan and the town's revitalisation.

We could definitely benefit from a town square and a multi storey car parking facility. The idea is sound, but parking remains an eternal issue

Refugee and migrant issues
Every new refugee and migrant deserves a fair go. We need to support people as they settle in, especially the young people who have experienced trauma and have come to Australia on their own. Many of us in our lifetime will never comprehend the horrors witnessed by these young people. We need to be able to support them with counselling, education and other needs and help them settle in. There is no quick fix solution and most will need ongoing support.
Each new nationality adds to our vibrant city, and we need we gain an understanding and appreciation of each other and a greater joy of living in such a multicultural society.

Parity with Dandenong
More and more money is been poured into Dandenong, but it's looking better than it has ever has been. Springvale on the other hand has been largely ignored. Springvale was once a vibrant city in its own right and hasn't still recovered from the not so clean image from the late 90's. Until concerted effort is made to clean up Springvale, image wise and hygiene wise, it isn't going to rise in popularity any time soon. Food Surveillance needs to conduct workshops on health and safety standards and conduct random checks more often and encourage diversity in the area and make the new ward of Lightwood on a whole much livelier.

The traffic snarl that is Springvale Road
The Springvale Road/Lightwood Road intersection area is of most concern.
Ideally I'd prefer that the train network be underground and solve most of the traffic issues, but I don't see the State government taking that on any time soon. What would be preferable is an overpass to ease congestion and pedestrian bridges.
Safety is paramount for everyone and that section is simply chaotic.