Hi, I'm Rifai.

With over 15 years of community service in Werribee, I’m dedicated to creating lasting, positive change for our local area. As a passionate volunteer, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our community faces, from inadequate transport and education infrastructure to rising living costs and the need for stronger support for local businesses.

I’m running to ensure our voices are heard and that we build a more inclusive, sustainable future together. My focus is on improving public transport, making education more accessible, and promoting social justice for all. Through my work in social entrepreneurship, I’ve honed my ability to lead initiatives that foster growth and well-being for everyone.

Vote 1 Greens to empower our community, drive positive change, and build a greener, fairer Werribee where all can thrive. Together, we can make a real difference.

My plan for Werribee

The Victorian Greens approach issues with a focus on sustainability, equity, and community empowerment. These are my key priorities as your Greens candidate for Werribee:

Healthcare

• Increase Hospital Funding: Advocate for significant state investment in Werribee Mercy Hospital to improve capacity, reduce emergency wait times, and hire more medical staff.
• Expand Preventative Care Services: Promote local access to mental health services, bulk-billed GPs, and specialist care to prevent hospital overcrowding.
• Universal Healthcare Access: Push for expanded Medicare coverage for dental and mental health care to ease the financial burden on families.

Transport and Infrastructure

• Boost Public Transport:
  • Better bus services with reformed routes in Werribee and near suburbs to under-served areas.
  • Advocate for more frequent train services and extended operating hours on the Werribee Line.
  • Prioritize electrification and upgrades to transport infrastructure to ensure accessibility and reliability.
• Active Transport Infrastructure:
  • Invest in bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and safe crossings to encourage walking and cycling.
• Sustainable Planning: Push for developments that incorporate walkable, well-connected communities to reduce car dependency and congestion.

Housing and Affordability

• Affordable Housing Initiatives:
  • Build new public and community housing to reduce homelessness and housing stress.
  • Introduce rent control measures to protect tenants from excessive rent increases.
• Support for First Home Buyers: Encourage sustainable housing developments with affordable options for young families.
• Sustainable Housing: Mandate energy-efficient housing standards and phasing out of gas appliances, to lower living costs and reduce emissions.

Environmental Protection

• Combat Climate Change:
  • No more coal and gas
  • Transition Werribee to 100% renewable energy through local solar and wind projects.
  • Support electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, including charging stations.
• Preserve Open Spaces: Protect and rehabilitate natural areas like Werribee River and wetlands from urban encroachment and pollution.
• Sustainable Waste Management: Push for a circular economy with improved recycling programs and oppose the proposed waste to energy facility in Laverton North?

Education

• Expand School Capacity: Support the construction of new schools and the expansion of existing ones to accommodate population growth.
• Free Public Education: Campaign for fully funded, free public education, including free school supplies and healthy meals.
• Higher Education Access: Advocate for the establishment of a university campus or TAFE to provide tertiary education opportunities in Werribee and Wyndham area.

Employment Opportunities

• Green Jobs Creation: Invest in renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture, and local manufacturing to create jobs in Werribee.
• Support for Local Businesses: Push for government funding and resources for small businesses, including start-up grants and training programs.
• Remote Work and Co-working Spaces: Promote community co-working hubs to reduce commutes and stimulate local economies.

Community Services

• Better Recreational Facilities: Advocate for increased funding for parks, community centers, sports grounds, and libraries.
• Support for Multicultural Communities:
  • Invest in culturally inclusive services, language programs, and events.
  • Establish advisory panels to represent the diverse voices of Werribee residents.
• Expand Childcare Services: Provide more affordable, publicly funded childcare options.

Safety and Crime

• Youth Programs: Invest in youth centers and programs to reduce antisocial behaviour and provide positive outlets for young people.
• Urban Design for Safety: Push for improved street lighting, pedestrian crossings, and safer public spaces.

Water and Flooding Issues

• Stormwater Management: Advocate for green infrastructure such as rain gardens and wetlands to improve stormwater management and reduce flood risks.
• Secure Water Supply: Support sustainable water policies, including increased use of recycled water for agricultural and community use.

Agriculture

• Protect Farmland: Safeguard Werribee South’s agricultural areas from urban sprawl and inappropriate developments.
• Support Sustainable Farming: Provide incentives for farmers to adopt renewable energy, water-efficient irrigation, and organic farming practices.
• Local Food Systems: Promote farmers' markets and local food networks to reduce food miles and support the local economy.

Our vision for Werribee

The Greens will work for for a comprehensive, people-centered plan that addresses Werribee’s challenges while promoting sustainability, social equity, and community resilience. 

Our approach focuses on reducing inequality, lowering the cost of rent and housing, tackling climate change, and ensuring that the community thrives in harmony with the environment.