Tina Kordrostami, The Greens – Mayoral Candidate

What is your name, political party and electorate?

Tina Kordrostami, The Greens – Mayoral Candidate

Are you running for mayor and if so, why?

I grew up in Ryde, went to school in Ryde, and my business is based in Ryde.

As someone who has pretty much spent their whole life in Ryde, who is connected and collaborates with her local community for the future, I would be honoured to be the next Mayor of Ryde.

Tell us about your background both personally and professionally

I migrated to Australia at the age of 5 with my parents as refugees from Iran. Both my parents were nurses and I went to North Ryde primary school and later Riverside Girls High School.

My mum unfortunately passed away from cancer when I was 12. However, my father and I continued her passion to help the community through starting up a disability company and volunteering in various organisations.

I sleep on the streets with Vinnies CEO sleepout every year. I am an advocate for mental health, human rights, women’s rights and ending the housing crisis. I also have my own architecture firm MHA (mental health architectural) Design. I am working with the legislative council and various other organisations to advocate for better design principles and standards for spaces tailored towards the needs of neurodiverse individuals.

I became a Greens candidate through my activism in the woman life freedom movement which was ignited two years ago in support of the suppressed women of Iran.

What are some things you love about your electorate?

The nostalgia from growing up here, the parks I spent many hours playing soccer and netball in, the friendly and peaceful residents who are always happy to have a chat. Fontenoy Park is my favourite park!

What do you believe are the 3 main issues affecting your electorate and why?

Cultural representation, affordability and accessibility in our housing as well as a lack of inclusivity in the way community spaces and classroom spaces are accessed and designed.

With over 58% of our residents being of immigrant background, I hardly see any cultural celebration or space tailored to the expression of various ethnic groups.

Most of our apartments and houses are not affordable for the average Ryde resident. We need to make sure people of all abilities have accessible and affordable homes in a community that is designed to function for everyone. We could be one the first communities in the world to lead in accessible public design and architecture under my leadership.

For our community spaces to be inclusive, our community needs to be able to have a say and be able to collaborate in the process of how these spaces are designed. After speaking with many local residents, I’ve noticed a a common concern is that they don’t feel listened to, or worse, are ignored. Instead, a very general and objective expectation is formed on behalf of the whole community.

Inclusive education also means supporting mental health illnesses, not just physical disabilities.

What are the 3 key things you plan to achieve if elected?

1- Getting public access back onto council meetings,

2- refurbishing the Argyle centre and opening it up to the community,

3- reviewing master plans for Eastwood West Ryde, and Lambert Park, and ensuring a lot more thought is placed in the accessibility and cultural representation of the space.

What about your long term vision for the area?

We need Ryde to adapt a more sustainable and inclusive approach towards development. The evolution of our suburbs is necessary but not at a rate which hurts the community accessing such areas.

I would love to see council used as a platform which listens and works with the community’s voice, instead of working against it like it so often does.