Otha Akoch says he was so impressed by the welcome Warrnambool residents gave to him 17 years ago that he vowed to give back to the community he loves, so he is now running for council.
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After the intensification of war in his homeland of South Sudan destroyed his ambition to work as a judge, Mr Akoch, along with his wife Charity, were granted humanitarian visas to live in Australia.
He said they were now proud Australian citizens and have raised three boys in Warrnambool who have represented the city in basketball and football across the state.
Mr Akoch said he understood better than most the value of creating opportunities that bring people together where they can live safely and have purpose.
He said he wanted to be part of a constructive team on council, not a divisive team. "I want to be a positive voice on council and bring transparent and honest governance to the people of Warrnambool," he said.
Mr Akoch said that programs that foster recreational interests and well-being were the key to a prosperous community. "This is a great city that I see has the potential to become far greater," he said.
While Mr Akoch welcomed the Reid Oval upgrade, he said the city must not neglect investment in other sport and recreation facilities within the community.
"We have individual clubs running life-changing programs, yet they lack the facilities to manage them effectively. For example, there are local clubs that are into their fifth and sixth year of expanding to into women's football and all-abilities competitions, yet their facilities haven't been expanded to accommodate them," he said.
Mr Akoch said he was particularly interested in youth engagement. "While it's positive to see the council investing millions in upgrading the children's play equipment at Lake Pertobe, we mustn't neglect our youth and young adults," he said.
"We need another area in the park with free facilities to play basketball, netball and other outdoor sports. Engaging our youth during their formative years should be a priority.
"The Arc is not big enough for our expanding population. I have seen first-hand the lack of space for children and adults who want to participate in team sport. We must do all we can to get as many children involved in team sport as possible."
Mr Akoch said he also supported all-year free parking zones in the CBD and would like to see council-owned accommodation facilities expand to maximize revenue during peak tourist times.
On a topic close to his heart, Mr Akoch said Warrnambool could be a world showcase for multiculturalism.
"Warrnambool is a community that values justice and equality for all. We need to celebrate the many cultural groups that exist within our community," he said.
"The way Warrnambool welcomes people from different places is a unique quality of our regional community".
This realization was highlighted during a recent mourning period following the unexpected death of one of Mr Akoch's closest family relative, who also came from South Sudan to Australia.
"More than 900 visitors from right across Australia came here to Warrnambool to attend her farewell. They were overwhelmed by how the community opened their arms to them with love and positive support. They had never experienced anything like it. Warrnambool people are very special and I feel proud of how we treat one another here."
Mr Akoch said that early in his life he took on leadership positions in student representation while more recently he was recognized by the state government with a special award for contribution to Warrnambool and the wider Victorian community.
He has been a member of the East Warrnambool Rotary Club and works in the disability support and education sectors.
With a background in law, Mr Akoch also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Public Policy, a Master of Arts in International Relations and a Masters of Humanitarian Assistance.
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