Poll candidate aims to heal

SOCIAL worker John Owen will run as Greens candidate for the lower house seat of Mulgrave this month.
Mr Owen has lived and worked in the Mulgrave electorate for nearly 10 years, and he and his wife Lisa run a home for men recovering from drug addictions, based in Springvale.
“There are solutions to the community’s problems out there,” Mr Owen said.
“Our street has evolved into a wonderful supportive community, where Lisa and I happily raise our two young children with many other families from many different cultural backgrounds.”
Mr Owen said he was an active member of his community, working with asylum-seekers and the Springvale Districts Football Club, where he once played.
He said his community experiences had given him a broad and unique perspective on the role governments played in addressing local issues.
Malaysian-born and of Indian and Sri Lankan heritage, Mr Owen migrated to Australia when he was 12 months old.
“As a proud Australian I think it is of utmost importance for us to nurture the core belief on which we base our pride – a fair go for all,” Mr Owen said.
“As Aussies, how we use our power matters.
“We must use it to heal, reconcile and regenerate, not to advance our own private interests regardless of cost and consequence.”