Speakers

Liveable Moonee Valley is a diverse and inclusive community group formed in response to the proposed planning changes recently announced. Our working committee is made up of residents united by a shared commitment to ensuring sustainable, thoughtful, and community-focused development in Moonee Valley and we are deeply concerned about the implications of the proposals to introduce Activity Centres and Catchment Areas. 

 

While we recognise that change is inevitable, we firmly believe that any planning reforms must be guided by meaningful consultation with the community. By working together, we can ensure that Moonee Valley remains a vibrant, inclusive, and livable place for current and future generations and we invite all residents who share our vision to join us in shaping a brighter future for our community. Together, we can build a Moonee Valley that balances growth with liveability and inclusivity. 

Abdi Aden, a man whose world was torn apart at the age of fifteen when Somalia's brutal civil war forced him to flee his home. Despite unimaginable hardships, Abdi's journey took him from refugee camps in Kenya to Melbourne, where he arrived alone, without money, and without speaking English. Against all odds, he not only survived but thrived, later becoming a youth worker and an inspiration to many.
His presentation on self-belief, hard work, and overcoming adversity left a lasting impact on everyone. For many of our students, it was their first insight into the real-life effects of war on individuals and families. The way he delivered his story was both powerful and thought-provoking.