Published: 24 September 2024
Last updated: 25 September 2024
As a son of migrant parents from Sicily, I was happy to have found my place in the politically progressive northern suburbs of Melbourne where I have lived all my life. When my electorate was named the most progressive in the country, I felt so proud to be a part of this tribe.
How could I not be proud? It seemed to be a vibrant and inclusive community made up of conscientious, educated Australians who love the environment, truth, fairness, and justice. It was the obvious group to align myself with to overcome the ‘brokenness’ I saw in the world.
We saved the Preston Market from greedy developers, we grow gardens and live sustainably with our front yard composts, we share old baby clothes and ride bikes to the park. We voted for marriage equality, welcome refugees and campaigned for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Voice Islander Voice to Parliament. We understood the science of Covid-19 and understand the threat of climate change. What a perfect team!
Comments10
Katherine Sciglitano2 October at 12:21 pm
Your students are lucky to have you. Supporting young people with ‘how’ to think and not what to think is the ultimate, long-lasting contribution we can make to their education. I wish that all students everywhere are given the opportunity to learn these skills, rather than being told which position to take on any given issue. I enjoyed reading your article Matthew.
Deborah Reed27 September at 04:27 pm
We are so lucky to have your thoughtful, reasoned and educated leadership guiding our teachers and students.
Yossi26 September at 11:52 am
This is a brilliant piece. Regrettably many people seem to throw logic out the window to create a space for their antisemitism. Sunlight has always been the best disinfectant.
Maddie26 September at 08:37 am
Thank you so much Matthew for your wonderful article. Keep writing.
Sigal26 September at 06:21 am
Thank you so much for your beautifully written article and for being a true friend of the Jewish community (we sure need as many of those these days). As an ex staff member, who always loved Bialik, I can understand your feelings of belonging. It is a beautiful community to belong to, and I’m happy you can feel this. All the best to you and continue to make a difference in this world and be an up-stander for all of us.