Hi, I'm Shima Ibuki
I’ve lived in Surrey Hills with my husband and three children for the last 17 years, and this community is where I’ve built my life.
What I value most about Hawthorn is what so many people here care about - great local schools, beautiful parks and streets, strong community organisations, and a real sense of connection. Being part of this community over many years has given me a clear understanding of what matters to people who live here.
I currently serve as a councillor and Deputy Mayor of Boroondara. In that role, I’ve worked closely with residents, local businesses, and community groups to make decisions, solve problems, and deliver outcomes. It’s given me practical experience in how government works - and how to get things done.
I recently served as the President of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, where I worked with hundreds of local community organisations across the state. That role has given me a broader perspective on the challenges communities face, and the importance of strong, well-supported local services.
Professionally, I’ve worked across both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. My background in financial services has given me skills in budgeting, planning, and governance, while my work in the community sector has been focused on advocacy and delivering services that meet real needs.
My Experience
I’m currently Deputy Mayor of Boroondara and councillor for Maling Ward. Prior to that, I’ve served the Hawthorn community in a range of leadership roles, including:
- Centre Manager, Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre
- President, Network of Inner East Community Houses
- President, Parents Club at Chatham Primary School
- Secretary, Canterbury Tennis Club
- Secretary, Steering Committee of the Surrey Hills Music Festival
- Chair, Surrey Hills ANZAC Dawn Service Committee, working alongside the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills Rotary Club, and the Surrey Hills Progress Association
- Project worker with the Victorian Department of Family, Fairness and Housing, building stronger communities on public housing estates in Ashburton
- Chair of MASK (Make and Spread Kindness), a community-led initiative that brought residents together to produce masks during COVID when they were in short supply
Through these roles, I’ve had the great privilege of working with people across our community, understanding local challenges, and contributing to initiatives that make a real difference.
People often ask me about my heritage. It’s a little bit complicated! My mother was a Japanese orphan, adopted by an Australian soldier who served in the Korean War in the 1950s. My mother and father met at language school in Australia, and they opened a number of Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. Their experiences gave me a real appreciation of what it’s like to run a small business. And, as a first generation Australian, I have a great appreciation for the migrant experience.
Why I'm Running
I’m running as an Independent because Hawthorn deserves a representative who is accountable to the community.
From my experience, people want their concerns heard and acted on, not filtered through party politics. Too often, decisions at the state level are shaped by party priorities and political games rather than what local communities actually need.
I’m running to change that. I’m running to stand up for our community. I’m running to bring a practical, community-focused, outcomes-oriented approach to state parliament.
As your Independent, I will listen, engage, consult, and deliver outcomes that reflect the values and priorities of Hawthorn.
My commitment is simple: to represent this community honestly, work constructively, and always put Hawthorn first.