Hi, I’m Shima, and I’ve lived in Surrey Hills with my husband and three children for 15 years.
Living in Maling Ward has given me a profound appreciation for our community’s unique character and amenities. Maling Ward is a wonderful place with exceptional schools, beautiful parks and tree-lined streets, thriving sporting clubs, and village shopping strips.
I believe I represent the values and concerns of many families and residents in Boroondara, having been an active local member of Maling Ward, which gave me the opportunity to feel part of and understand the values underpinning our community.
Some of the roles I have held in the community include:
- Centre Manager of the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre
- President of the Parents Club at Chatham Primary School
- Secretary of the Canterbury Tennis Club
- Secretary of the Steering Committee of the Surrey Hills Music Festival
- Chair of the Surrey Hills ANZAC Dawn Service Committee, which included the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills Rotary Club, and the Surrey Hills Progress Association
- Chair of MASK (Make and Spread Kindness) – a collective of residents in Boroondara who mobilised to make masks at the outset of COVID when they were in short supply.
I am honoured to have received the Paul Harris Award from the Mont Albert and Surrey Hills Rotary Club for services to the community.
I currently hold the position of President of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHVic) where I chair the Board. NHVic is the peak body for community organisations in Victoria, representing over 400 Neighbourhood Centres, Neighbourhood Houses, Community Centres, Learning Centres and Adult Education Centres.
I have had a diverse career across the corporate and non-profit sectors. My career in the financial services industry, in banking and superannuation, has equipped me with expertise in strategic planning, financial management and risk assessment—an important skill set for effective governance. My more recent career in the not-for-profit sector has developed my ability to advocate for and understand community needs.
My candidacy for Boroondara local council is driven by a commitment to transparency, balance, and proactive community engagement. With my background in advocacy, community building, and financial services, I am confident in my ability to implement a responsive and collaborative approach to governance. Together, we can cultivate a more vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community that better reflects the values of all its residents.
