#MEETBYC Parminder

🤔❓ Did you know that Brimbank has a Youth Council? Now you do! It’s with great pleasure to introduce to you our 2021 Brimbank Youth Councillor Parminder!

Name: Parminder

Pronouns: she / her

Suburb: Derrimut

Tell us more about yourself!
My name is Parminder Kaur and I am an Artist and Slam Poet who is settled in unceded Wurundjeri Country. My artistic practice focuses on re-centering peripheral bodies and disrupting traditional narratives around people and place. Across much of my work, I utilize forms of Photography,Video, Performance, and Installation to underline the overlooked experience.

Why did you join the BYC?
I wanted to join BYC because I’m passionate about amplifying youth voices. In particular, I am deeply passionate about accessibility and making sure my approach on the BYC is intersectional. An intersectional approach means that I will try to consider the needs of all people within my community. I believe in empowering  and honouring my community through radical kindness and compassion. 

What are you passionate about?
I am deeply passionate about facilitating more safe spaces for young people. I think it’s necessary for young people to have spaces in which they feel valued . This initiative is especially important for young people who’s identity or identities often exist on the margins. This includes people who have disabilities, people within the LGBTQI+ community, people of colour and of course First nations people.

What are you hoping to achieve as a BYC member this year?
As a BYC member I am hoping to foster a community which is more loving. I believe fostering love within a community is fundamentally important . I believe when you love something ( your community) you feel more inclined to protect it , honour it and be more accepting of its characteristics.

What does a better Brimbank look like to you?
One of my favourite things about Brimbank is that it is a very multicultural place . Living in solidarity with one another is extremely important.  For a vibrant community such as Brimbank, It is important for community members to be actively educated on different cultural practices, food , dance and traditional clothing.  A better Brimbank is one that demystifies the myth of a ‘white Australia’ and actively fights against xenophobia.

What’s one piece of advice you have for young people who want to create change in their community?
Radical self- love is a very important and often overlooked quality needed in a person who is wanting to create change within thier community. Angela Davis put it best when she said “ anyone who is interested in making change also has to learn how to take care of herself , himself , themselves.” I believe when one person loves themselves and takes care of their needs first they are able to fully give themselves to the community work and approach it in a more holistic manner. 

Thanks Parminder, it was great to know more about you!