Nothing Holds Milena Knight Back

Nothing seems to hold Milena Knight back. For the Taylors Lakes native, the possible IS the achievable, which has led her to build an impressive CV. From starting her own blog to now a Research Intern at the Grattan Institute, we chatted to the 2024 Brimbank Youth Councillor about the world of economics, making change in your community, and her latest podcast episode under Monash’s Economic Student Society of Australia Exchange.

Tell me more about your connection to Brimbank.

I currently live in Taylors Lakes, and I grew up in Taylors Lakes, so I’ve been here my whole life. I do have a couple of favourite memories, which I hold quite close to my heart when I’m speaking of living in Brimbank. One standout memory would be exploring parks with my friends during COVID. It was a really good way to catch up and bond with them.

What makes young people in Brimbank unique?

What sets young people apart within Brimbank would be our rich cultural diversity and community engagement. Brimbank is home to a vibrant mix of ethnicities and backgrounds, which fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences amongst the youth.

Additionally, we have programmes such as the Brimbank Youth Council or Crystal Queer, which provide platforms for young people to actively participate in changing their community’s culture and future. I really think those are the two key aspects which distinguish Brimbank’s youth from other youths.

How did you get involved with Brimbank Youth Council?

So currently, I’m studying politics and economics because I’m passionate about change and positive societal change. Last year, I volunteered with the Yes 23 campaign and really enjoyed it.

I was looking within local government to see where I could volunteer, and that’s when I came across the Brimbank Youth Council.

It really seemed like there was several signs pointing me towards the BYC because I had a friend who’s in the Economic Student Society of Australia who also applied for his local government area’s youth council. He encouraged me because he knows I’m passionate about politics and change. My mentor also suggested to have a look as to whether or not Brimbank offers a youth council.

How are you finding your experience so far?

I’m really enjoying it. I feel like I walk away after each meeting with something new, like a new insight or new knowledge. I walk away hopeful that I can work towards making a change within our local community.

You talk a lot about giving back to your community and wanting to make change. What motivates you to want to do that?

My personal motto is if it’s possible, it’s achievable. Because I know that change is possible, it is in reach, that motivates me to therefore go and pursue that change. Just the idea of it being possible, that is motivating to me.

Tell me more about this podcast episode you’ve just released under the Economic Student Society of Australia.

As an economic student at Monash, I’m a part of the ESSA as a Publications Officer. I have to produce publications in writing, as well as in podcast form.

Recently, I recorded a podcast with Raymond Wong, another Publications Officer, and with our special guest star Martin Stirling, who is the Head of Legal at Master Grocers Australia. We spoke about Australia’s competition policy and industrial law.

Initially, we focused on the cost of living crisis because it’s so relevant now. It’s hard to summarise the key takeaways of the podcast because we touched on so many different things from price gouging from our supermarket giants to AI impacting the economy!

How did you get Martin Stirling to come onboard?

You know how I mentioned I had a mentor earlier? He is my mentor.

I’m fortunate enough to be a part of a scholarship programme. As part of the scholarship programme, they offer mentors to second year students, so I’ve known him since last year.

It sounds like you talked about so many different topics! What’s something you learned about economics in Australia from making this podcast?

We were talking about retail trading and retail competition, and how that affects businesses.

Martin really highlighted to us how that affects consumers as well, and how competition policy and industrial law affects everyday people like you and I, not just businesses.

You’re already doing so much, but what are your goals for the next five years?

I hope to have completed my tertiary education, and I hope to be working within a field which makes positive change possible and feasible. I really do see myself in a political economic role within governance because I do think through governance, change is made.

Listen to Milena’s podcast episode with Martin Stirling – ‘Compete & Comply Down Under: Navigating Australia’s Economic Landscape’ – here.