meet angelica
Q&A with Angelica Di Camillo, Greens Candidate for Prahran
On February 8th, the community of Prahran in Victoria will be heading to a by-election. It is a seat ripe for a Greens win - with Labor not running, it is a Greens vs Liberal contest.
There is a heap of campaign activity already underway. For more positive change in Prahran, we need more voices outside of the major two parties. Angelica Di Camillo is the candidate for the by-election and shares more about the campaign.
What drew you to being part of the Greens? What has been the best part our movement and what are you most proud of?
What drew me to the Greens was the focus on people and planet at the core of everything we do. Especially, the resolute commitment to protecting our environment and climate.
I was raised in an Italian migrant family, with hard work, dedication and family as strong values. When I was young, my Nonna taught me how to grow food in her backyard garden, and I remember that exact feeling sparked, of love and connection to our environment.
I steered my career towards meaningful climate action, and worked across multiple sectors within the energy industry. I learnt extremely valuable information about the clean energy transition, but kept finding that out of date policies were continuously blocking meaningful progression. I recognised that the only way we would be able to truly tackle the crisis we were facing, was through political courage. That's when I took the leap to join the Greens!
Since then, my love for the movement has only grown. The best part of the community is meeting so many diverse and compassionate people from all walks of life. In a world that is increasingly polarising and encouraging individualism and isolation, it is extremely soul-invigorating to be a part of a movement that unites people, and cares to make people's lives better.
I am most proud of our resilience and perseverance. Politics is not for the faint of heart (as they say), but it has definitely tested our grit and determination to fight for the values we care about. As a young woman, this movement has not only solidified my values and care for people, but has strengthened my character to help build the blocks in which future leaders can step up and continue the work.
Why did you put your hand up to run?
I put my hand up because I love our community. We are a progressive and compassionate electorate that deserves strong representation. Labor's not running, so it's a choice between Greens and Liberals. I have seen the power of community in my work, and my life, and I believe we need more locals who aren't politicians to represent us.
I walk my dog at Alma Park every day, I spend my time on Chapel Street drinking coffee and shopping at the op shops, and I teach pilates in our electorate of Prahran. I understand our lives, and struggles, and I can represent us.
What would be your first priorities as MP for Prahran?
As an environmental engineer, I bring my background and experience across multiple energy sectors. I know what it will take to facilitate the clean energy transition, and I'm focused on ensuring government can facilitate this. This includes necessary infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy, required energy storage, as well as appropriate investment into innovative solutions.
I will continue advocating for cost of living relief and housing affordability through stopping unlimited rent increases, stopping supermarket price gouging, and pushing for 50c public transport fares.
I will also prioritise local issues for our community in Prahran, like saving Windsor Childcare Centre, improving accessibility and reliability of public transport in the area and upgrading South Yarra station.
What are you most excited about for the campaign?
I'm most excited for the new volunteers and locals that we will bring onto this campaign. It is never about one campaign, it is about the movement, and I have already seen a galvanisation of locals joining the team who see what we could achieve here in Prahran.
What gives you hope? And why?
People give me hope. I deeply believe in the power of the people. For me, it is all about trajectory, and I hold onto so much hope that we are moving in the right direction to make people's lives better and fight for social and climate justice. Our goal for this campaign, and our movement, is to plant the seeds of change, so people know how much power they hold in their community.
These changes don't happen overnight, but I know that we have come so far. I'm so proud to be able to represent those that never saw themselves in the leaders of their communities.
How can people get involved in the campaign?
There are so many ways you can get involved in the campaign, there is something for everyone! Our most important job is to reach people to let them know they need to vote. We are doing this through doorknocking, letterboxing, putting up placards, holding local stalls and handing out how to vote cards. We would love your help to reach as many people as we can, and show them what a Greens led movement can do for our Prahran community.
Get involved in the Prahran campaign here:
