Dr Nivanka De Silva is a rurally trained medical doctor who said she is passionate about increasing access to mental health services and promoting inclusive rural communities which thrive on diversity.
The 25 year-old Deniliquin High School graduate officially launched her Murray campaign in Deniliquin at the weekend.
Dr De Silva migrated from Sri Lanka with her family as a child.
‘‘Our region has a proud history of migration that we should celebrate, as well as our Aboriginal people having the world’s oldest continuing culture,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s so disappointing to see conservative politicians promoting fear and division in our communities.
‘‘I believe we are stronger together and that diversity enriches our community by giving us the opportunity to learn from people who have led different lives.’’
Dr De Silva is currently working in Albury to specialise in psychiatry.
Widespread access to mental health will be one of her campaign platforms.
‘‘Mental health issues impact so many families in our community, and we should have the same access to professional support as those who live in the cities,’’ she said.
Growing up in Deniliquin, Dr De Silva said she understands the importance of land and water to our rural communities and the need to protect it for future generations.
She hopes to highlight the Greens’ call for a national Royal Commission into management of the Murray-Darling Basin, a ban on the donations from corporations and wealthy individuals to politicians that have corrupted decision-making, and the Greens’ opposition to the Liberal/National government’s pipeline to Broken Hill that will only put more pressure on Murray communities.
‘‘I am standing for the Greens in Murray so that we can have an open conversation about these important issues and strive for a better future for all of us.’’
Nominations for the state election officially open on February 25 and close on March 6.
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