Meet Stella
Hello, I’m Stella, and I’m running as an independent candidate for Menzies in this federal election.
For the past 24 years—two in Surrey Hills and 22 in Doncaster—I’ve been proud to call Menzies home. I’ve raised my family here, built lifelong friendships, and served this incredible community. Like you, I know how special this place is, and I believe it deserves a representative who will put people over politics.
Why I’m Running as an Independent
Some of you may remember me as the Labor candidate for Menzies in 2019. Since then, a lot has changed. We’ve faced a pandemic that tested our resilience, a cost-of-living crisis that’s hitting families hard, and a housing market that’s making homeownership out of reach for too many Australians.
During this time, I made the decision to part ways with the Labor Party. It’s apparent that the major parties put their own agendas ahead of everyday Australians —prioritising big business and special interest groups instead of the people they were elected to serve.
Like many of you, I’ve become disillusioned with the two-party system. It’s simply not working. Instead of listening to their communities, politicians are toeing the party line.
That’s why I’m running as an independent—because Menzies deserves a representative who will put people first, not politics.
My Story: Family, Career & Community Service
Making Australia our home wasn’t something my husband and I stumbled into—it was a choice. We studied in the U.S. and lived in several countries for his work, but when it came time to lay down roots, we chose Australia—for our children, for the opportunities, and for the future we wanted to create. And we love it here.
I have a background in social work and policy development, and I know the everyday struggles of running a small business, raising a family, and re-entering the workforce after a career break. For 24 years, I’ve dedicated my time to serving our community—through Rotary, St Vincent de Paul, and Manningham Life, an initiative I started to keep locals informed after our local newspaper was shut down.
I’ve stood up for what is right, even when it meant taking on the system in a true David vs Goliath fight—challenging the Victorian Electoral Commission at the Municipal Electoral Tribunal to demand better voter rights awareness.
I also played a key role in saving the old Police House in Warrandyte from being sold off by the State Government.
I Know What It’s Like to Be Let Down by the System
While I am deeply grateful for the opportunities my family and I have had in Australia, I also know what it’s like when the system fails ordinary people.
My own family suffered devastating losses when a financial firm we entrusted with our life savings collapsed—and those responsible walked away without accountability.
I know the frustration, the helplessness, the anger of being failed by those who were supposed to protect us.
I’ll be sharing more about this experience another time, but for now, I want to say this: I understand what it’s like to feel unheard and unprotected. And that’s why I’m determined to push for accountability and justice.
A Voice for Menzies—A Voice for You
For too long, our community has been taken for granted — this is our chance to demand better representation. We need a representative who will stand up for our community and deliver real improvements to our lives. This election is our opportunity to make politics work for us and ensure our needs and concerns are heard.
With a strong track record of advocacy, community service, and standing up for what’s right, I’m committed to making a difference.
Together, we can build a future that puts people over politics.
