Inner West Election Candidates Profile: Leichhardt-Gulgadya Ward

By DANIEL LO SURDO

The Inner West’s Leichhardt-Gulgadya Ward will also have at least one new occupant after December 4, with Labor councillor Lucille McKenna opting to not seek reelection. Leading Labor’s campaign in the Leichhardt-Gulgadya Ward will be Philippa Scott, while incumbent Greens councillor Marghanita da Cruz will be campaigning to retain her seat. 

Incumbent Liberal councillor Vittoria Raciti’s election status is still unclear as of writing and did not respond to the calls and emails from the Independent inquiring about her plans for December. 

Marghanita da Cruz 

Marghanita da Cruz is a Greens councillor who has represented the Leichhardt-Gulgadya Ward since its inception as part of Inner West Council in 2017. 

In council, da Cruz has worked to deliver facilities and infrastructure that helps the community lead active lives and promote the use of public transport, community centres and green spaces. She is a representative on the Local Traffic Committee, the Eastern Region Local Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum and the Parramatta River Catchment Group. 

Should she retain her seat, da Cruz hopes that she can grow relationships between council and the community, and champion “heritage, clean air, clean water, walking and public transport”, elements which she believes is integral to connecting residents across the Inner West. 

Philippa Scott

Philippa Scott is an Inner West local who is hoping to retain Labor’s presence in the Leichhardt-Gulgadya Ward. 

Scott has a background in law and has worked in migration, including as a refugee lawyer, in Australia and abroad. She is the President of Leichardt’s Sydney Secondary College P&C and is a board member of the Metro Assist Migrant Resource Centre. 

Should she be elected, Scott hopes to ensure that the Inner West remains a vibrant and accessible community for all members of the community.

The Leichhardt-Gulgadya Ward covers Haberfield, Leichhardt and areas of Ashfield and Annandale. 

City Hub will be hosting its Inner West Candidates’ Forum on the 14th of November at The Gumbramorra Hall at 142 Addison Road, Marrickville. You can register for the event here.