Who Maria Ngo Is

A True Local Representative

My family and I have been living in the Gardiners Creek Ward for 25 years. I am originally from Malaysia. I came to Australia as an international student nearly 40 years ago.

Our children, who are now 26 and 21, went to Ashwood Memorial Kindergarten. My daughter attended BDC dance, Waverley Advanced Gymnastics and BUGS Gymnastics.

I spent many years as a committee member in Parents and Friends Associations at kindergarten and school. I have led playgroups and mainly music groups and teams.

As a parent and mother I have used many of the local amenities and services that you enjoy and use in our local areas. When my children were little, our local playgrounds were at Octavia Court, Baryn Street and Electra Park among others.

I live locally and work in just the next ward.

I often cycle and walk along Gardiners Creek Trail. We would also take our dog to Damper Creek for walks.

Jordanville Station is our family station of choice.

I am a published author and work currently as a free-lance photographer and pastor.

I enjoy travelling, musicals, visiting art galleries and museums, Zumba, astronomy, nature, cycling, geocaching and walking football. 

Diverse People-Centred Professional Background

My formal qualifications in counselling, publishing and theology (M.A.) means that your issues will be listened to empathetically and action taken and responded to holistically.

I have worked in a diverse range of industries – publishing (7 years), church pastor (10 years), sales and small business including photography (6 years), mainly music Area Coach (2 years) and private school boarding house (5 years).

I have managed budgets and projects, hired and negotiated with contractors as well as led teams and supported children, parents, young adults and seniors physically, spiritually, socially and emotionally with a focus on holistic well-being.

If elected, I will use my extensive and diverse 35 years of paid and volunteer experiences and skills (and interests) to develop strategies that respond proactively and innovatively to issues affecting us as a community.

I aim to act in the best interest of the whole community rather than take a narrow focus on ‘pet projects’. I will take a common-sense approach to decision making.

I aim to be available and be your true local voice.

Love Our Outdoor Green and Play Spaces

I deeply appreciate Monash's parks, reserves and creek trails as important places for us and our very important canine companion’s well-being. We meet to play and form community here, and our children develop important life skills through their participation in sporting clubs in these spaces also.