Harnek Dhanoa
Age: 60
Occupation: Teacher
Marital status: Married
Affiliations: Independent
Standing for: Councillor
1. You haven’t had a high profile in the community – what makes you think you’re qualified to be one of the city’s representatives?
There are a lot of people in Griffith from the Indian community and other minorities from Asia and that’s why I felt we needed a representative on council. I am on the committee for the building of the Sikh temple, which was not in our budget, but somehow we have been capable of achieving it. I have also been heavily involved with the Sikh games for seven or eight years. I don’t have any experience in politics but experience is gained when you do the job.
2. Do you think you will be a representative for the whole community or just the Indian community?
If elected, I will be a representative of the whole community, not just for the Indian population or any other group. I have been living in town for the last 20 years and there is no doubt I am a supporter of the community.
3. Some in the Indian community may be critical that you have an executive role at the Sikh temple and are seeking to increase your power by becoming a local politician. Is that a valid criticism?
No. I have nominated at the request of community members. I thought we should have put a younger person forward, but they wanted me to have a go. The Indian community has a lot of faith in me with the project at the Sikh temple.
4. How will you deal with situations where the interests of the Indian community clash with those of the majority?
When anything goes into the council agenda, the result will depend on the members and what is best for the majority. I may make suggestions, but the outcome will depend on the whole council. Whatever the majority wants, I will be willing to accept.
5. What advantages has growing up in a minority group given you that will help you as a councillor?
It has given me a great appreciation of the need for tertiary education. In some communities, when the eldest child completes the HSC, the family moves to the city for university. If we can prevent that happening here, we will increase the population, which will be good for local business and the whole community.
