Tender Green

By Lia Bichel
Michael Schilling said he was inspired to join the Greens because of their policies on healthcare, mental health, disability, education and environment.
The Pakenham resident, who grew up in Narre Warren South, said some people thought he did not have a grasp on local issues because of his age, but his current work and studies had given him a firm understanding of local needs.
“There may be people who ask me how I can understand local issues at my age, but with my experiences I am confident. And I am always there to listen to people and have an open mind,” he said.
“I currently work as a disability support worker and from this I have established a firm knowledge around the issues of disability and the impact that it has on the community and on families.
“Also from my current nursing studies I have gained a strong understanding of the healthcare system, and ways it can be improved. My vision of future healthcare is one where prevention is better than cure, and people are able to live longer free of disease, through a preventive model of health.”
Mr Schilling said he was a “firm believer” in education being available to everyone, and integrating environment and health into the curriculum.
If elected, Mr Schilling said, his goals would be to improve the overall quality of life for people living in the electorate.
“I would achieve this by ensuring better public transport options in the electorate, in particular direct bus links to Casey Hospital,” he said.
“I would also like to see the electorate being equipped with better mental health facilities. Additionally, if elected, I would establish a tutoring service for children who have parents on a low income, to ensure every child would have equal access to quality educational support.”