“Helping people is in my DNA”: Gladys Liu’s community-driven vision for Melbourne

The City of Melbourne has welcomed another new face to Town Hall, with Gladys Liu stepping into her role as a newly-elected councillor.

A former federal MP, as well as a businesswoman and speech pathologist, Cr Liu brings a diverse background and a passion for community service to the position.

Reflecting on her campaign success having won election via Lord Mayoral candidate Anthony Koutafides’ councillor ticket, Cr Liu shared her enthusiasm for engaging with residents and businesses.

“During the campaign, I got the chance to meet with so many wonderful people and hear about what matters to them,” she said.

“I feel that has prepared me very well for the job that I am now so lucky to do.”

Cr Liu’s journey to the council has been shaped both personally and professionally by her experiences as a young migrant having fostered a deep understanding of the challenges faced by international students and newcomers to Melbourne.

“I came here as an international student. I still remember I had no family, no friends, no money, and I spoke very little English at the time,” she said.

“I can understand what young people are going through, and I’m very glad that the City of Melbourne warmly welcomes international students, and we are fully behind them.”

Cr Liu’s career has spanned speech pathology, business ownership and politics, including her tenure as the federal member for Chisholm from 2019 to 2022.

“After being elected as a federal member of parliament in 2019, that gave me the chance to understand even more about the running of government, and that prepared me for the role that I have today,” Cr Liu told CBD News.

Despite her experience in federal politics, Cr Liu finds local government to be uniquely fulfilling.

“A lot of people see a federal member of parliament as higher up or more powerful, but at the end of the day, I find that people care more about the environment around them and whether they have enough things like parks and transport,” she said.

“These are the things that people are concerned about, more than the big topics that you and I may hear [about] in the news.”

Cr Liu is also a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion, having lived with hearing loss for most of her life.

“I’m totally deaf in my left ear. That made me humble and able to relate to people living with a disability.”

As deputy head of the Disability Advisory Committee and head of the Community Health and City Services portfolio, she hopes to improve services for people with disabilities and those experiencing social isolation.

“Loneliness is quite a big issue, especially in the City of Melbourne, where we have the highest number of people living on their own,” she said.

Cr Liu’s commitment to health and wellbeing extends beyond politics, becoming a certified fitness instructor last year.

“A lot of people my age say, ‘I’m too old, I can’t move,’ but I wanted to set an example and help those who don’t believe they can do it.”

As she settles into her new role, Cr Liu is optimistic about the future of the City of Melbourne and her contributions to the community.

“I want people to know that I am accessible. If anyone feels that they have an issue, a question, or something to share, please get in touch.” •