By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Daryl Lang was only 15 when he forged his first career as an apprentice welder. Forty-five years on, the Melton man includes the military, chief executive of the Grafton Institute and senior practitioner with the Department of Human Services as roles on his resumé.
Now, he is adding ‘political candidate’.
Mr Lang, who was endorsed as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Melton earlier this month, has been campaigning extensively for four weeks.
“I think the genesis of a healthy community is a functioning community, where everyone blends in with everyone, co-operates and contributes,” he said. “We need more support for the community.”
Mr Lang says he’s committed to supporting local businesses and alleviating youth unemployment, which was 20 per cent at the last census.
“I think youth unemployment is a particular issue. If we can create more employment opportunities in the area and support local industries, we can give people the confidence to set up a business. It won’t solve all the problems, but it’s a start.”
Effective representation was lacking in the western suburbs, Mr Lang said, and he preferred that communities drive the politics rather than the other way around.
“It’s easy to say [put] a bridge here, a footpath there, but the need for infrastructure is to come from the community. It’s nice to have a sports field, but if it’s not something people want or contributed to, it’s basically something someone’s provided.”
The state election is on Saturday, November 29.
