Meet the Team: Suman Saha, Lisa Lake, and Thiru Arumugam
The Wentworthville Ward of Cumberland Council is represented by a dedicated and experienced Labor team committed to enhancing community well-being and addressing local needs. This dynamic trio includes Suman Saha, Lisa Lake, and Thiru Arumugam. Here’s an overview of their backgrounds, priorities, and vision for the future:
Suman Saha
Suman Saha has been an active Councillor on Cumberland Council since 2017, serving as Deputy Mayor from 2022 to 2023. With a degree in Business (Accounting) and extensive experience as a Finance Manager at a major university, Suman brings valuable expertise to his role. As a father raising a young daughter, he understands the challenges faced by young families and is dedicated to improving local living standards and securing a better future for all residents.
Lisa Lake
Lisa Lake has served as a Councillor since 2012 and is currently the Mayor of Cumberland Council. A proud Wentworthville local for 34 years, Lisa’s deep-rooted connection to the area shapes her leadership and dedication to community development. Her longstanding presence in the community underscores her commitment to addressing local issues effectively.
Thiru Arumugam
Thiru Arumugam is a long-term resident of Girraween, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the team. His extensive background in the community enhances the Labor team’s ability to tackle local issues and work towards practical solutions.
Key Issues and Our Approach
Q1: Do you support high-density housing in your area?
Answer:
Our approach to high-density housing is balanced and thoughtful. We support providing diverse housing options while ensuring the development of additional open spaces, active transport links, and adequate community infrastructure. It’s crucial that new developments integrate well with existing neighborhoods and contribute positively to the quality of life for all residents.
Q2: What have you identified as a major issue in your ward and how do you intend to tackle this issue as a councillor?
Answer:
The rapid growth of the local population has led to an increased demand for playgrounds, green spaces, and community facilities. To address this, our team is focused on enhancing local amenities. We plan to undertake significant upgrades to Lytton Street and Irwin Place Park in Wentworthville, improve various local parks, develop a new sportsground at Girraween Park, and establish a new library, community, and recreation hub in Wentworthville. These initiatives are designed to create a balanced and thriving community for both current and future residents.
Q3: What have you found is a major issue in the Cumberland local government area (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Answer:
Homelessness and the need for more social and affordable housing are significant issues in the Cumberland local government area. To address this, I support implementing Affordable Housing Contribution Schemes and will collaborate with local Community Housing Providers to explore potential partnerships. Additionally, I will advocate for increased investment in social housing from both state and federal governments. The Council’s Homelessness Committee, along with our Homelessness Officer and Action Plan, will continue to play a crucial role in tackling these challenges.
A Vision for the Future
Speech by Suman Saha
Namaskar, Namaste, Sasriya-kal, Vanakkam, Kem Cho, Jai Sri Krishna, Jai Sia Ram
Good afternoon, Friends.
Acknowledgement of Country
Friends, it’s my absolute privilege and honour to represent you and our diverse community at Cumberland Council.
I would like to sincerely thank the rank-and-file members of the Australian Labor Party for placing your trust in me and once again selecting me as the lead candidate for the upcoming council election.
Friends, it’s been over 20 years since I started calling Australia home, and in that time, I’ve made wonderful friends like you, many of whom have become like family. I can’t fully express how much your kindness and encouragement mean to me. Your support truly means the world to me. From the bottom of my heart – thank you.
I am so fortunate to have Urmi as my life partner and our daughter Rianna always by my side. Rianna – your dad is so proud of you. And Urmi – I couldn’t do what I do without your constant support.
Friends and family, your love, care, and support build my confidence and motivate me to do more for you and our community.
Friends, I’m not going to give you a list of my achievements on council – there’s a flyer on the table that you can look through at your convenience. But let me tell you about my values and beliefs:
Friends, I know exactly how it feels not to be heard or not to be included. I want to make sure that all voices are heard. I strongly believe that locals must be actively involved in the council’s decision-making process.
Public assets belong to the community and should remain in public hands.
We have a rich heritage and culture, and our community should be supported in celebrating these vibrant cultures locally.
Friends, history shows that Labor does its best when we work together. I’m very proud of my Labor team. I’ve worked with Lisa Lake on the council for the past two terms, and now we’re also supported by Thiru Arumugam. We’re Cumberland locals, experienced, and ready to serve you.
I am committed to working together with our diverse community and advocating for Western Sydney to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
My vision for Cumberland is to create a smart, safe, and accessible place for all communities.
I want Westmead, Wentworthville, Pendle Hill, Toongabbie, Girraween, Greystanes, South Wentworthville, Mays Hill, and Merrylands to be great places where people from different cultures live together in peace and harmony. I’m committed to making this happen.
A special thank you to Chris Bowen MP for your mentorship, and to Andrew Charlton MP, Julia Finn MP, Donna Davis MP, Lord Mayor Parramatta Pier Esber, Clr Sameer Pandey, Clr Patricia Prociv, and my fellow Cumberland Councillors, including Ola Hamed, Diane Colman, Glen Elmore, Mohammad Hossain. A warm welcome to new candidates Enver Yasar, Rafah Chalabi, Eda Tegin, and Manorama Devana, our Manu Di. Also, my good friends and former colleagues running for various councils: Anthony Ellard for Parramatta Council, Mithun Chakraborty for Parramatta Council, and Ashikur Rahman Ask for Campbelltown Council. And a special thanks to Ajay Raj bhaiya and my family friends who have helped organize this fundraiser.
Vote LABOR 1 GROUP E
Friends, with your support, we can build a better future for all – one that is fair, inclusive, and full of opportunities for everyone. Let’s keep working together and deliver a victory for our community.
The Cumberland Council Labor team—Suman Saha, Lisa Lake, and Thiru Arumugam—are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Their combined expertise and dedication are key to addressing the evolving needs of the Wentworthville Ward and the broader Cumberland area.
