Liberal hopeful opens up about family, prejudice, and what drives her to serve.
Facing a wave of personal attacks and public criticism, Mira D’Silva has chosen to speak out—not through rebuttals or political spin, but by sharing her journey. In an exclusive statement to WyndhamTV, the Liberal candidate for Lalor opens up about her upbringing, hardships, and what fuels her campaign. Below is Mira’s story, in her own words:
I was born in Bangalore to a humble Catholic family. I am the youngest of 3 siblings. My parents weren’t rich in money, but they were rich in values. My Dad was a technician in the public sector and my mum worked in a biscuit factory, this was at a time where women going out into the workforce wasn’t the most common. I learnt from her that nothing about a person be it their gender, race or religion must ever stop them from doing what they want to do.
In 2004, I arrived in Australia with a suitcase, a dream, and a stubborn will to make it. However, reality hit me hard. “No local experience,” they said, I faced rejection after rejection. I felt like I was shooting in the dark. But I didn’t break from within. My first job in this new country was working as a security guard, my feet throbbing after 12-hour shifts and being pregnant didn’t help. There were days I skipped meals, months I slept on the floor not being able to afford a bed, years that I couldn’t go back to see my family. None of this was not of choice, yet I didn’t see it as defeat – I saw it as my initiation into the Australian spirit.
Through those gruelling days, I understood the struggles of cost of living. A co-worker who helped me understand the local jargons and Aussie slang, a single mum who offered me a ride home in the rain, an elderly Maltese woman who told me stories of her struggles and ways to victories in her life. I slowly started finding a family, away from my family who were oceans away. A first real opportunity came knocking – my first corporate job. It wasn’t high flying, but it was survival. I went through rigorous training process and was determined to learn the tricks of the trade.
A sudden halt in my life occurred where I gave birth to a premature baby born only 27 weeks, who was the size of my palm. It was a shock to me and my partner both emotionally and financially especially when a doctor said “Don’t get too attached to the baby, he may not live”. Even though the survival of the baby was unsure, we scraped every penny to pay off the months of incubator care that was required. Nonetheless, 6 days after giving birth, I was back at work. That was and still is the determination I possess. From there, I built a business with my husband, brick by brick, never forgetting the nights I counted coins to pay rent. A decade of hard work, sacrifice and determination eventually yielded results. Our first office started off in the back of my car where we would work on our laptops, take phone calls and meet potential clients – a small business at its core.
I decided now is the time for me to give back to the Australian community and so I decided to run for elections. I am shocked to say, I face lot of hatred and humiliation coming my way. I encountered a string of personal attacks, people mocking me for my looks, body shaming, dragging my family and profession in the wrong light, labelling me as a wealthy-woman who doesn’t resonate with the commoner. It’s unfortunate, and it’s not the Australian spirit we know of.
I’ve known failure and triumph, and I wear both with pride. But this election isn’t just about me. I’ve felt the weight of your worries. You’ve told me about grocery bills that drain the paycheck, rents that shatter dreams, healthcare delays that test our patience, roads that trap us in time, and streets that feel shadowed by fear. It tears at me that we feel forgotten and neglected.
Together, we deserve better. Not empty promises, by someone who has walked your path. I don’t come from politics and there is no reason for me become one. My son is all grown up, my mortgage is almost paid off, and my small business is steady, but the lack of voice from our electorate in Canberra has me worried. And so, I said, I want to be the one who brings in the change for our community.
I am unperturbed by what they talk about me. I’ve faced bigger storms, and I’ve emerged stronger every time. All this, like my previous challenges, shall only make me and my mission stronger. It is never easy to break the Aussie spirit, and I strive every day to make myself an embodiment of that. I’m Mira D’Silva, and I’m ready to be your voice. Together, let’s forge a new Wyndham where our community isn’t just surviving—it’s THRIVING.
— Mira D’Silva
