Elena Suares uses her voice, intelligence and knowledge to fight for better outcomes for her community – and that’s why she’s Yarra’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.
Drawing on her background as a law student, Elena has become a key figure in the movement to save public housing in Victoria.
In late 2023, Elena started a parliamentary petition calling on the government to stop the wholesale destruction and privatisation of public housing, amassing 2000 signatures and triggering a parliamentary debate later this year.
Elena is an active member of the Yarra Residents Voice advisory group and her advocacy efforts have had an immense positive impact in Yarra, particularly for those living in public housing.
She has an innate ability to connect with people and to rally the community with her enthusiasm and tenacity.
The nominees for Citizen of the Year
- Ms Nhung Nguyen
- Ms Ah Lan Yau (Lisa)
- Ms Linh Nguyen
- Ms Xiao Yue Wang
- Mr Jeremy Lawrence (Streets Alive Yarra)
- Nellie Dicks
Thanks to all our nominees for your contributions to life in Yarra.