Rachel Westaway MP | Politics, Leadership & Prahran
How do you go from working in business, media and public administration to representing your own community in Parliament? In this episode of Bridged By Words, Ethan Urch sits down with Rachel Westaway MP, Member for Prahran in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, to explore her journey into politics and the experiences that shaped the way she approaches public life.
Rachel reflects on growing up in a multicultural family, her early career in marketing and media, her time at SBS, and more than two decades working across migration and administrative review. Those experiences strengthened her interest in multiculturalism, community representation and the role political leaders can play in making people feel heard.
Together, they unpack the realities of entering politics: how preselection actually works, why grassroots relationships matter, and why candidates need genuine connections to the communities they hope to represent. Rachel explains that earning trust means making phone calls, having coffees, building community references and convincing party members that you can actually win and represent them effectively.
They also discuss what effective representation looks like once you are elected. For Rachel, the job is ultimately about listening to local concerns, working constructively with others and securing real outcomes for the community — even when serving in opposition.
Bridged By Words is the podcast where aspiring leaders connect with experienced politicians, gaining insights and inspiration for their own political journeys. Watch the full interview on YouTube or listen on Spotify.
What You'll Learn:
Why aspiring politicians need to understand their community before trying to represent it
What actually happens during political preselection
How candidates build trust with party members and local voters
Why grassroots campaigning and listening remain central to effective politics
How respectful relationships can help opposition MPs deliver outcomes
Why lived experience within an electorate strengthens political representation
How Rachel’s multicultural background shaped her approach to public life
Rachel’s advice for aspiring leaders: follow your values, choose carefully, develop a thick skin and go in with your eyes wide open
