Alan Mascarenhas, NSW Labour candidate from Epping, is proud of his Goan identity
THE GOAN NETWORK | MELBOURNE
After Swan MP Zaneta Mascarenhas became the first person of Goan heritage to represent her constituency at the Parliament in Australia, another person of Goan origin has entered state politics in the country.
Alan Mascarenhas, the Labour candidate from Epping, a suburb of Sydney, for the New South Wales (NSW) Parliament, will contest against the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.
“I see politics as a vocation to help people and give something back to society. I am passionate about education and ensuring that children have the same opportunities I did. The Labour Party’s values of economic aspiration, fairness, and social justice appeal to me most,” said Mascarenhas, when asked about his decision to join politics.
BACKGROUND
Mascarenhas was raised in Sydney’s north-west and both his parents are of Goan heritage. His mother is Fernanda Viana, hailing from Merces, while his father was the late Frederick Mascarenhas, who was from Saligao.
“Our family migrated to Australia in 1987, when our father got a job posting at a computing company. After he passed away 18 months later, our mother raised my two sisters and me single-handedly in Carlingford and later West Pennant Hills. As Catholics, we used to attend St Bernadette’s Castle Hill.”
“I attended Trinity Grammar on scholarship, then completed a Bachelor of Arts/Law at Sydney University, followed by a Master of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. I have been a journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald and Newsweek. Currently, I work for a professional editing and writing business called Editor Group. Our clients include many big technology firms in Macquarie Park such as Microsoft and Optus.”
“I love music and enjoy yoga, tennis, running and cricket as well,” added Mascarenhas.
GOAN IDENTITY
Mascarenhas said his Goan heritage is important to him, as it has allowed him to be a bridge between different cultures.
“We would attend GOA NSW events when we were growing up. I’ve been to Goa several times, usually stayed around Calangute, but now all my grandparents there have passed away. I grew up on dishes like sorpotel and bebinca at Christmas time was always a special treat,” recalled Mascarenhas.
“I also believe my background as a Goan allows me to be a bridge between different cultures. The mix of European and South Asian heritage, the fact I’ve travelled extensively and studied my masters at the University of Chicago. Indians in Australia, no matter their precise heritage, can see something of themselves in me. Goans are famously friendly, hospitable and can get along with anybody!”
FOCUS
Mascarenhas believed in the importance of diverse representation in politics.
“I am of the generation of migrants from late 1980s. Back then, there was no other family that looked like us on the street. But now, areas like Epping, Carlingford and Parramatta are shining examples of multiculturalism,” said Mascarenhas.
“It is impossible to imagine these areas without the Indian and South Asian communities. I can see there is pride in my candidacy and I’m honoured by their support.”
“There are not many of Indian let alone Goan background in NSW Parliament and I hope to inspire other kids growing up that they can rise to positions of leadership in society and make a difference in political life,” he added.
