Create Real Estate Director Steven Tabban, a longtime resident of Sunshine, shares his deep connection to Brimbank and his commitment to community service in an exclusive interview with Esther Lauaki from domain.com.au.

“What’s your connection to Brimbank?” asked Esther.

“I was born in Footscray Hospital but have lived elsewhere in Brimbank,” Steven replied.

With 35 years of residing in the area, Steven has witnessed the transformation of Brimbank firsthand. Recently, he ran for Brimbank council, driven by a desire to elevate his service to the community.

“My dad Sam Tabban ran for Horseshoe Bend ward and was on council many years ago,” Steven explained. “I had considered running a few years ago, but I decided not to because I had a business to run. However, in recent years, I still didn’t see much change happening. So, I ran this year because I felt that I could dedicate the time to it, and I really wanted to make a difference.”

When asked about his love for living and trading in Brimbank, Steven proudly spoke about establishing Create Real Estate in Sunshine three years ago. Today, the agency has become one of the prominent players in the area, earning its place among “the big four” agencies.

But Steven’s involvement in the community goes beyond his real estate business. Before venturing into the industry, he devoted his time voluntarily at Enjoy Church in Sunshine North, participating in outreach programs and youth initiatives. His passion for clubs and community support is evident through his engagement with Albion Football Club and Sunshine Kangaroos, where he has served on the board and even took on the role of coach.

When asked about the importance of helping out in the community, Steven expressed, “I feel like I can sleep better at night. It’s fun. When I give, I feel like I get back twice as much as what I put in. I help for selfish reasons because it makes me feel good. When a community gives you so much, you have to give back.”

Reflecting on the improvements he wishes to see in Brimbank, Steven highlighted the need to address the crime rate. As a real estate agent, he often hears negative perceptions from people on the other side of town who consider Brimbank “scummy” or undesirable due to its crime rate. Steven passionately defends his love for the area and believes in its untapped potential, stating, “We’re underrated in so many ways, and there is so much potential in Brimbank that can be tapped into.”

This article contains excerpts from an interview with Create Real Estate Director Steven Tabban originally published on My Brimbank (17/11/2020). For the full interview, please visit https://brimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au/news/my-brimbank-29/.