The Greens

Kiama and our surrounding area is a wonderful place to live. I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waterways upon which I live and work. I pay my respect to their Elders past and present and recognise their strong and continuing connection to land, culture and spirit.

I want to care for our environment, to be part of real action on climate change, to be a role model for women and to act to improve the wellbeing of our community.

As a Councillor, I would draw on my prior experience, in areas such as financial, strategic, risk and business continuity management as well as evaluating and improving governance in organisations. I believe that my strengths are the ability to shape strategic thinking and to communicate with influence, nurture productive working relationships, and to demonstrate personal drive and integrity.

I am very proud of my academic achievements and hold the following degrees and qualification, which will aid me in my duties as Councillor:

• Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors 2006 – Company Director’s course
• Masters of Business Administration (Human Resource Management major), University of New England, 1998
• Certified Practising Accountant, Australian Society of CPAs, 1996
• Bachelor of Commerce, Australian National University, 1994

My career has predominantly been in the area of providing services to the community. I worked for a chartered accounting firm (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu) early in my career which has given me a robust grounding in business and financial management. From 1997 to 2012, I worked for organisations that are at the forefront of community service such as the Department of Human Services (which incorporates Centrelink, CRS Australia, Australian Hearing), Child Support Agency and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. I was an Executive Manager with the Federal Department of Human Services where I was responsible for strategic planning, business planning and the establishment of a robust governance framework.

My commitment to the Kiama community is demonstrated through my current employment choices where I have been the Training Services Manager at the Kiama Community College since 2013 and Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors of Grand Pacific Health Ltd (GPH) since 2014. GPH is a non-profit organisation that delivers mental health services, preventative health services, aboriginal health services and operate two primary health clinics.

I have been a resident of the Kiama Municipal Council for approximately 20 years and have been actively involved in the community through:

• being a current member of the Kiama Tennis Club and regularly play with the Minnamurra tennis club members, as well as being a past Secretary of the Kiama Downs Netball Club and previously playing hockey with the Kiama Hockey Club
• I was the regional Volunteer Manager for Primary Ethics (primary school ethics classes)
• my two children (both who attended Minnamurra Public and Kiama High) who have played netball, little athletics, dancing and hockey
• my husband, who has been involved with the Kiama Hockey Club and who is an active member of the Kiama Blowhards (the Kiama Veteran Rugby Club), previously worked for the State Emergency Services and currently works at the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
• my parents, who have been involved in the community through such things as the University of the 3rd Age, Amnesty International, the Kiama Historical Society, volunteering at the Pilot’s Cottage, and the Kiama Blowhole Buskers (ukulele band), tennis and lawn bowls
• I have volunteered with Lifeline Illawarra and am a member of Amnesty International.

I would like to give something back to my community and being a Councillor would allow me to draw on my qualifications, past work experience, and personal traits to help build a sustainable and healthy community.

Authorised by Howard R Jones 407 Free Selectors Road, Foxground NSW 2534