I'm one of your elected representatives on Ballina Shire Council (Ward B) and a member of the Greens. 

I'm a second generation Lennox Head local and have spent most of my life living and working in the Ballina Shire. I consider myself lucky to live and raise my daughter in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia, on the unceded lands of the Nyangbul people. Bundjalung Country. 

I've dedicated my career to helping people and communities fulfil their potential. I started my career working in frontline case management roles in child protection, housing, women's health and disability services. Over time I grew frustrated and turned my mind to policy change, spending time working for the Federal Government in various policy roles. In 2009 I had the life changing opportunity to live and work in Solomon Islands, which led to me building a career advising UN agencies, governments and some of Australia's most well know not-for-profit organisations on gender equality and women's rights.

A lot has changed since my family moved here in the 1980s. I have witnessed first hand the rapid pace of change as our tiny seaside village has expanded and developed into a thriving town. With this growth has come many positive changes. Decades of dedication by volunteers has seen hundreds of hectares of our coastal reserve regenerated and protected, and our proximity to the Ballina Airport and Pacific Highway means we can enjoy our small-town lifestyle within easy commute of East Coast capitals. 

But lately our small town has started to feel the strain. Increasing wealth inequality, worsened by the COVID pandemic has amplified a crippling housing affordability crisis, which has left many families feeling ‘pushed out’ of the place they once called home and businesses struggling to find the staff needed to keep their doors open. Rapid growth also brought about an ever increasing strain on our fragile environment, including our native vegetation, oceans, beaches and waterways.

As a mum, I am increasingly concerned about the kind of world we are leaving behind for our children. I stood for election because I wanted to see Council take urgent, ambitious actions to stem biodiversity loss, reverse climate change and build community resilience. I also want Council to take a strong position against development on areas that are flood prone, have significant biodiversity of flora and fauna, or that would have a detrimental impact on habitat for local wildlife.

As a representative of the Greens my decision-making is guided by our principles of environmental sustainability, social and economic justice and grassroots democracy. I am committed to community consultation and engaging with you on Council issues in a way that is meaningful and easy to understand. Please do not hestiate to reach out to me if you have any questions of comments regarding our community or Council's business.