What is your working background?
I’m a former business owner with a background in tourism, administration and beauty industry, being a qualified consultant. I’m a Natural Health and Environmental Advocate and I’ve lived in Noosa for 23 years.
We, our family had operated the Noosa Backpackers Resort and Global Cafe for over 20 years. In the beauty industry, I understand the trials and tribulations of our local small business operators. Other previous business experience has been working for environmental engineers.
Why are you running for Council and what qualifies you to be a Councillor?
Noosa Shire has a reputation of many decades protecting everything noosans have experienced and lived in the area. As a resident of Noosa, I too have experienced this. Recently, the way our levels of government in Australia operate, local council and the agreements that they now share with State Government in as far as funding, Federal Government for joint funding of initiatives and even sometimes further afield. For example, visitors to the region who are from international countries and organisations have the potential to change Noosa Shire region from coast to country, and now is the right time in my life to be actively involved in speaking on behalf of many of our residents, families, educational and charitable organisations.
I am familiar with ISO 2600 which is corporate social responsibility and guidelines in which Noosa Shire and other councils are aligned. In addition, I have a range of consultants alongside existing consultants who will enable better decision making that serves all members of our community, including activities associated with any treaties or agreements made with our first peoples landowners. As a councillor I also respect the Federal government recognition of our Kabi Kabi people and the laws that determine their decision making under Grandmother and Grandfather Lore. Currently, the Kabi Kabi are involved with Native Title in this region. It is important that we have councillors at Noosa Shire that understand all members of our societies concerns in decision making and in any financial arrangement.
Being a mother, being a wife, being an educator to my children, and any year now I too will become a grandmother like many of you.
Clause 4 of ISO 2600 hold the council to accountability and transparency for all rate payers but also to our first peoples
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one?
I am running as an independent.
What organisations in Noosa are you a member of or affiliated with?
Running as an independent for council I did not want to have any conflicts of interest. I support a lot of groups in Noosa, also further afield now with respect to elders past, present and future we all acknowledge the Kabi Kabi’s area, which includes Noosa Shire, Sunshine Coast Council, Gympie and Moreton Bay Regional Council’s.
The Noosa Shire have many amazing groups, that I’m not a member or board member of, however, groups such as Sunshine Butterflies, Tewantin RSL, Noosa Lions Club, Surf Lifesaving Club, Country Woman’s Association, Katie Rose Cottage, numerous school groups, Land care organisations and recently, the Noosa Peoples Council are all important in making our community, families and businesses stronger and more resilient.
If elected, will you be undertaking any other paid employment? If so, what would that be?
As a councillor I am committed to that job role. My first priority is to make sure that I do my best and a little bit more in my job commitment.
I have strong family support and my paid work outside of the council role is what is commonly known as Mothers Duties where I have homeschooled my children.
I pledge not to undertake any other paid work as I will not compromise the honour bestowed upon me to represent our community.
List the four top Council issues you believe to be the most important to Noosa residents.
1. Health and Well-Being
2. Local Business and Tourism
3. Environment, Farming, Flora and Fauna
4. Culture and Lifestyle
