Ward: Eildon.
Portfolio: Economic Development.
What do you enjoy most about your role as Councillor?
It’s diverse; no two days are the same, different people, groups, organisations and businesses, looking at the opportunities to work together in all different areas of the community and industries. I just spent a morning with Cathy McGowan in Eildon at the Houseboat Industries and The Outdoor Education Group. Her ability to assist with linking people together or helping to head them in the right direction was inspirational, I have much to learn.
What surprised you most about your role as Councillor?
How vast it is, in volume of area and requirements across the Shire and in what local councils actually do and deliver – there are so many different services. I didn’t realise how much councils are actively responsible for or how much falls back onto local government if committees disband or other government agencies hand over assets to be looked after.
What do you love most about where you live?
People, community, environment and the seasons.
What do you hope will be your legacy when your role as Councillor finishes?
I’d like people to be happy, smile, engage, work cohesively, celebrate events together and talk about where we live in a positive way.
What books are you reading?
I’m nearly finished Gregory David Roberts Shantaram, but since starting as a Councillor I am finding lots of reading is reports and researching. I’m spending a bit of time on ‘edx’ looking at courses. They are free University courses from all over the world – Google it. I’ve just enrolled to do ‘Science of Happiness’ through Berkeley.
What are you listening to?
Most played on my ipod is Powderfinger, John Butler Trio, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, but I can have my own carpool karaoke to pretty much any type of music!
How do you like to spend weekends?
Every other weekend we (Paddy & I) have a pop up restaurant at home, so it’s kind of work, but kind of lots of fun. On the alternate weekend it can involve catching up with friends, mowing lawns, the odd market or playing in the garden.
What is your idea of a holiday?
I loved Italy, I’m hoping to love Spain this winter (delayed honeymoon)! It’s great to see the sights in Australia or OS but what I love the most is staying still and getting to see how the community lives and interacts. I spent a month in a small village in Umbria years ago, the Italians must scratch their heads when the rest of the world talks about ‘work-life balance’. They’ve always had it – I thoroughly support siesta!
Who inspires you?
Oh hard one. Sunday Reed, Maggie Beer, Tessa Kiros, Sally Wise, little kids, my inner circle – you know who you are, people that have some sass, spunk, purpose and passion in their lives.
Text & Images ©COPYRIGHT 2017 Kinglake Ranges News.
With Murrindindi Shire Council.
