Virginia Waters, Lismore Greens Councillor – Why I ran for Council
I ran for council because I wanted to make a difference in our community at a time when there was not enough civil, strong, compassionate leadership. While there were dedicated voices such as Vanessa, Adam, and a few others working hard for the community, council was dominated by conservative decision making that often felt disconnected from the realities people were facing (still very much so). When I heard Vanessa Ekins was planning to retire (20 years as a Greens Councillor), I decided to step forward. I am passionate about local government because it is the level of government closest to community.
I have worked in community services and development, in Women’s and Children’s Health and welfare services and later at council in the community services unit developing a community plan, working in youth development and supporting many of the Councils cultural events. I then moved into events and tourism during a restructure. I built strong connections across many parts of the LGA and gained a practical understanding of how council works. I believed I could bring that experience, energy, and a community focused voice to the chamber. I was also encouraged and supported by our local Greens branch, especially Vanessa, Adam, and friends whose faith in me gave me confidence to run.
My motivation deepened through lived experience during some of the hardest years our area faced. In 2019, during the bushfires, I managed a staging ground alongside the NSW Rural Fire Service in a community I have been part of for 30 years, where my family live nestled under the Nightcap National Park. We all worked together, service and community, and it was the first time this way had been developed – a way of working that truly bridged systems and community. Without that collaboration, we would not have saved the Nightcap and many homes. That experience showed me the power of teamwork and decisive action. It also brought climate change sharply into focus not as an abstract issue, but as a real threat to our homes, environment, ecology, and future. It reinforced for me how deeply connected healthy communities are to healthy ecosystems.
Then in 2022, I lost my own home in the Lismore floods. Overnight, I became what many now call a climate refugee. I experienced firsthand the trauma, uncertainty, and grief that so many others were facing. But I also witnessed incredible kindness, resilience, and solidarity. In the darkest moments, connection and community became some of the most powerful things to hold onto.
I also experienced and saw how difficult recovery processes could be for people already carrying trauma. Delays, poor communication, and confusing systems added to people’s stress. It made me realise how important it is to have strong local voices who can speak directly with Council, the Reconstruction Authority, and other agencies to push for better outcomes.
Those lived experiences strengthened my determination to represent my community. As a long time Greens supporter and member, I have always believed in environmental responsibility, social justice, and grassroots democracy. Finally, I ran for council because I care deeply about where I live, Country, and the people who call it home.
Virginia