It began in 2013. I was at a Farmers’ Market at the local high school in
Flemington in Melbourne. Amongst all the lovely fruit and veg was a big
green table and Adam Bandt, the first Greens member of the House of
Representatives for Melbourne, elected in 2010.
It wasn’t election time. But Adam was there listening to and talking with
people about their concerns.I was so impressed both by my conversation
with Adam , and by him being available in such a low key way.
I had been a committed unionist , union organiser and member of the ALP
for many years. But, jumped ship in response to their cruel policies on
refugees!!
Within twelve months, I found myself as guest at the local Greens group in
Yass. It was struggling with getting new folk to keep the group going. I
joined the group, and we grew together.
Just after Covid, I put my hand up and was elected to Yass Valley Council,
with 19% of the vote for the Greens team of five! Sadly, just short of getting
two of us elected. I immediately adopted Adam Brandt’s approach to
making myself available to the community at local markets, street stalls and
sometimes in a coffee shop.
I have built on working with the community attending various community
groups working with them to try to achieve their goals. But still continuing
those community catchups which I still find so effective in building
relationships and demonstrating that the Greens listen! Still also finding
myself wearing many 8/1 losses in Council!! But, part of a wonderful team
of about 70 Greens councillors across NSW
So, 2026 finds me still working for change in what is a VERY conservative
area. Still listening to and taking action on community initiatives. And
working with my local Greens group which now includes Michael Organ.
Michael was elected in a by- election in 2002; our first ever Greens elected
to the House of Representatives, back in those early days with Bob Brown.
Maybe, I have come full circle!!
