Hi, I’m Binnie O’Dwyer and I have called Lismore my home for the last 25 years. Living here has provided me with a sense of community that gives me hope for the future of humanity. I feel very fortunate to live on this land that has been taken care of by the Widjabul Wia-bal people for many thousands of years. I am a lawyer, a parent and an activist, and feel honoured to be able to run as a candidate for Council on the Greens Ticket in the upcoming Local Government Elections.

I am a criminal defence solicitor at the Aboriginal Legal Service. This work has given me a unique insight into the complexities of disadvantage within our community. It has also shown me that there are gaps in the system at every level, which if filled, could contribute towards having a more safe and inclusive community, something we all want and deserve.

I’m running for Council because I believe my experience and shared values of social justice, sustainability, grassroots democracy and peace and non-violence have an important role to play in maintaining the wellbeing of the community. Whether it be through decisions affecting our natural world, or promoting participatory decision-making processes, what happens in Council impacts on all of us.

Having a long-term vision, which puts the wellbeing of the community at its heart, as opposed to short term profit and self-interest, is integral to a functioning society. Our community needs to have confidence that all aspects of recent and potential future catastrophic events, environmental, economic and social are factored into our ongoing recovery. I am committed to the community of Lismore and have the experience and passion to bring positivity to Council.