In the past, council has been dominated by big spending projects and political power games, at the expense of community wellbeing and special places such as Manly Dam. Our local arts and nightlife continue to dwindle whilst our environment and protected species face challenges due to pollution and overdevelopment. In a place with such strong support for climate action, the level of inaction on the local government level is extremely disappointing. So let's change that.

I am a 22-year-old self-employed artist and activist, in my third year as politics student in the scholar stream at USYD. I am always in Manly; visiting clients, out in the surf, studying in the library and chatting on the Corso.

I am running for council because I see the potential for Manly to become an area of climate-leadership and community closeness. I believe we can change the way people view politics through interpersonal campaigning, social media and music. Yes, I will be bringing my guitar to the polling booths! I am passionate about environmental conservation, First Nations justice and wealth inequality. I privileged to be able to spread awareness about issues, bring people together and empower marginalised voices.

The Greens promote the belief that the interests of the community and environment should trump unrealistic political promises. More Greens on the Northern Beaches council will mean keeping community assets in public ownership, more sustainable development and the conservation of local bush and beaches. It also means a community-first approach to supporting arts and culture, that recognises that big spending isn't required to create meaningful opportunities for connection. It can be as simple as sponsoring young locals to busk on the Corso under the shade of a newly planted tree. That is where the magic happens.

Let's stake our claim for a future that serves us all. Vote 1. Greens for a more sustainable, vibrant and connected Manly.