Jess Whittaker

I am a paramedic working out of Dapto and I am the Greens lead candidate in Ward 3.

Being a parent and working in front-line health for 11 years has shown me the importance of a strong community and inspired me to help make a difference. I grew up in Bulli and got a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Wollongong. I now live in Port Kembla, where I advocate for environmental issues in our area. I was awarded the Rotary Emergency Services Community Award in 2020.

I have organised beach clean ups and tree planting days, am an active member of the school P&C, regularly volunteer with Our Community Project and with the primary ethics program at Port Kembla Public school.

I am impressed by what the Ward 1 and Ward 2 Greens Councillors achieve on council – with leadership in urban greening, safe footpaths and cycle routes, rolling out FOGO, and local solutions to climate change. Ward 3 would also benefit from a Greens councillor who could represent the interests of the southern part of the local government area.

We have passed a great plan for Lake Illawarra – the next thing to do is get the funding to implement the plan.