Sorell Councillor

An independent, forward-thinking, skilled and effective community voice on Sorell Council.

It is an absolute privilege to be your representative. Elected to Sorell Council in 2018 and 2022, I was runner-up for mayor in the close-run June 2024 by-election. I am a trusted leader with extensive experience, local know-how and the qualifications essential for an effective representative. I work hard, leading with skill and integrity, dedicated to caring, thriving, creative communities where everyone can live their best life.

In changing times we are stronger together. Councils achieve better results at lower cost by working more closely with local communities. As your representative I support:

  • planning with each township to improve services and retain local character for the long term
  • adding social impact to Sorell Council’s prudent financial and asset management
  • partnering more closely with local schools, clubs and community organisations
  • advocating for better public transport, especially for Primrose Sands and young people
  • enhancing public spaces, more walking and cycling tracks, creating a destination dog park
  • building the heritage and arts hub at Sorell as a drawcard for locals & visitors
  • increasing community grants in ways that boost community pride and resilience
  • cherishing natural and built heritage, developing a heritage plan for the district
  • continuing to work for genuine local government reform, for better resources, for redesign not mergers

I’m a Governance Institute member, serve on Council’s Audit Panel and Planning Authority (SPA), and chair Council’s Natural Resource Management Advisory Group. An experienced leader with local, state and national organisations, and long-term community volunteer in Sorell and the Southern Beaches, I was director and company Secretary of Bendigo Bank Community Bank at Sorell for 11 years, an elected member of the Community Bank National Council and served on the Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania (NHT) and the Australian Neighbourhood Houses & Centres Association (ANHCA) boards. I’m an active contributor to Sorell Council strategies, meetings and events – I put in the hours, listen deeply to community and use my skills and experience to strengthen Council results.

I’m proud to support and encourage women’s participation in local government, serving as acting president of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association in Tasmania (ALGWA Tas) and as a national ALGWA board member. I’m especially proud to serve alongside 6 women on the 9-member council. Thank you to the Sorell community for leading by example, electing a record 66% women from a field of 19 candidates at the 2022 election, because that’s making a real and positive difference for our whole community.

Growing up at Richmond, my family was always deeply involved in the local community through sport and community groups. I enjoyed a successful career with the ATO, including 15 years with the national communication team, and university studies in business, accounting, communication and social impact.

With my husband Colin, I’ve lived at Dodges Ferry for 30+ years, worked in Hobart for many years then ran our own businesses. Our sons, Ethan and Xavier, enjoyed Little Possums, the wonderful Dodges Ferry Primary School, junior soccer, scouting and Nippers at Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club. We continue to enjoy music, movies, our amazing local environment, intriguing history and a variety of volunteer roles.