Phone: 0458 769 380
Email: [email protected]
Councillor Wilkinson
Describe yourself
I have lived on the Bellarine Peninsula for the past 22
years.
We have raised our family in Barwon Heads, before moving to
Ocean Grove earlier this year.
We have a strong connection to the community and love the
beautiful natural environment on the coast.
Professionally I have worked as a social worker in a range
of different roles across Geelong. For the last decade this has been within the
public health system.
In 2013, I became part of a local dance theatre company
working as performer, co-producer and writer. Geelong has an exciting and rich
artistic community, and I am proud to be part of it.
In my work as a social worker, I draw upon my creativity to
help address complex challenges.
I see the impact of the social and physical
environment upon people’s health and wellbeing. I am a strong advocate for
access to resources, services and supports to address inequity.
Why did you run for council?
At the time (in 2020), it was about putting the climate
crisis at the forefront of people’s thinking, to support urgent action by
Council to reduce Carbon emissions to net zero.
I advocate for women in leadership roles; for standing up
for other people and for what I believe is right.
I am driven by a strong sense of social justice and am particularly
aware of the health issues relating to climate change: the significant impact on
young people’s mental health and the vulnerability of older people in our
community.
Following my election, I had time to reflect and realised
that none of those motivating factors had changed.
I am grateful and honoured to be elected as Councillor of
the Bellarine Ward and I will work hard to represent the residents of Bellarine
and Greater Geelong.
Top three areas of focus during this Council term
- Council investing in and making measurable progress towards meeting our key sustainability and climate-change related targets. We must continue to find clever and creative ways to deliver on our commitment to a carbon-neutral future.
- Giving voice to those people in our community who need stronger representation. We are all strengthened by diversity and inclusion. Equitable access to services, supports and opportunities is essential for the prosperity of our region and society.
- Service provision, in collaboration with state and federal governments, looking at how we can provide stronger support to all in our community. Providing effective and accountable localised leadership to ensure these services are connecting with residents who would benefit from accessing them.
What does a ‘clever and creative’ Geelong region mean to you?
For me, this is about always looking for opportunities to
harness the immense capabilities and talents of our people, businesses and
institutions to work together. In this way we can capitalise on our strengths
to forge an innovative and just transition to a low carbon future.
Favourite thing about Greater Geelong?
Geelong has grown into a vibrant regional city; a fabulous
place to live and work for so many people, while retaining the wonderful
opportunities to enjoy and access the natural environment in our region. There
is resilience, diversity, creativity and wisdom in our community that sets us
up well for facing challenges in the future.
Portfolios and Committees
Chair
- Veteran Affairs Portfolio
Deputy Chair
- Active Spaces Portfolio
- Environment and Circular Economy Portfolio
Representative
- CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee
- Planning Committee
- Submissions Review Panel
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