Councillor Elise Wilkinson

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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