Councillor Kerry Degrassi, Sorell Council, Tasmania
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I was elected to Sorell Council in 1996 and I am now in my 13th year. I served a term as Mayor from April 1999 to November 2000.
Q. Why did you become involved in Local Government?
I had been involved in grassroots community development for many years and had concerns about what I believed was a lack of community consultation by the Council of the day. I have always believed that Local Government is more than roads, rates and rubbish and that there is a need to communicate more with residents, allowing them to work with council in the development of their communities.
Sometimes we forget that our communities are made up of people from varied backgrounds and their skills in our communities are invaluable.
Q. What makes your Council area different?
Like elected members from across our beautiful country, I believe mine to be special. I am lucky to live in a place that is far enough away from the city to give you that wonderful country feel, but close enough for many residents, including myself, to commute to Hobart for work (35 minutes).
The Sorell municipality is naturally divided into urban, residential, farmland and beachside communities. I live at Dodges Ferry, a small paradise with beaches and bushland surrounding it. I travel home each night across two causeways with some of the most breathtaking views to be seen anywhere. The municipality is a haven for artists of all genres, as well as wine and food producers. It is perfect for raising families and we still welcome people with a smile.
Q. Tell us about your other job and how it contributes to your role/views/focus as a Councillor?
I manage the Sexual Assault Support Service in Hobart. We run two services – one for child/adolescents and one for adults.
Statistics tell us that one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually assaulted by the time they reach 18 years. I have learnt to ask WHY a child or adult acts out in a particular manner.
Abuse of any kind has its consequences. For many, abuse can cause a ripple effect that spreads far and wide. Communities, and eventually governments at all levels, have to pay the price and that can be anything from vandalism cleanup to departments funding programs.
My passion has always been children and the protection of them. My role as a Councillor has given me the opportunity to discuss many social issues and their impact on our councils with other elected members from around the country. Councils’ responsibilities have grown considerably over the last ten years, with more emphasis placed on community services. I have advocated strongly for these services throughout the years and this has come from my experiences working with professionals from across many sectors, and in particular the community services.
Q. What innovative projects is your Council working on?
We have a number of innovative projects currently in the pipeline, the first and largest being the development of a Southern Region Services Centre. Sorell Council will be seeking interest from a wide range of potential tenants from all sectors and levels of government.
Another windfall development has been the addition of Sorell as part of the final stages of the South East Irrigation scheme. Council and the local farming community began lobbying a little over 12 months ago. From May 2008 to April 2009 our region received the lowest rainfall on record. A large percentage of our residents live in unserviced areas.
Q. What issues are important to you?
Holistic planning for our communities is essential if they are to grow and prosper. Our environment needs to be placed closer to the top of our priorities when planning begins. We can no longer look at things or work in isolation. A little parochialism is OK, but never to the detriment of the whole and this is where councils work well. We are closer to the people and because of this we can work better with and for them.
We need to continually work in consultation with the community, no matter how difficult that may feel at times.
Q. Tell us about a specific success you have had in Local Government.
In 1997 another Councillor and I received funding to conduct community forums. From one of these forums, a working party was formed to lobby for funding to build a community house in Dodges Ferry. This has been a long and at times very frustrating experience, but the committee held fast to its belief in the future needs of our community. Now, 12 years on and with over $325,000 in State and Local Government funding, our dream is near fruition.
Q. How do you hope your presence in Local Government will impact your community?
With all that I have done, I believe my presence in Local Government will continue to be a positive one on my community.
I believe my appointment to the Tasmanian Women’s Council in 2002 and the induction onto the Tasmania Honour Role of Women in 2008 was a reflection of the varied roles I have taken since first elected. Being a Councillor has opened many doors for me. I have been able to work with people from across this country and the world, and I believe in ‘thinking globally and acting locally’.
Councillor Stephen Geale, George Town Council, Tasmania
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I have been on George Town Council for nine years. I volunteered to run for election for Council for a couple of reasons. The first major objective was to assist in progressing the dialogue between Council and residents. Secondly, I wanted to lend a hand in the development of my community towards achieving and maintaining financial stability in the always challenging economic environment.
Q. What is your favourite area in your Local Government Area?
I have so many favourites here in our community – everything from the beautiful coastline, where my wife and I spend many hours exploring each weekend, to the attractions that are hosted here, such as George Town On Show, the Folk Festival and the George Town Targa Tasmania stage.
Q. What are the key challenges facing Council?
All Australians are facing the impact of the economic crisis. The key challenge faced by Council and our residents is finding the balance between achieving and maintaining financial stability into the future.
As a ratepayer, I can acknowledge the stress of the ever increasing cost of living in our community and work hard with my fellow Council representatives and the management team to reduce the financial impact, while continuing to assist with the short term and long term strategies of our assets, developments and future planning objectives.
Q. Council recently began looking to expand its tourism potential. How are you assisting in attracting more visitors?
I have lived in George Town all of my 58 years and come from descendants who settled in the area in the early 1800s. The secret is out though! George Town Council and residents have some of the most beautiful locations in Australia. Visitors fall in love with this area and many return to live.
Located at the mouth of the Tamar River, George Town offers visitors the opportunity to experience gourmet food and wine, historic buildings, beautiful scenery and a range of activities.
I support the recommendations of our experienced Council management team in the marketing and expansion of our tourism potential.
For further information about George Town and its attractions and history please have a look at Council’s web page at www.georgetown.tas.gov.au
Q. What issues are important to you?
There are a couple of important issues that are very close to my heart.
First, many residents in the community have elderly relatives and friends. One of my objectives is to assist in reducing the financial impact on this very special group within our community.
The second important issue is to work with Council management to facilitate the development of our local youth. The local youth is the future of our community and it is extremely important to open up communications, strategies and programs to facilitate this future development.
Q. What has been your greatest achievement on Council?
I don’t really look at my past achievements and rate them from greatest to weakest. I believe I achieve something every time I assist with a resident’s problems, or when I assist the Council management team with any tasks associated with improving the area.
Q. What lasting impression do you hope to have on your community?
I hope the people of the community will remember me as an honest and caring person who will stand up for what is right – someone that was never afraid to speak out
