Sea change shire
The Shire of Harvey is in the South West of Western Australia, 140 kilometres south of Perth.
We enjoy 42 kilometres of coastline, with lake systems and agricultural lands stretching inland to the hills of Darling Scarp.
Harvey has great lifestyle options in 10 localities ranging from large urban centres to small villages and has a population of
26,787 people.
We are home to iconic brands Harvey Beef and Harvey Fresh, value–adding to our agricultural base.
Mining and manufacturing also provide our economic base.
Our shire is a tree change and sea change destination.
We love to share our beautiful ocean, beaches, waterways, rural landscapes and forests that attract many tourists.
But be careful, we are one of the fastest developing areas in Australia because so many people want to stay.
Harvey Shire Council works hard to meet the needs of our
diverse communities.
I am proud of the results we have achieved in providing facilities and our work to maintain our regional character and environmental assets.
Our coastal area is a development zone; investment is strong and a growing residential and retail sector has been challenged to keep up.
Developing the community
I was elected to council in May 1997, and in my time have served as Deputy Shire President for eight years and as President for four years.
I was really interested in speaking up for the community and in helping shape the area where my children were growing up, which is why I sought election to council.
There were some big issues happening at the time and I felt strongly about them.
These included building an aquatic centre and the expansion of a heavy industrial area into an environmentally significant area.
I also work as the manager of Volunteer South West, supporting not for profit organisations involving volunteers; community development is my thing.
I am also a qualified town planner, having caught the bug in my councillor role.
I love gardening, painting and reading which can be very therapeutic sometimes.
I volunteer as an ambulance officer too.
I get great satisfaction helping people when they most need it and at the same time getting to know people a bit more.
I also love to travel and often come home with lots of ideas on how we can develop our communities.
I have a vision for vibrant communities that identify with their unique culture.
Maintaining the passion
My interest in community has always maintained my passion, though at times it can be hard work.
I aim for a collaborative approach, which can be a minefield sometimes, but given time and commitment we have achieved some great results for our community.
Recently the Shire of Harvey opened the Leschenault Recreation Pavilion in Australind in the south of the shire.
The project brought together region funding from neighbouring local governments (Royalties for Regions), providing a community–managed multi-use facility for community and sporting groups.
Another project is coastal adaption planning, where mapping our coastline will prepare us for climate change responses needed due to predicted inundation and erosion.
I have at times been the only female in our 13-member council and often find myself in regional forums with very few women.
I would like to see more female involvement in local government, in council and senior management positions.
Opportunity is waiting for those willing to commit.
You just have to learn patience, in my experience, and having support from family is an important factor.
I am guided by integrity, honesty and fairness, which are values I appreciate in the people I work with.
As a person mortified by public speaking, I received good advice from local statesman Sir Donald Eckersley many years ago, which I have always found very helpful.
His comment ‘to always talk about something you know about’ has held me in good stead over the years.
I now have a lot less trouble speaking to large and small groups, which is just as well given my role as Shire President.
Local government is dynamic, always interesting and offers so much in personal and professional development.
I would urge everyone to get involved and experience the satisfaction in contributing to their community.
