The Eurobodalla Greens have nominated four candidates to contest the upcoming shire elections, hoping to replace retiring Councillor Gabi Harding.
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Former NSW election candidate Margaret Perger, Pat McGinlay, Laura Hawkins and Will Douglas will contest the September 10 poll.
Mr McGinlay will also run for mayor and has drawn the number three spot on the ballot paper.
The group said it wanted to “build upon the foundations of environmentally aware grass-roots democracy built by Councillor Harding”.
They will run on a platform of protecting water, air, forests and the coastline; opposing “arms fairs”; supporting initiatives to address “domestic violence, homelessness and other social justice issues” and to “restore transparency to, and build trust in council processes”.
Mr McGinlay “worked as a manager in the ACT Government, but also ran his own successful business for several years,” the group said.
He worked for five years at the National Audit Office as a performance auditor of federal government departments and agencies.
Until last year, he was a Divisional Manager with Eurobodalla Council, with responsibilities for seven years for the human resources and work, health and safety.
“Pat’s council experience gives him a deeper understanding of the current council bureaucracy and its internal decision making dynamics,” the group said.
Margaret Perger has worked for both the ACT and Federal Governments in an administrative capacity and in community organisations as a paid worker and as a volunteer.
She has is a Distinguished Toastmaster for Toastmasters International, and a former Shire Senior Citizen of the Year.
Will Douglas teaches high school science, maths and English. He holds a Masters Degree in Science in the field of marine ecology.
“A keen conservationist, Will does volunteer work in weed control and bush regeneration and last year started Burra Creek Landcare,” the group said.
Laura Hawkins is “a young keen animal welfare enthusiast, who is passionate about sustainability and environmental protection.
Ms Hawkins is completing a Bachelor Degree in Business while working at a truss plant in Moruya.
A shire resident for three years, she has helped co-ordinate local national events in the community such as Clean up Australia Day and a People’s Climate March, along with participating in events to raise awareness for animal welfare and environmental protection.
Cr Harding was one of three women elected to the previously male-only council four years ago.