PAUL SCULLY (LABOR)
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Age: 42
Lives: Figtree
Occupation: Formerly Chief Operating Officer, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (was legally required to resign to contest the byelection)
Background: I was born, raised and educated in Wollongong. I have lived here my entire life and understand the needs and priorities of our community.
I have worked in a range of senior roles in government and outside it, most recently with the University of Wollongong where I was involved in the supporting research, its commercialisation and the development of the Innovation Campus.
This role was about supporting ongoing job opportunities in the region and helping to create new ones.
Three big issues this election: Local jobs, health and hospitals, building the lifts at Unanderra station.
Why should I get your vote?
We need a fresh start in Wollongong; one focused on the long-term.
We need more local jobs. That’s why I launched a fully-funded Illawarra Jobs Action Plan to support existing industries like steel; relocate 200 public sector jobs to Wollongong; invest in tourism and infrastructure; and look to new job opportunities.
I am opposed to the cuts to health and our hospitals, especially the privatisation of Shellharbour Public Hospital because it will mean that your wallet will determine your level of care.
Labor will also invest in our schools and TAFE and build the lifts at Unanderra Station.
COLLEEN BAXTER (CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY)
Age: 51
Lives: Mount Keira
Occupation: Clerk
Background: I was born in Sydney but moved to Wollongong at an early age.
After working alongside my parents who pioneered local music programs, I obtained a Bachelor of Music from Sydney Conservatorium, then diplomas in administration and early childhood. Volunteer childcare provider in the past.
I have worked in the Illawarra as a clerk in the financial, legal and superannuation industries and cared for my parents prior to their passing.
Three big issues this election
- Train service for commuters to Sydney to be at least on par with that of the Central Coast.
- Supporting new local jobs and small businesses via grants and red tape cuts.
- Improved health care to increase Registered Nurse/Patient ratios and implementing local management to ensure better health outcomes.
Why should I get your vote?
As a resident of Wollongong for 43 years, I have worked alongside people like you who are real Aussie battlers as well as high professional achievers.
As a CDP candidate, I propose bringing transparency and accountability to all political aspects in the seat of Wollongong.
Many locals commute to work in Sydney on a train system that is overly time-consuming, and it is not sustainable without having to forego any regular community and personal contacts.
I have seen so many small businesses come and go because of lack of patronage.
I have seen the skyline of Wollongong change dramatically in recent years. I have seen redundancies hurt families.
I would dedicate myself to the community to assist in resolving these issues.
GORDON BRADBERY (INDEPENDENT)
Age: 65
Lives: Berkeley
Occupation: Wollongong Lord Mayor and Ordained Minister of the Uniting Church
Background: Graduate of UOW, and Post Graduate B.D. from Sydney University.
Lord Mayor – 2011 to present
Uniting Church Minister – 1986 to present
Married to Pilar Helmers; two adult sons, and two granddaughters
Served in the Uniting Church
Chaplain to the Police Force & Fire Service
Chair of Lifeline South Coast for 15 years
Social activism and advocacy for the disadvantaged, especially those with mental health issues and living in poverty
OAM for community service
Three big issues this election
- Attracting investment and employment opportunities to our region, to facilitate and steer the region’s growth. Ultimately addressing disadvantage, poverty and unemployment, particularly our region’s unacceptably high level of youth unemployment
- The Wollongong Entertainment Centre refurbishment and Wollongong Harbour Master planning
- Address train speed, timetabling and more rail cars for passenger comfort, and also road upgrades and infrastructure to serve the Port and commuters.
Why should I get your vote?
I have lived in the seat of Wollongong since 1996 and served this city ever since, the last 5 years as Lord Mayor.
We need better representation in State Parliament to attract our fair share of resources.
This city is the powerhouse of the regional economy and generates income for the State.
Now it’s time we received recognition and the investment that reflects its contribution that it has made over many decades.
JOE ROSSI (SHOOTERS, FARMERS & FISHERS)
No information provided.
CATH BLAKEY (GREENS)
Age: 36
Lives: Wollongong
Occupation: Wholefoods retailer
Background: I work in small business for a community-owned food co-operative that sources locally grown and organic produce with minimal packaging. It’s food that’s good for our health, fair for the farmer, and doesn’t cost the earth.
I spent five years working in environmental education at Wollongong and Shellharbour Council, and four years working in the UK in organic farming, alternative technology and nature conservation.
I studied environmental science at the University of Wollongong, conservation and land management at Yallah TAFE, and went to Wollongong High School and Mt St Thomas Public.
I’m the daughter of a steelworker and a TAFE teacher, and I was born at Wollongong Hospital.
Three big issues this election
- Housing affordability
- Keeping public services in public hands, no privatisation, cuts or sell-off of TAFE, hospitals or other essential services
- Renewable energy and green jobs
Why should I get your vote?
Some people say that politics doesn’t matter. But can you afford a TAFE course? How often does the trains go? Can you afford to buy a place to live? How long is the wait at hospital?
These issues are all impacted by politicians. I’m running for the Greens because I want a government that makes decisions in the interest of our community, that invests in public services and that shares the wealth so that people can have housing, education, health care and good jobs.
I’m doing it in Wollongong, because that’s the place I was born, raised and I love.