Candidate announcement press release

Leading the ticket is Kathy Rice, a Kiama Councillor for 9 years. She a Science graduate with post-graduate qualifications in Health Promotion and has recently graduated from The Australian Institute of Company Directors. Kathy has been an advocate for the Healthy Cities Illawarra program.

Kathy Rice said: “I believe the Healthy Cities program empowers people to participate in decision making, and it makes community resources available for citizens to develop confidence in making beneficial change at a personal or public level.

For a sustainable future, it is vital to protect our environment, acknowledge and act to reduce climate change and protect our farmlands from overdevelopment.

I will work to protect our natural environment which is ecologically critical and provides wellbeing and resilience to all.

I am looking forward to working alongside like-minded Councillors to improve Council’s transparency and responsiveness to the community.”

Deputy Mayor Andrew Sloan said, “Kathy has been a reliable, informed and reasoned presence on Council, she is driven by her passion for liveable communities and environmental protection”.

Second on the ticket is Jodi Keast, a Kiama resident for over 21 years. She is a certified practising accountant, with a Master of Business Administration. She has worked as a Manager at the Kiama Community College since 2013 and is Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors of Grand Pacific Health Ltd (GPH) since 2014. GPH is a non-profit organisation that delivers mental health services, preventative health services, aboriginal health services and operates two primary health clinics. Jodi is a member of Kiama Tennis Club, Past Secretary of Kiama Downs Netball Club and previously played hockey for Kiama.

Jodi Keast said: “I am passionate about ensuring change is driven by and for our community. As a Councillor I will actively listen to Kiama residents; protect our precious land, water, plants, and animals; plan for our future social, financial, and cultural needs; respond to climate change and act to improve the wellbeing of our community.”

Third on the ticket is Tanya George, a Bachelor of Nutrition graduate with qualifications in Conservation and Land Management, Animal Husbandry and Business Administration. Tanya works as a Secondary Science Teacher, is active in local Landcare and has history of advocating for the local Minnamurra River environment.

Tanya George said “I will bring a strong sense of social and environmental justice to Council and a desire to protect the most vulnerable in our community. I am a good listener and can converse with compassion across all sections of our community.

Governance involves listening to the local community and ensuring transparency, consistency, and fairness in the decisions we make. The Greens have a track record for putting community needs and the environment before profits”.

Deputy Mayor Andrew Sloan said, “Greens Councillors always vote independently, however their decisions are guided by four principles of environmental sustainability, grass roots democracy, social justice and peace, and non-violence and this is what makes them Greens”.

The other members of the Greens team are:

Crystal Wilson, a medical student who offers an important voice for youth. She has a strong commitment to the environment and a focus on mental, rural, and Indigenous health. Crystal is a keen hockey player with Kiama and enjoys a cheeky game of trivia at the Kiama Leagues Club.

Warren Holder is a retired Industrial Arts teacher and President of the Gerroa Environment Protection Society. He is an avid wind surfer, who has won State and National championships.

Ken Sandy (from Gerringong), is a retired hospital scientist and company director. Ken is a keen golfer, who is committed to openness and transparency in Council and protection of biodiversity.