Hi, I'm Sarah
Independent candidate for Yammerbook.
I have lived in Aspendale with my husband for 24 years. We have 3 daughters, who all attend school locally and are involved in local community sport. I grew up in neighbouring Beaumaris and have been an active member of our community as a volunteer life saver and member of a number of sporting clubs.
Over the years I have owned and operated two successful small businesses. My passion has always been teaching people to swim and I have been fortunate to turn this into a career for myself and an employment opportunity for my staff.
It’s a privilege to work with local families at my swim school and as a Nippers age manager on the beach.
As a real Independent for Yammerbook, I’m focused on community consultation and advocacy.
Independent
Being independent my focus is 100% on the needs of the residents of Yammerbook Ward.
I am independent of political power brokers, party politics, and restrictive policy platforms that regularly completely overlook local community needs.
I believe in democracy, representation for the people, by the people and that means being accessible, honest, accountable, responsible, open and treating people, their time and their money (taxes, council rates) with respect.
Integrity & Transparency
Ratepayers’ money should benefit local residents through infrastructure and services. The council needs to focus on maintenance, roads, footpaths, stormwater drainage, and rubbish collection services, which are currently inadequate.
Too often, funds are wasted on projects that fall under State and Federal jurisdiction. Wasteful spending must be curtailed, and maintenance contracts should be publicly disclosed.
Where possible, contracts should be awarded to local businesses who are also providing local employment opportunities.
Instead of raising rates, better spending management and transparency are essential priorities.
Community
As a long-time volunteer life saver and community sports participant, I understand the value of sport. Excellent facilities encourage healthy participation.
Community is about shared joy in activities like sports, worship, social events, volunteering, and gardening.
I will collaborate with the community and local council to prioritize projects that foster a healthy, happy and engaged community.
Environment
As a passionate open water swimmer, who also has a love of hiking, I know how incredibly lucky we are to have some of the most beautiful beaches and parklands in the City of Kingston.
If elected I will work with my community to preserve these beautiful spaces and stop over development.
We need to preserve our environment and continue the restoration of indigenous plants to provide habitat for native species, reduce soil and sand erosion and improve soil quality.