After observing Holroyd Council, attending almost every council meeting over the past 15 months and seeing the political party politics of the Holroyd Independent, Labor and Liberal parties, I have decided to put my hat into the ring and run for a council seat in South Ward, as a true Independent, at the upcoming council elections.
“Council needs new blood. It needs to get rid of the party politics. It needs to get back to listening and caring for the community. It needs to become Independent again. Even the Holroyd Independents are not true independents - they are in fact a registered political party” Gillian Kirby commented.
"During the time I have attended Council, the quality of council decision making has seemed poor, with escalating negative and party political and personal attacks in council”.
“ I’ve seen Holroyd Independent, Labor and Liberal Councillors unwilling to listen or even consider compromise or alternate solutions from residents on our local issues. In fact, the Mayor and many of those Councillors have tried to silence ANY resident input on ANY matter by trying to introduce a reduction in Public Forum speaking time down to a ridiculous ’25 words or less, zip it’ code”, said a disappointed Gillian. “Council is meant to represent the community views, not try to shut them out or close them down” Gillian continued.
“I passionately want to represent residents’ views and am prepared to listen and learn the community viewpoints”, Gillian stated.
During the last year, she has met and spoken to many residents – in shopping centres; at Merrylands railway station, and also through door-knocking. Her commitment has been demonstrated by her willingness to speak out on behalf of residents at various Council meetings and in the media for over a year – over the high rise proposals; the Council ‘Code of Meeting Practice’; Council’s Operational Plan and the swimming pools.
Gillian said “she wants to improve services for both our young and elderly, as well as support the cultural diversity of Holroyd”. She fervently wants to encourage more professionalism in Council – respect, genuineness, integrity, transparency and accountability – removing Councillor personal vendettas and agendas.
And she believes the number of female Councillors should increase – that there should be a more realistic representation of the female demographic.
Gillian works in the employment services sector and has done so for over 20 years. She has an honours degree in Social Studies and has lived in Holroyd for over 30 years and wants to influence change through participating in our local government. As Holroyd’s Council logo says, "I want to create 'a better place for everyone'”.
I look forward to the election campaign, meeting and hearing from residents and then hopefully representing those views on Council because ‘I care’ and it's time that Council put 'Holroyd First'.