Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who was the guest speaker at this year’s Earle Paige Politics Lecture, has inspired local government election candidates for Armidale Dumaresq, Cr Dorothy Robinson and Pete O’Donohue.
When asked about the contribution of women to politics, Sarah noted the valuable contribution of many Greens Councillors to their local community, and that women were often better able to engage, discuss and find solutions to the problems faced by their communities.
Cr Dorothy Robinson hopes to see an improvement in the gender balance at Armidale Dumaresq Council after September’s election.
“One woman and nine men was not ideal,” said Cr Robinson.
“However, I’m pleased at the many achievements I initiated to improve sustainability and efficiency, and at the same time, reduce costs to Council.
“My proposal to appoint an energy efficiency and sustainability officer was also a first step on the road to encouraging ratepayers to reduce energy costs and find solutions to our pollution-related health problems.
“Just before meeting Sarah, I talked with Professor Kaarin Anstey, invited speaker at the Robb College Health Lecture. Prof Anstey said her audience at an international conference had been shocked by the research linking air pollution to cognitive decline. Few people seem to realise that air pollution damages brains as well hearts and lungs, and that this can happen at a relatively early age.”
Greens candidate Pete O’Donohue said that he had been impressed by Sarah’s passion and commitment.
“If elected to council in September, I hope to continue the work begun by Dorothy in improving the amenity and long-term viability of the Armidale Dumaresq environs.
“To this end, the Greens will work to ensure the retention of Dumaresq Dam as a recreation area in its current form and promote Armidale as the hub of a region that can attract sustainable industry and development.
“Hopefully this will be in conjunction with Dorothy as the present Greens councilor.”
