It’s been close to 10 years since this photo was taken, when my family was told our St Peters home was to be compulsorily acquired for WestConnex.

My daughter was only 5 – and small enough for me to hold! – and I’d never been involved in public life or politics, nor did I have any ambition for it.

WestConnex sent life in a completely different direction – one that led to me running for and winning a seat on Inner West Council in 2017, and again in 2021.

I’ll always be profoundly grateful for the support I’ve received from our community, both with the WestConnex Action Group and Council. Knowing you have placed your trust in me to represent and fight for you has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

So it’s with sadness I let you know I won’t be seeking re-election at the Council elections in September.

There have been so many parts of being a Councillor I’ve loved. But it’s a hugely demanding job that pays little – less than $34,000 a year at IWC – so it’s one you have to juggle with other work.

Add family commitments and it becomes a job that’s very hard to sustain. That little girl in the photo will soon start on her HSC, and I need to be there for her in a way that won’t be possible unless I step down.

I’ve said this before – until pay and conditions for Councillors change, local government will fail to attract and keep diverse candidates, particularly those outside political parties. And that’s a shame.

It’s incredibly uncomfortable for me to publicly reflect on my highlights and achievements, but I hope you’ll indulge me this once. From launching the #RacismNotWelcome campaign; getting safer speeds on our local streets; improving Council’s tree policy; helping local charities support our most vulnerable; working to minimise gambling harm; (finally!) getting loos in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park; being on the Major Projects Committee; celebrating our LGBTQIA+ communities; bringing in Council’s first Gender Equity Strategy; to helping hundreds of people get the outcomes they need from Council, this is the stuff I’ll really miss.

Thank you for all your support, and for electing me as your Independent Councillor. It’s been an honour.