Yes. I have never been a member of a political party. My motivation to stand as a candidate for Division 9, came as a result of advocating for my community on local issues.
Members of the public asked if I would consider being the community’s voice and run as a candidate for council.
I receive much support from other local Division 9 residents and many of them are members of various major political parties, which sometimes makes for interesting discussions! While they might have different political beliefs, the one thing they all agree on is that they love Division 9.
Yes. Both Doonan and Peregian Beach are suburbs that have been divided between the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Noosa Council. I live in the section of Peregian Beach that is accessed from Murdering Creek Rd. This portion of the suburb is located in Division 9.
It’s a Spanish name. My father was from Asturias, Spain. My mother is Croatian. Both of my parents relocated to Australia in the late 1960’s and met each other while living in Brisbane.
The purple cockatoos are the brainchild of a couple of campaign supporters that live in Coolum.
After reading my announcement to stand as a candidate, Mike and Michael reached out to me as they felt our values aligned. We met and I spoke about disliking the necessary display of my face and name instead of just focusing on the issues and solutions.
It was their idea to come up with a symbol of support in lieu of a campaign sign. I’ve always loved the glossy black cockatoos, they are a vulnerable species and just like our region, need support and protection.
Michael and Mike began making the purple cockatoos out of recycled corflute and they’ve become so popular they are struggling to keep up with the demand. Cockatoos are popping up in Peregian Springs, Coolum, Verrierdale, Doonan and Bli Bli.
It became quite a talking point and people are still having conversations about what they mean. For some it’s an ‘aha’ moment when they find out that the cockatoos are related to my campaign and kids love spotting them around town. It’s been a fantastic grassroots initiative and I’m grateful for the efforts of the guys and to everyone who displayed a cockatoo and to those who displayed them for the last four years!
If there are residents I haven’t got to yet and who would like to display a Purple Cockatoo in support just contact me and I will be happy to have one delivered to you.
