IIt has been a great privilege to serve as a Councillor for the City of Mount Gambier for the last 8 years and I seek your support for a further term. I am committed to working hard for my community, exploring creative and innovative solutions to the many and diverse issues facing us. I have served on the Audit and Risk Committee (Chair 2017 – 2022), CEO Performance Review Committee, Wulanda Proje
ct Control Group, Christmas Parade Advisory Group and as Deputy Mayor. I also represented Council on the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Trust Board and am Local Government representative and Chair of the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council. Recently I initiated Council’s advocacy with state and federal governments for action to address affordable housing and homelessness. I will continue to advocate on behalf our community, working collaboratively and with integrity across all sectors to explore new opportunities. My goal is to foster a vibrant and connected city that is economically, culturally and socially prosperous. I support progress that balances development with care for people and our environment, is sustainable and leaves a legacy we can be proud of for the generations that follow us. I am nominating for Council because I want to contribute to my community and use my skills, abilities and energy to achieve the best possible outcomes for the residents of Mount Gambier. I don’t have a specific agenda, but rather promise to deal with issues on their merits, work inclusively and collaboratively with others to develop creative and innovative solutions to issues facing us. My Values
Throughout my working life, I have been drawn to working to improve the lives of and opportunities for communities and in particular women. In my paid and community work I have worked with a wide range of people of diverse backgrounds, ages and circumstances to achieve common goals. As a community leader and advocate I am guided by the principals of equality of opportunity, access and inclusion so all individuals, businesses and organisations grow and prosper. My Background
I grew up in Mount Gambier and left to pursue a tertiary education and work opportunities, returning in 2004 to be closer to family. I have worked as a secondary teacher, financial planner, TAFE and university lecturer, organiser/industrial officer, researcher, project officer and manager. My more recent roles have included: Project Officer with Substance Misuse Limestone Coast; Project Officer establishing The Haven a Women’s Information Outreach Service located at the Library; Victim Support Coordinator assisting victims of crime; and Case Manager, assisting women experiencing domestic violence. My local community involvement includes:
• member of the Boandik Board 2013-2018,
• Chair Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group 2016-20
• member Soroptimist International Mount Gambier since 2008, President 2010-2011, Treasurer 2013-2014
Written and authorised by Sonya Mezinec 2/3 Queens Court Mount Gambier SA 5290
