Local Profile on Signe Westerberg
Local Profile on Signe Westerberg
10 Questions your time starts now:
Q:Can you tell us a bit about yourself? (any or all of where were you born, grew up, work background)
A: I was born in Marrickville (1955) and moved to Liverpool with my family in 1960, where I have remained for all but 6 months when first married. I grew up in Lurnea and moved to Sadleir some 36 years ago and raised my family there. I ran a small direct selling business from home for many years and 8 years ago built Liverpool Serviced Offices where I work Monday to Friday. Growing up in a housing estate created a preconceived idea of who we were. Believing all people are equal means I’ve spent a good deal of my life working towards removing those stigmas.
Q: What inspired you to enter politics? And why the Greens?
A: I’ve always been interested in working for the community but raising a family and working had kept me pretty occupied. Now my children have grown I felt I had the time to commit to doing a bit more. I ran as an independent candidate in the 2008 local council elections and, although I was not elected, I have been involved in a number of council committees and forums since including the CBD Committee, the Environmental Advisory Committee and the Community & Recreational Panel as well as the programs supporting the Georges River. I joined The Greens in January 2009 because of their commitment to working closely with the community for the best outcomes.
Q:Which local issues are you most passionate about?
A:I’m passionate about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to fully participate within our community. Without access to services such as health, transport, education and other essential support services life can be very difficult for the most vulnerable people in our community. want to see this preserved for future generations. Our rich bushland must be preserved and not exploited for the financial gain of the wealthy few. I’m driven by a strong belief that genuine community engagement will produce the best outcomes. Grassroots democracy is a core principal in The Greens.
Q:Which achievements are you most proud of? [Either professionally or personally /or both]
A:Professionally: stepping out of my comfort zone and building a small business from scratch. Personally: the support of my family in the choices I’ve made.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing the Greens in Fowler today?
A:Fowler is a Labor heartland safe seat. It is true working class and many people still base their support of the Labor party on years past. Our biggest challenge is getting the message out to the electorate that The Greens are a committed and credible alternative for those people who expected more from the major parties. The Greens offer true and unfettered access to policy making and grass roots decision making that can address the real needs of our community. We are in many ways what Labor ‘used’ to be.
Q:How will you make a difference locally to Fowler why are the Greens a better option than Labor?
A:The major parties neglect the people of Fowler. South Western Sydney has been abandoned in so many ways by the Federal government of the day, be it Coalition or Labor, because it is considered a safe Labor seat. We are at risk of being the ‘dumping’ ground for anything not wanted in other suburbs. The Greens have a solid track record of working closely with communities to meet their unique needs and are committed to improving public services and public transport in this region.
Q: How do you keep in touch with what’s happening in your community?
A;I am the community representative on several committees run by Liverpool council. I also attend all of the council forums and public council meetings. You can’t pretend to support a community if you aren’t socially and economically invested in it. Although I work full time, a significant amount (my family might say the majority) of my time is in attending local events, functions and chatting with the community generally.
Q: What do most people not know about you?
A: I’m pretty much an open book. I share most things and most people are aware I’m outspoken. What happens in my local area matters and I’ll make it well known if I feel anything is not in the best interests of the community.
Q: What are your favourite local haunts? (Cafes, beaches, parks, shops, whatever!)
A: Most of my time off is spent at home with family. I live on a reserve and try to appreciate the open space as often as possible. I love spending time at Light-Horse Park and take my grandson to Chipping Norton Lakes from time to time to ride his scooter and see the ducks and birdlife. I really want to see our public spaces like these preserved so that future generations can enjoy them too.
Q:Who are your local heroes?
A: People like the residents of Casula who diligently work towards a positive outcome for the sound walls and the residents who live at West Hoxton who fight the seemingly impossible fight to get sewerage connected to their homes. The guys in the LAKES group who fought to save the lakes in Cecil Hills and the local campaigners who work in the local parks & waterways to protect them in Liverpool and Fairfield. I’m always inspired by those who speak out about an injustice in their community The local nurses, police, fire fighters and ambulance staff who work day in and day out for the betterment of the community... these are heroes, often unsung but certainly amazing. Regardless of whether you agree with their cause these people get up each day and do what they can, these are the real heroes.
If you’d like to learn more check out Signe’s blog www.signe4liverpool.wordpress.com
Comments
Larrisa Beale posts
Good luck Signe, at least you care about the community.
Signe Westerberg posts
Thank Larrisa, we need to get the attention of major parties...they take us for granted out here, I'll certainly be doing my best to make sure they know we deserve better than we've had in the past
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