#50Days50Ways - #9 - A family approach to our local area

It might seem like a minor reason to vote for a politician but, for many, my connection to my family reassures them about my perspective and priorities. For more than 15 years now, I’ve been raising my sons here in this community. They went to day care here (at a few great locations) and then to school at a local public school. Now they attend St Andrews having been successful at being offered academic scholarships. We have attended local churches and connected with community at many locations across Division 9.

What this means is that my network of friends and supporters crosses many neighbourhoods, not just as a Councillor, but as a friend and associate. It means I can often find unique partnerships that help bring the community together, uncover the real issues in a dispute, and promote local activities genuinely having knowledge not just of the promotional material but also of the motivation and heart of the people involved. I love this about my job and my networks.

My wife Jude is a filmmaker and video production professional who works almost exclusively with charities, social enterprises and community groups. Her heart is to serve the community too, in her profession, and we work together and aligned on that mission. Lots of people tell me Jude is one of my best assets, and while I never think of Jude like that, I love that her work has meant she has been able to create campaigns or material for organisations like Girl Guides Australia, FreddyMatch, PTSD Resurrected, Verve Lead, Global Care Australia and even Mudgeeraba Creek State School; all local organisations doing great things locally.

Being a Councillor is more than a full-time job … it’s a lifestyle … and my family partner with me in the role, supporting and cheering me on, joining me at events, and connecting with their own networks in a way that helps me serve well. This is just another reason, however small, to #Vote1Tozer during March.