Michelle Cook (Councillor, NSW)
Member, National Coordinating Committee

Thank you (WEL and supporters) for the hard work, and the efforts of many amazing women, who have gone before me to make this possible.

As Covid brought many pivots in our lives, for me Covid saw me move to Regional NSW with my partner. But it also gave me the gift of time. I realised I could make a difference. I could be the change I wanted to see.

And so, in December 2021, I put my hand up for the Local Government elections. I have a seat at the table of Local Government, and being an older woman, I am seen advocating for and representing on issues, all of which are part of your Policy Platforms for WEL - The Housing Crisis, Family and Domestic Violence and Women’s Electoral Representation.

In this year alone, I have been a part of a number of important conferences, events for advocacy including: Aging in a Housing crisis Delegation to Canberra for Homeless week 2023 with HAAG (Housing for the Aged Action Group), NSW Senate Inquiry for Rent Bidding, Consultation with DSS on the housing and homelessness plan, Consultation for Homes NSW for Housing and Domestic Violence, Forums for Trauma Informed Care & DV, The QLD and Victorian Housing Conferences, Regional and Rural Forums, Local Government Conferences including ALGWA, Pathways to Politics Alumni.

I have a Bachelor of Business, Accounting and studied an MBA. This year I have also completed the Executive Certificate in governance for elected members and the Community Directors Course. Tick the education box. My working life started at Qantas Airways. Flight operations is quite a job for someone so young (then) and 1 of about 8 women in Australia, briefing pilots from around the world. In the last 20 years I worked in management accounting and consulting.Background skills and knowledge ticked.

So that just leaves my passion. I want to shine a spotlight. Ignite discussion. Ask questions. Get results. Achieve outcomes. When you focus on possibilities, you have more opportunities. Remember Einstein’s definition of Insanity, doing the same thing over & over and expecting different results. I hope that if I am elected to your National Coordinating Committee, and work with you on these important issues.