Thursday, 28 January 2016

Spotlight on Karyn Owen, Candidate for Division 3, Thornlands

I was born in Melbourne, one of six kids, and left there when I was about two and moved to the Northern Territory where I lived firstly in Darwin and then Katherine for many years with my five brothers and sisters.   As the oldest of the children, most of my life was spent helping look after them so that Mum could go to work. 

My Dad was in the Airforce and that was my life until I was 15 , when I left and went to finish my schooling at Kildare College in Traralgon, Gippsland.  

When I was 18, I craved my freedom so I left home for good and went back to Melbourne to work.  I ended up working in a pharmaceuticals company (Lilly Industries) where I stayed for quite a while.

I don't know if this is what led me to a defining moment in my life.... 

 In 1987,  I got involved in something that wasn’t my fight, but someone needed to do it.


Karyn with her husband of 30 years Eric is driven by a social conscience.

A small paragraph way in the back of the Courier Mail piqued my interest when it stated that the Director of Surgery (I'll call him Mr X) at the Townsville Hospital was resigning as he couldn’t condone the treatment of their mental health patients who were being seriously harmed and even dying.

At that time I was running a Health and Nutrition consultancy in Capalaba, and I was loving it.  Still, I picked up the phone.  I rang the former Director of Surgery, Mr X and after a short conversation we decided to meet in Brisbane at a coffee shop.

What I learned horrified me.

On my way home after that meeting, I knew that I couldn’t pretend to not be concerned.  I was, and his words ate at me for a few days until I made the decision to see what I could do. 

Subsequently, I acquired a MIMs book, a medical dictionary, a copy of the Mental Health Act  and started reading.  The first thing I did was research the particular drugs being administered to the patients.  

That very week  I started receiving anonymous parcels of patient records almost daily. that arrived in brown paper envelopes because I guess people had heard about my campaign.  

From these, I was able to find out what doses of the drugs patients were receiving  and  what those doses should have been.  I documented everything carefully, as well as the effects that these doses had on the patients, making sure patient confidentiality was maintained.  

These were real people who were victims of the system and, at the time, they had no recourse or platform to lodge complaints.  Nobody was listening to them.

In my journey, I met a couple of wonderful journalists.   One in particular was outstanding.  My press releases were usually on pages 1 and 3 of the Daily Sun.

As a result of that partnership combining investigation and reporting, within just six months we really rocked the establishment.  

Some of you might remember the campaign - the case of the infamous Ward 10B of the Townsville Hospital - which led ultimately to the exposure of the unethical mistreatment of mental patients in Queensland,  and the subsequent actions, where:


  • A Commission of Inquiry was established
  • A Heath Rights Commission was set up
  • A Mental Health Review Committee set up which is independent of the Health Rights Commission.


An extract from Hansard, 26 February 1991
as Karyn's tireless work bore fruit.

We forever changed the way in which mental health patients are treated in public hospitals.

This experience proved to me that just one person focused and on a mission can really make a difference at a high level.  

Since those days, I have been involved in many other causes.  For instance, I set up a Suicide Support Group and one memory I have is of rushing to Brisbane late one night to talk a young woman off the Story Bridge.  Yes, this sort of thing really does happen.

Most recently,  I found myself in the most important and difficult fights of my professional life,
I am currently Business Development Manager for Owen Custom Products which is owned jointly by my husband, Eric, and myself. We design and manufacture mining equipment.  We have been in this business for many years and during that time, I've also looked after much of the business administration including financial management.

As a result of our innovative approaches to design, we have won numerous awards including an Australian Design Award, Prince Philip Prize for Australian Design,  Finalist Premier's Award for Industry and, more recently, Winner of the Australian Engineering Excellence Award for Queensland.  We both have the ability to think outside the square in problem solving, and I think our achievements are proof of that.

But more recently, a large multinational company attempted to 'steal' one of our company's key products, claiming it as their own.  Eric had designed, developed and manufactured this product from scratch.   But as it became obvious that the design was superior to any of the existing products on the market, we were at risk of losing our intellectual property.

As a result, many months of legal wrangling ensued, and in the end, when it was clear we would not back down,  the multinational walked away.

I think I've demonstrated that I will not be intimidated, I am an independent thinker, and I will fight for what is right.

I believe I have  strong social conscience and I happen  to be a person who is overcome by a desire to act and to change things if I see something wrong.  I believe in personal action and personal responsibility.
Karyn is a keen gardener who loves the local wildlife
I’ve been married for over 30 years to Eric and he is very much the stability in my life.  We have five children and now have 10 grand kids.   All our kids have good jobs and are great kids.  I feel very fortunate.

We've lived and worked in the Redlands now for nearly 40 years and have been in Thornlands for 14 of those. We live on a half-acre block because my great passion is gardening.  I love it.

I decided to run for Local Government because I am not good at 'sitting on the fence' and I felt this Division needed better representation.  

One issue that is close to my heart is to work hard to Bring the Safety House Back.  A Facebook page was set up late last year after yet another child was murderered and in a few short months there are  over 6400 likes.  

The level of help being offered by residents is astonishing and I am feeling quite excited about being able to bring some real skills to the table to help get this up and running.          

Friday, 22 January 2016

Up Close and Personal with James Harling, Candidate for Division 4, Victoria Point.

 I was born in Melbourne in 1954 and was the youngest of five children. At 18 months due to a family breakup, I was given to the care of St Joseph’s Orphanage. At 4 ½ years was adopted to a wonderful loving parents (now deceased) who changed my life forever.

I grew up in Elwood and like most kids spent many hours at the local beach and kicking the footy around the park. I was schooled firstly by the nuns at the local primary school until Grade 4 then by the Christian Brothers for the next eight years.
James has been involved in community service since he was 15.

At aged 15 years, I co-founded a local youth club which grew from a small group of 6 to100 over the following two years. I have very fond memories of playing pool, indoor volleyball, table tennis and organising concerts. 

Of course fundraising was tougher in those days and we used to have to sell tons of raffle tickets and collected thousands of used beer bottles!

After the youth club, as the guys got older, we needed to find something else to do, so I co-founded the Elwood Cricket Club in 1972. The club then expanded into football and hockey teams and is still running today 44 years later.





Since founding the youth club, I have been involved in many local charities, clubs, organisations and fundraising activities. These have ranged from Scouts to managing teams of fellow workers to work in food recovery kitchens.

As for my career, I spent some 40 years in banking, beginning in1972 when I started my working career with ANZ bank.  

I spent 25 years there,  progressing through many different positions and received my first managerial appointment at age 23, which was a bit of a rarity at that time I think.   

After finishing at ANZ I was asked to join the NAB and worked there in Senior Management roles for the next 15 years.  I was fortunate to travel for work extensively across Australia and also to the UK and USA. I spent two years working in New Zealand and successfully implemented a major technology project.

I was first married in 1977 and raised three children who are now aged between 33 and 40 years. Oh my gosh where did all those years go - and four grandchildren as well!

When that marriage ended in 1998, I met my wonderfully supportive wife, Mandi, and we are still happily married, thank heavens!

When we met I was blessed to “inherit” four step children aged between 18 months and 6 years. In 2002, we had a child together, who became the link between the families.  For those by now who have lost count, that’s eight between us!  

Mandi and I moved to Victoria Point in 2011.  We still have three children living with us not to mention a menagerie of animals including three long-haired Chihuahuas, two cats and a pair of lovebirds.  
James offers 40 years in banking.

In 1982 I had a life-changing event when I was involved in a scooter accident coming home late from a second job. As a result, I spent six weeks in care facility, and over the next four years had three total knee reconstructions.

By May 2015 the impacts of this accident had well and truly set in.  

It was during the rehab time I decided that I needed to get going again mentally and physically.  So I undertook four months study to achieve my Real Estate Agent's Licence. 

Subsequently I set up my business, Reddy Set Sold,  as a way of providing a small group of clients with a personalised and lower cost real estate service.

I decided to run as a candidate for Division 4 because I felt I could be a fresh and positive change for Victoria Point.

With 40 yeas' corporate business experience, I believe I have the credentials and proven track record to make me a strong and effective representative. 

I have always been results-driven and make decisions based on common sense, detailed analysis and sound judgement.  

If elected, I will work hard to ensure the lifestyle, community, economy and environment of our beautiful City is not only maintained but enriched for future generations.


Spotlight on Peter Mitchell: Candidate for Division 2, Cleveland

I spent my early years in Belmont in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs where I attended Iona College Lindum. 

After finishing school I completed my Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University at U of Q in 1985.  I went on to do a Master in Sports Physiotherapy at Griffith University in 1999.

As a physiotherapist, I owned and operated my own business in Cleveland for 25 years.  I employed local staff and treated more than 15,000 residents in that time.

Physiotherapy is a wonderful profession, It has given me a chance to glimpse into the lives of a wide variety of people and to develop a true empathy for them.  I’ve had to chance to get to know what is on the mind of Redlanders, one at a time. 

I believe my small business experience has helped me develop a very strong work ethic and really appreciate the value of teamwork.   I’ve also learned the importance of having diverse skills, of customer care and professional service. 

My biggest passion is my family.    My wife, Jane, and I have four grown daughters, two grandsons, one dog, and five chickens.   It's quite a brood!

Peter Mitchell with his wife Jane.  Family is his number one passion.

Aside from that, one of my other passions is travel.  I’ve been all through North America, Asia, Africa and Europe.  My travels have helped me get a true perspective of just how lucky we are to have our home here in the Redlands.  It's just such a fantastic place to live.

But it's health and wellbeing, of course, that are paramount in my life, both professionally and personally.  Through the years I have been involved in rugby league, touch football, marathons, and kite surfing.  I am currently active in triathlons and mountain biking.  I am a mad keen sportsman - I admit it!

I decided to make the move into politics because I felt it allowed me to channel my love for Redlands and its people into delivering things that were long-lasting.  I have heard Redlanders tell me their concerns for years.  I’m eager to have the opportunity to provide action on their behalf.

I think a Community needs to be inclusive, and united as one for the good of all its residents – and I just haven’t seen this happening.  I hope I can make a positive change here.

There are many ways to contribute to a vibrant and united City, and we all have our own ways in which get involved in events or causes.

Peter is a mad keen sportsman.
  
For instance, I've had the great opportunity to sponsor and support local sporting and cultural events such as the Koala Fun Run and the Straddie Salute Triathlon.  

I’ve also served on the committee of the Redland City Chamber of Commerce and also the Victoria Point Sharks Triathlon Club.   As well I volunteer with a local Bushcare group.

I want to be the kind of Councillor that people are proud of.  I want to ensure I listen to people and work hard to resolve their issues through negotiation, consultation and teamwork.
Should I be privileged enough to be voted as Councillor by the people of Division 2, I promise to be present and positive.

What can I say.  I'm looking forward to the race!



For more information about Peter Michell, his plans and policies, please visit www.petermitchell.com.a

Tuesday, 19 January 2016

5 Top Tips for New Local Candidates

You've been inspired to run for local government.  You may have a genuine passion to effect a change.   Less compellingly, you may have been been lured by the prospect of a cruisy life with a regular pay cheque?

The current Mayor, Karen Williams was inspired to run for office after issues with funding for the then Strawberry Festival for which she has worked tirelessly for decades (she was it's first poster child at the tender age of 7).

Former Logan Mayor, Pam Parker grew up in poverty and was inspired to run, she says, by the desire to help people.

Former Brisbane Lord Mayor, Sallyanne Atkinson, famously was a stay-at-home Mum of five kids, who was inspired to run for Council after a vexatious issue with a burst water main.

Ron Harding is taking on Graham Quirk for Lord Mayor of Brisbane because, while he loves Brisbane, he thinks it can be better.

Regardless of your motivations, as a new Candidate you will be driven by a mission or a vision of your own.

But local government - as the coal face of constituent interaction - requires a certain fortitude.  As recent events suggest, it can get ugly, and no uglier than here in Redlands where slander, defamation and libel pass for 'debate' and where little credit is given to one's opponents.

To help new candidates in the days ahead, here's our top tips to help you survive and succeed.

Number 5:  Be Open to Criticism


Deafening your ears to your critics or combatants is a common ploy.  We understand.  It's tough listening to criticism, especially when it can become somewhat nasty.

Pretend it's not happening and she'll be apples you think?

But it's a wise man who 'keeps his enemies close'.  If you're not hearing what your opponents are saying, then you're lulling yourself into a false sense of security.

Listen with an open mind, muting - if you can - the small minority who can't seem to debate with any niceness or humanity.  You can't afford to be overly-sensitive.

Remember, democracies rely on the belief that we all hold varying and opposing opinions.  As long as the opinion is not abusive, or personal then let everyone you want to represent to have their say.

It's also helpful to be clear about the laws of defamation that may apply in your State.  If it's defamatory - then it's abuse.


Number 4: Respect your Opposition


Belittling the opposition is common practice and perhaps, human nature.  However, respect for your opposition is important.

Avoid ridicule and mockery, ungraciousness and nastiness, keeping in mind these people have friends and family and, often, extremely wide networks.

Instead choose to:

  • Engage in debate using clearly articulated ideas, substantiated by sources if possible
  • Reasonably critiquing statements or claims that may be arguable, false, malicious or even megalomaniacal
  • Participating openly in public debates without the need for fakery or aliases.



Number 3:  Engage Face to Face


Experts argue that face-to-face engagement is more powerful than other forms of engagement.  People know you're dealing with a real person and any questions can be asked and answered without the need for abuse.

In these days of social media, in fact, face-to-face engagement has even more value.  People respond to the personal touch; they really do.

Instead of priming their keyboards, then, new candidates should lace up their boots and pound the pavement.   Find ways to meet people.  Participate in live forums.  People are always better face to face.

Remember online and other means of communication have a tendency to allow way too many of us to engage in the worst of behaviours.

Face to face is safe!

Number 2:  Be Real


If you hadn't noticed, voters in Australia are increasingly cynical.  They genuinely want to believe the worst.

Few have sought explanations for this unlikable phenomenon but it's a reality.

That's why it's important to keep it real.  Nobody likes fakes - fake people, fake promises, fake claims.

Provide your constituents with facts, not fiction.  If you can't substantiate a statement, don't say it, don't peddle it, don't promote it.

Just because you have 50 people just like you, peddling the same 'fact' doesn't make it true or right.  And, frankly, it will get you into hot water.

Stay real.  It's the best policy.


Number 1:  Stay Positive


Positive campaigns, unfortunately don't grow on trees but they can be done.  One example for instance is the 2012 gubernatorial election in North Carolina between  Republican Pat McCrory  and Democrat Walter Dalton.  North Carolina hadn't had a republican governor for 20 years.

Four years prior, McCrory had lost to governor Beverly Perdue by this side of four percent.  He thought his race was over but instead, decided to run again and this time, he promised an only-positive campaign.

Abrama et al, writing on imcclass.com, explain that McCrory carried out his promise throughout his speeches and fundraising.  Throughout his campaign, he didn't run one negative TV or radio ad.  In every ad he focused on his policies, issues and plans for the future of the State.

It's the tenth largest in the US and McCrory apparently did a fine job.  He won!

Other than that, be guided by the philosophy that 'it is human to err'.  None of us are perfect and if someone has got it wrong, a discussion over tea and cake is going to be much more helpful in the long-run.

Have fun!













Spotlight on Sharyn Doolan: Division 7 Candidate for Alexandra Hills

I was born in Melbourne in 1965, and lived in an outer suburb called Mount Waverley.  With its market gardens and bushland it was rather like the Redlands. 

At the age of  9, my family packed up house and home for South Gippsland, and eventually settled in the tiny town of Meeniyan with a population of 350 people, and two horses, one of which was mine!


Animal lover, Sharyn Doolan, wants people in her Division to know she is a caring person.

I still have a passion for horses, and would love to have acreage one day.  In the meantime I've contented myself with two very big dogs, which on a good day could pass for mini horses.

In 1984 I hopped on the back of my boyfriend’s bike and came to Brisbane where I had to work very hard to pronounce 'Indooroopilly' - much to the amusement of my friends.  



It was a job in radio that brought me to Queensland.  My first gig was as a mid-dawn announcer at FM 104 in 1985.  Wow!  The people, the station, the promotions, the music.  It was such an exciting place to be for a 19-year-old.


It was at FM 104 that I voiced my first radio commercial, for Silhouette  Clothing store and 18 years later, I had worked for an 
assortment of radio stations around Brisbane and South East Queensland.  My last full-time on-air position was at the Drivetime Announcer on Star FM in Ipswich in 2001 (now known as River 949).


Following my career in radio, I established a studio at my home and promoted my services as a Voice-Over Artist.  I have since been reading scripts for people, companies, and businesses all over Australia and the world.


And I love it!

Why politics then?

I’ve had a keen interest in politics for a long, long time.  I've always had a great interest in my country and what happens to her.



And I’m truly thankful to our Grandparents and the previous generations for giving us the freedom we have now.  I want to protect that for future generations.

In fact, I and my partner, David were honoured to go to Gallipoli last year for the 100th Anniversary.  We were there to honour his Uncle who was mown down in the second wave of that fateful battle. It was a moving and unforgettable experience.  




Sharyn and her partner David at Gallipoli.
I have now lived in the Redlands for almost 25 years.   I’ve seen it grow and change.   I’ve seen good and bad in politics and people.  Thankfully more of the good than bad.

I believe we need considered growth; without it we stagnate.   



We need jobs and infrastructure, but we also need to keep this City as the lifestyle jewel that it is.

I love the bushland and the sea.   You don’t see many places this close to a capital city with all the amazing attributes we have.

As for our people, they need more services, I’m particularly passionate about sexual abuse and domestic violence.

I’ve also volunteered at Cleveland Meals on Wheels for about five years. I see lonely and very thankful people who have worked and served us and gave us this amazing legacy. I am grateful to them and this is my way of saying 'thank you'.   Sadly - sometimes we are the only people the customers see on a daily basis. 

But on the flip side of that coin, I'd like to encourage more arts and entertainment opportunities  to encourage fun and creativity.  Bored people can make bad decisions!   Having activities to engage people is a healthy outlet and I’d like to see more.

For the people in Division 7, as your Councilor, when you need assistance with something I will come to meet with you face to face in your home.  

I don’t know if  you are young or old, have a car or not, or whether I’m the only person you see for days.   But I want you to know I care, and the only way I can show you is to come to you and meet you.  

I work for you.  It’s my job to help you in every way I can.