Federal election 2019: Cunningham, meet your local candidates

Six candidates are running for the federal seat of Cunningham at the upcoming election on May 18. Each of the candidates have taken time out of their hectic campaign schedules to tell you a bit more about themselves.

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Six candidates are running for the federal seat of Cunningham at the upcoming election on May 18.

Each of the candidates have taken time out of their hectic campaign schedules to tell you a bit more about themselves.

The Cunningham electorate covers the northern end of Wollongong City Council, running east of the Illawarra escarpment from Helensburgh to Warrawong.

Incumbent Labor MP Sharon Bird has held the seat since 2004, after winning it back from The Greens.

The candidates running for the seat of Cunningham are: Sharon Bird for Labor, Chris Atlee for the Liberal Party, Rowan Huxtable for the Greens, John Gill for Sustainable Australia, John Flanagan for Non-Custodial Parents Party and Grace Louise Younger for the United Australia Party.

SHARON BIRD: LABOR

A BIT ABOUT ME: I was born in Wollongong and have lived here and raised my family here. I am very proud to have been first elected to be the Federal Member for Cunningham in 2004 and every election since then. Before entering politics I was a high school and TAFE teacher and this is why I am such a fierce advocate for the importance of education.

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME: People are often surprised to hear that I am a Grandmother. I have two beautiful grandchildren and I love talking about them a lot (like most proud nannas!).

Cunningham MP Sharon Bird.

MY POLITICAL BACKGROUND: In the Labor Government I was honoured to serve as Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education and Skills and Minister for Regional Development, Regional Communications and Road Safety, In Opposition I have served as Shadow Minister for Vocational Education.

Prior to entering parliament I was a high school teacher, TAFE teacher and worked in departmental and adviser roles.

I have been a proud member for the Labor Party since I was fifteen when my passion for social justice developed.

CHRIS ATLEE: LIBERAL

A BIT ABOUT ME: Living locally with his wife and three children, Chris understands the challenges faced by local families in the electorate. And as the son of two former Police Officers, Chris is passionate about keeping our communities and our families safe.

Running his own businesses, and having been President of the Corrimal Chamber of Commerce, Chris knows first-hand the importance of a strong local economy to create jobs for young people and provide more services for hardworking families and retirees.

Liberal candidate for Cunningham Chris Atlee.

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME: Chris is the owner of Wollongong’s Comic Book cafe.

MY POLITICAL BACKGROUND: President of Corrimal Chamber of Commerce (2018-2019) which was awarded Best Chamber in NSW at the NSW Business Awards

Councillor for the IBC Illawarra Regional Advisory Council (2018-2019).

JOHN FLANAGAN- NON: CUSTODIAL PARENTS PARTY

A BIT ABOUT ME: I am the parent of two girls from a de facto relationship. I was shocked at how much the court was both unfair and inequitable to parents after divorce or separation.

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME: I belong to the Fairness In Child Support (F.I.C.S.) group located in Coniston, NSW, which forms part of the electorate.

John Flanagan.

MY POLITICAL BACKGROUND: This is the seventh time that I have run as a candidate in Cunningham. This is starting with the 2002 Federal By-election and then at the six federal elections up to and including this 2019 election.

JOHN GILL: SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA

A BIT ABOUT ME: I’m currently a small-business owner, love the Australian bush and walking and camping in it. I play tennis weekly and am involved in the local community, Toastmasters, Business Networking, and run a Meetup.com Group in Wollongong.

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME: I have a private pilot’s licence and have in the past flown aerobatics.

Sustainable Australia candidate for Cunningham John Gill.

MY POLITICAL BACKGROUND: I ran in the electorate of Keira in the recent NSW election. I have had an intense interest in politics for a long time from the point of view of better representation of the people rather than politicians representing their party.

ROWAN HUXTABLE: THE GREENS

A BIT ABOUT ME: I moved to Wollongong in 1995 with my family to work as an engineer at the steelworks, and have lived and worked here since then. I was a founding member of Wollongong Climate Action Network and am in Rotary and other community organisations.

I have worked with all sorts of people on charity events, farms, mines and in heavy industry. I know the importance of respect, listening, and using high quality information when deciding things. I want a sustainable future for all of us.

Rowan Huxtable.

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME: I grew up in Orange.

MY POLITICAL BACKGROUND: None.

GRACE LOUISE YOUNGER: UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY

Grace Louise Younger was revealed as the United Australia Party’s candidate fro Cunningham at the recent ballot draw.

Ms Younger was drawn last on the ballot.