Federal election 2019: Werriwa, meet your local candidates
The candidates for Werriwa have been announced ahead of the May 18 federal election. MEET THE CANDIDATES.
The candidates for Werriwa have been announced ahead of the May 18 federal election.
Labor’s Anne Stanley holds the seat with an 8.2 per cent margin.
Werriwa covers an area from Badgerys Creek, Cecil Hills and part of Bonnyrigg in the north to Denham Court, Bardia, Macquarie Links and Macquarie Fields in the south.
The candidates who will be vying for the votes of residents are (in ballot paper order): Narelle Storey of the Christian Democratic Party, the Liberal Party’s Shayne Miller, Greens candidate Signe Westerberg, Independent Michael White, United Australia Party’s Ignatios Tsiriplis and sitting Labor MP Anne Stanley.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
SIGNE WESTERBERG — GREENS
Where did you grow up?
My family moved to Lurnea from Riverwood in 1960 when I was five years old. I lived there until I married in 1974, we moved to Sadleir and have lived here ever since.
What are some of your best memories of growing up?
I love how Liverpool has kept a strong sense of community about it, even as it has changed from a semi-rural community to become a bustling and vibrant city. Raising my family in Liverpool with my husband of 45 years has meant we have grown as the community has developed, and I just love that.
Which school did you attend and what do you remember about school days?
My school years at Lurnea Public and later Lurnea High were in the 1960s and 70s during the lead-up to what was Australia’s greatest step towards equality for all. This gave me an ever-increasing sense that things can be better and fairer, and that has stayed with me.
Do you have a favourite sport/team?
As a teenager I played weekend cricket comps, my arm isn’t as good nowadays however I’m still a keen follower of the Australian cricket team.
Do you have a hobby or an interest?
I am totally committed to my local community, I attend just about all the council meetings and am actively involved in numerous community forums and action groups. To relax, I knit, making beanies and caps for local homeless and baby items for friends and family.
What job positions have you held?
I’ve held a number of administrative positions, mostly in and around Liverpool until creating my own serviced office business in 2002-2013 in the Liverpool CBD.
I still do part time administrative and accounting work, as well as my volunteer work.
MICHAEL WHITE — INDEPENDENT
I grew up in Leumeah in the 1970s and 80s. A typical house and home in the outer ‘burbs, in the days when there was plenty of opportunity for a kid to roam. I went to school at Leumeah Primary and then Hurlstone (Agricultural High School) at Glenfield, leaving Year 12 in 1989. At school I enjoyed maths and science, but also history, commerce and government studies. I don’t remember trudging around paddocks chasing sheep as always being fun, but I’m into keeping animals now so it clearly had an influence.
A random memory of growing up in the area, which shows the big changes — when I was a child, our family had friends who lived on a farm in Glenfield. To visit them, you would open a gate and drive across the railway tracks. Try that now at Glenfield!
Most of my working life I’ve had my own gardening business, either working by myself or managing a team of workers on the bigger projects, such as gardens in schools.
I’ve also designed and am now building a house for my wife and I. So I’m a bit busy for hobbies right now (especially when you throw running for parliament into the mix!) however I do like ringing the big bells in a church tower, and playing some Irish fiddle. If I watch sport, it’s test cricket.
IGNATIOS TSIRIPLIS — UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY
Where did you grow up?
Grew up in Sydenham until I was 14, my parents then moved to Macquarie Fields in 1987, I have resided here ever since.
What are some of your best memories of growing up?
My best memories of the area is, riding my BMX down the back of Simmo’s beach and in summer jumping off the tarzan swing and flying fox into Georges River.
My favourite memory that gives me goosebumps, remembering as a child my parents taking me to the city and stepping off Circular Quay train station and seeing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to this day, every time I see the bridge I remember what it was like to see it for the first time.
Which school did you attend and what do you remember about school days?
I attended Macquarie Fields selective high school, what I remember about my school days was how fantastic the diversity was, not just with the students but with our classes i.e. we had computer and agricultural classes.
Do you have a hobby or an interest?
I have too many hobbies! I’m a bit of a nerd! I love Star Trek and role playing games but I also love exploring/camping our national parks in my hilux and on my mountain bike.
What job positions have you held?
I grew up in family business’s around the southwest, I always had a knack for management, now I own my own transport and logistics business but I have also worked as a national allocator for an international beverage company and as a planner for some large logistic companies. I currently also volunteer with Marine Rescue on the Hawkesbury River.
Do you have a favourite sport/team?
I loooove the Canterbury Bulldogs, I also follow a bit A-League but I can’t pick between the two Sydney teams, 1x team represents who I am and the other represents where
I’m from.
ANNE STANLEY — LABOR
Where did you grow up? What are some of your best memories of growing up?
I grew up in Lurnea. My childhood was filled with the love of my sister, my parents, and my grandparents. Family was the best thing about growing up. I should also mention that I met Gough Whitlam when I was 15, which was very special!
Which school did you attend and what do you remember about school days?
I attended Lurnea Public School and Lurnea High School. My education filled me with hope and taught me to be inquisitive. I had some of the best teachers and experiences than I could ever wish for in the public education system. I want the same for all Australian children.
Do you have a hobby or an interest?
I enjoy knitting, crocheting, and sewing. I’m a big fan of Doctor Who. I’m also partial to story time with my grandchildren Meaghan (5) and Horatio (3).
What job positions have you held?
I’ve spent most of my career working for various banks. I held positions from Office Junior right up to Quality Assurance Manager. I also worked as an electorate officer for at state MP. From 2008-2016 I served as a Councillor on Liverpool City Council.
Do you have a favourite sport/team?
The Australian Women’s Cricket Team. I am also a supporter of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Leader contacted Ms Storey and Mr Miller but did not receive a response before deadline.
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