Linda Seymour Newsletter No 3.

Hello supporter
Welcome to newsletter No 3 in my campaign.
 

This week the team and I have been discussing how to talk to someone about politics. How do you make every conversation generous and positive so that everyone goes away thinking 'that was a worthwhile use of my time?'

Why were we discussing this? Because if each of us has at least one quality conversation every day with someone new about the upcoming election, and if the election is ten or more weeks away, that is at least 70 conversations you will have had about restoring good politics in Hughes. It could be family, friends, neighbours. The more conversations you have, the easier it gets.

Every conversation helps us share what we stand for with our community; action on climate, diversity in representation, and, most importantly, bringing integrity to the Australian Parliament. Try it out, and let us know what you are hearing. You can do this via email, or you can share highlights online, always add #HughesVotes to your posts so we can find them.

We all agree a good conversation starts positively, is based around shared values, involves discovering what is important to the person we are talking with (especially if they say they are not interested in politics), and includes a lot of listening and responding in ways that allow the conversation to continue. Everyone approaches each conversation slightly differently, and we all have our tips and tricks, but there is no doubt a smile makes everyone feel more at ease.

Getting a good conversation started is a skill, the questions the We Are Hughes team used in our kitchen table community conversations are a great way to get a conversation started, and to keep it flowing;

1. What do you like about living in Hughes?

2. What do you think makes a good federal representative?

3. What issues are important to you, both in Hughes and more broadly?

The report that We Are Hughes generated from these community conversations is here. You will see there is lots of agreement but there are always new perspectives that are exciting to explore.

It is also important not to worry if the person you are talking with doesn't commit their vote. We cannot expect every conversation to result in someone putting Linda Seymour Number 1 on their voting card, but it will alert them to my existence. Hopefully, they will follow up a bit more, find out about my positions, see that I am a thinker and that I don't just spout contrived talking points and slogans. They may seek me out online or feel more comfortable approaching me when they get the chance, and maybe, just maybe, they might choose to get involved in the campaign.

You are also welcome to say 'I don't know Linda's position on that, can I take your contact details and I will let Linda know'. It should be clear by now that I do get back to people if they are genuinely reaching out and want to know my perspective. If it is an issue I haven't considered, I will be even more interested to find out more.

If you wish to donate I am always happy for the help and if you can spare some of your time or skills we would love to have you share this journey with us.

I always want to hear from the Hughes community, so please do not hesitate to contact me. 
 

Acknowledging the distress in Australia and in Ukraine

I need to acknowledge the devastating attack on Ukraine by Russia. Like everyone else, I am watching on in horror as attacks come by air, land and sea to Ukraine, a European democracy with a population of 44 million people. I am refraining from additional commentary, as they would just be opinions based on the articles we are all reading and are not relevant in this shifting and dangerous environment.

A disaster is also unfolding here on the east coast with the intense low-pressure system impacting Queensland and Northern NSW communities. It looks like we may be in for floods here in southern Sydney as well. I should also mention the devastating fires in Western Australia over the past few weeks.

My hope is that in Australia all politicians work respectfully,  do not try to politicise these international and domestic situations and that our Nation can provide responses of substance, timeliness and generosity to all those who need help.

What have I been seeing, hearing and doing this week?

This week started in the most amazing way. I saw a koala in Engadine!

I received a call from local citizen scientists, Tom Kristensen and Steve Anyon-Smith, to come and see one of the koalas living in our midst. Tom and Steve have identified a population of more than 64 individual koalas in Heathcote National Park. These koalas were a previously undocumented and unknown healthy population. Tom and Steve suspect there are more than 100 koalas living in our local National Park.

Koalas are more than a cuddly national treasure. They remind us of our obligation to protect the natural environment. It is a cruel planning regulation that knowingly destroys koala habitat. We need action on climate change to address the increasing threat of catastrophic fires. We need to ensure that koalas are protected along with other threatened species in these unique and precious areas that make up such a large percentage of our home here in Hughes. 

Please register and join us at our Hughes-focussed event to learn more about our natural habitat, with the koala in the starring role. Find out more about the event here Koalas, Hughes and why we need to care.

Happy Mardi Gras

If I have the privilege of representing my community, I will listen to every single person, elevate their voices when I need to, help them to access grants and services and work alongside those most affected by new and existing legislation and policies to bring about change.

To those participating in Mardi Gras this week - your love and joy will bring sunshine to us all. 

Hughes, Sydney's most 'natural' electorate?

I remember when someone first told me that Hughes has the longest stretch of coastline of all Sydney electorates. I have played along that coastline for my whole life, but I had never thought about it that way before. Of course, Hughes is also, by far, Sydney’s most natural electorate. More than 50% of its area is covered by the Royal and Heathcote National Parks. We also have waterways and estuaries such as the Woronora, Georges and Hacking Rivers, that eventually flow into Port Hacking and Botany Bay. What does all this 'nature on our doorstep'  mean? Well, it certainly means a lot to the people I talk to that live in Hughes.

The number one reason people say they love about living in Hughes is the natural environment.

Upcoming Events

Every event is a chance to meet me, get to know my perspectives on issues that are important to you or let me know about what is important to you. If you have a purple shirt, wear it (you won't be alone) and join the fun.

• Sunday 6th March, Engadine Community Markets, come and meet me if you can, I'll be there between 8:00 - 10:30 am, the team will be there to closing and they are always happy to talk. If you can help out, sign-up here.

• Sunday 6th March, Bundeena Saltwater Markets, come and meet me from 11:30 - 2:00 pm and get to know some of the team. If you can help, sign up here.
• Sunday 6th March, Clean-up Australia Day. We have a team out doing secret clean-up business. If you want to be involved in moving something big, get in touch.
• Saturday 12th March, Sustainability Expo, Bundeena. I will be attending the talks at the Preschool and would love to meet you during the breaks. I'll be wearing a purple shirt, if you have a t-shirt, it will be a good place to show yours off too.
• Sunday 13th March, Koalas, Hughes and why we need to care. Why are purple koalas appearing in support of my campaign? This is an important and ultimately uplifting event. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register for this free event to guarantee a space. 
• Saturday 9th April, save the date. Something special is happening in Sutherland with amazing speakers and a film premiere. Details to come.

Stay up to date via our website and social media 

If you are on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram we encourage you to engage with our social pages. They are updated daily and address the issues of the day. By engaging and liking or commenting you help increase our reach. This is an immediate action you can take to help me with my campaign. 

My website is regularly updated with blog posts and you can now find previous newsletters. Please take the time to explore the website news and updates. 

Flyers, signs and stickers! Help us get the word around town

Our campaign is underway - and we want as much community involvement as possible. With your help, we can get our message out, we would love you to be part of the team changing Hughes.

The rain has slowed us down for this week, but we are always looking for people to help our team deliver flyers. Please contact us if you can help, we are currently looking for people who can help in Bangor, Menai and Alfords Point. 

You can also use the contact to grab a Vote 1 Linda Seymour sign for your front yard. 

For your enjoyment, here are some of the great street-swings our flyer deliverers have come across in their travels around Hughes. Oh to be a kid growing up in Hughes ...

Thank you :)

Everyone wants to know that the person representing Hughes in Parliament works hard every day to improve our lives.  

Unfortunately, the people of this beautiful place we call home have been repeatedly let down by a member who has undermined our public health response, and ignored the science on climate change. 

I am doing politics differently, working constructively with all across our electorate. With your support, I will continue to speak to people living in Hughes, to businesses and community groups. If you are able, please chip in to support to my campaign so that I can be a representative that works for you. I will keep working hard for action on climate change, integrity in politics, and a better future for us all… every amount helps. 

Acknowledgement of Country

I acknowledge and respect the traditional owners of the regions we are fortunate to inhabit. I recognise their connection to the lands, the waters, culture and community. I recognise all Elders past, present and future. I extend that respect to all Indigenous persons who visit our site and welcome all to join in our cause.