discovering more information about melanie gibbons
TRANSCRIPT
-
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
1/22
Understanding WhoMelanie Gibbons
Really IsCopyright 2013www.melaniegibbons.com.au
http://www.melaniegibbons.com.au/http://www.melaniegibbons.com.au/http://www.melaniegibbons.com.au/ -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
2/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 20132
Table Of ContentsPage 3 - Political Will Protects The Community A
Fine Example From Melanie GibbonsPage 5 - Working On It Jobs Creation Is A
Community Development Agenda ForMelanie Gibbons
Page 7 - Melanie Gibbons Works With Constituents
For A Clean And Green CommunityPage 9 - Drawing The Line Melanie Gibbons Takes
Steps To Get Graffiti Under Control In MenaiPage 11- Melanie Gibbons And The RMS Help
Preserve Motorist Safety With DeadmansCreek Bridge Upgrade Plans
Page 13- Melanie Gibbons Campaigns For SaferSchool Crossings
Page 15- Melanie Gibbons Dedicated To Serving thePeople Of Menai
Page 17- Melanie Gibbons Puts Babies And NursesOn Top Of Healthcare Agenda
Page 19- Why Did Melanie Gibbons Choose To
Champion Autism and Disability SupportPage 21- Melanie Gibbons Making Waves As MP For
Menai
-
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
3/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 20133
Political Will Protects The Community: A Fine
Example From Melanie Gibbons
The problem of asbestos isa global health concern, most
especially in areas where this
building material has seen
widespread use. Australia, in
particular, tops the list of
countries with the highest
incidents of asbestos diseases
per capita. While asbestos has been banned as a building material since2003, and there is now a national plan to get rid of public buildings with
asbestos by 2030, the countless structures that used it are still standing and
have been tagged as ticking time bombs. In fact, a study has calculated that
over the next 20 years, an estimated 40,000 Australians can be diagnosed
with lung diseases caused by asbestos exposure.
Meanwhile, as the state government works on the long-term and
widespread solution, communities make it their responsibility to makeurgent, decisive decisions to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure in their
localities. A shining example of this is the case of Newbridge Heights
Public School that showed how local awareness and committed leadership
helped secure the wellbeing of children and the community.
MP for Menai Melanie Gibbons advanced the local campaign to
reduce asbestos risk as she helped the parents and students of Newbridge
Heights Public School to urge authorities to finally take concrete steps intoensuring that the school grounds are safe for students use and
maintenance after asbestos was found on the grounds. Under the former
Labor government, the community had long been promised
comprehensive testing of the school oval and playing field, but this has
been delayed or postponed repeatedly.
http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/community-development/political-will-protects-the-community-a-fine-example-from-melanie-gibbons -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
4/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 20134
Gibbons invited the stakeholders for a discussion of the issue and
studied the documents and video footage that revealed the negligence. She
also certified the 500-signatory petition for a complete remediation of the
site, and delivered this to the Minister of Education. The Minister then
ensured immediate, careful remediation that will protect the safety of the
schoolchildren. Meanwhile, the specific details of the petition were
forwarded to the Legislative Assembly stating the following points:
temporary closure of the school oval; comprehensive soil sample testing of
the entire school site; a report of the testing results; and an accurate
asbestos management plan submitted to all parents, teachers, school staff
and the community of Newbridge Heights Public School.
Observers say this incident proved how community action plus
political will is indeed an effective combination for positive change. Local
mum Linda Lambourne has this to say: I have enormous respect for Ms.
Gibbons. After many refused to address the seriousness of asbestos,
Melanie reacted immediately. If all our politicians displayed the same
compassion for childrens wellbeing, we would have no reason to
complain.
Asbestos is a building material that has been used heavily across theworld. A few years ago, it was discovered how toxic and fatal exposure to
asbestos can be. Asbestos is made up of long, thin strands of microscopic
fibre, unseen by the naked eye. Dormant and enclosed between other
materials used for insulation, asbestos is considered low risk. However,
when it is disturbed for some reason, such as if someone hammers a nail in
the wall or the ceiling structure begins to weaken over time, the small
fibres can float in the air and can be easily inhaled. The fibres can easily
accumulate and get lodged in the lungs. This can cause scarring,
inflammation, breathing problems, and eventually, more problematic
complications such as cancer of the lungs and abdomen. Moreinformation
mentioned here.
http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/ -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
5/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 20135
Working On It: Jobs Creation Is A Community
Development Agenda For Melanie Gibbons
Global and local leaders are now all looking towards growth and
revival after the most recent economic downturn. While a majority of
affected sectors are still struggling to get back on their feet, reports say the
outlook is generally positive, and there is much hope and support given to
the various programs and policies that are being set in place towards a
speedy and sustainable recovery.
One of the focus areas that are being given more interest and
attention today is the goal of jobs creation. Almost every politician has a
jobs plan or a workforce opportunity program being designed for their
constituents a natural direction to take, political observers say, given
that job stability is an urgent and major concern for the millions of
individuals and families that are facing unemployment or
underemployment.
While providing a source of livelihood for everyone sounds like a
good plan, thinking leaders know that a truly effective strategy is one that
puts jobs creation in the context of all other community issues. MP for
Menai Melanie Gibbons believes that decent work opportunities arise only
if the state of the community is in good condition, and so she provides
http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/community-development/working-on-it-jobs-creation-is-a-community-development-agenda-for-melanie-gibbons -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
6/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 20136
support for the labour force by integrating jobs creation into her
community development agenda. As a New York Times columnist wrote,
Jobs, in other words, are not the cause of a healthy economy; theyre the
by product.
When a multinational company decided to situate their $40 million
facility in Liverpool, Gibbons was among the first to provide her support
and encouragement into the investment. Setting up the new headquarters
of HPM Legrand Australia was estimated to regain 380 jobs and create 40
new more. Gibbons welcomed the investments, knowing how beneficial it
is for the community to have job opportunities created that are closer to
where people live, as the local newspaper quoted her.
Gibbons priority objectives are also connected to the aim of serving
the labour force and making the community more prepared for the local
and global job market, from her work as Acting Speaker of the Legislative
Assembly and as Deputy Chair of the Committee on Children and Young
People, to her programs to help the disabled and disadvantaged, to her
focus on community health and wellness, and to her unwavering
commitment to uplifting the morale of her constituents by providing
genuine, constant service. Never say you cant, Gibbons says, quotingher favourite uncle, paraplegic and accomplished athlete Bourke Gibbons.
For more info,check out this site.
http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/ -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
7/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 20137
Melanie Gibbons Works With Constituents For A
Clean, Green and Healthy Community
The phrase politics is a dirty job, may be loaded with meaning, but
for some hardworking politicians, the meaning can be simply literal. MP
for Menai Melanie Gibbons has walked on landfills, picked up trash,
cleaned up dirty rivers and tightened measures against vandals, all in thename of making the community greener, cleaner and healthier.
In the morning of Clean Up Australia Day, Gibbons walked to the
Thompsons Bay Reserve on Fowler Road at Illawong with the Menai Scout
Group, Menai Wildflower Club and the Woronora River Rural Fire Service
to start the river clean-up. The group moved amongst mud and the
mangroves to pick up rubbish, plastic and heaps of glass. After hours of
cleaning, they carried the trash to the boat provided by the Rural FireService. Afterwards, they were regaled by the local historian with stories of
how the place used to be a social hub in the 1880s. Learning that the area
was once a place where people held picnics, played cricket games and a
major transportation route made the clean-up team even more inspired to
revive neglected areas in the neighbourhood.
http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/community-development/melanie-gibbons-works-with-constituents-for-a-clean-green-and-healthy-community -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
8/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 20138
Another activity that similarly aims to make good use of the
beautiful, useful spaces in the community is the enhancement of the
boating facilities in the Georges River and Botany Bay. Gibbons supported
the waterway safety initiatives that were proposed through The Botany
Bay Georges River Boating Safety Plan, which includes removing objects
that are considered a navigation hazard and installing CCTVs at
designated areas. The plan also proposes the establishment of an aquatic
park at Floyd Bay, Lansvale to make way for more water-based activities.
Gibbons likes things clean, including electric power. She paid a visit
to one of the largest landfills in Australia, the New Illawarra Road Landfill
at SITAs Lucas Heights Resource Recovery Park, as a show of support to
its ability to generate clean, green power for 20,000 homes in the NSW grid.
The facility converts methane and waste gases from the landfill to pump
sufficient energy, into what the community describes as a way of turning a
liability into an asset.
Another clean-up activity led by Gibbons is her support for the
campaign to curb vandalism through a set of proposed changes on the law
against graffiti offences. According to her, graffiti is the most complained-
about problem to her office, and so she considers it a big step to have alegislative framework that requires offenders to clean up their graffiti and
to appear in court. People take pride in their homes and the area they live
in so this funding will help us find a solution that works, Gibbons was
quoted as saying. To learn more about this, consult Melanie Gibbons
Menai.
http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/ -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
9/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 20139
Drawing The Line: Melanie Gibbons Takes Steps
To Get Graffiti Under Control In Menai
In most communities,graffiti is considered a negative
presence. The term pertains to
writings or drawings that have
been marked onto walls or
other public surfaces. Often,
these markings consist of single
or multiple words or elaborate
illustrations that may haveunderlying social or political
messages. They may also be symbolic forms that mark the territory of
certain groups or indicate activities related to gangs.
While the "artists" behind the graffiti often claim that these
markings are expressions of their freedom of speech and creative, artistic
inclinations, in the eyes of city officials and community members, putting
graffiti on public or private properties using paint, spray paint, or markersis considered an act of vandalism and defacement, and as such, is a
punishable crime. In the electorate of Menai in New South Wales, MP
Melanie Gibbons vowed to take control of the proliferation of graffiti in her
community by supporting measures to curb graffiti vandalism that were
debated in State Parliament.
In August 2011, a bill was passed by the Legislative Assembly
with the following proposals: offenders will be required to face courtinstead of merely being given a caution; magistrates will have the power to
order offenders to remove the graffiti and restore the appearance of the
defaced buildings (unless this is found to be impractical); and courts will
have the power to suspend the offender's driver's licence for up to six
months, dispense demerit points, or extend time on L-plates or P-plates.
http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/community-development/drawing-the-line-melanie-gibbons-takes-steps-to-get-graffiti-under-control-in-menai -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
10/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201310
Gibbons, along with fellow Liberal MP Mark Speakman (for Cronulla)
were among those who backed these proposed changes. They believed that
losing one's driver's licence would make a person more hesitant about
engaging in vandalism, especially since an offender can simply refuse to
pay a fine he has been slapped with, and because many offenders no longer
fear being reprimanded when they get caught for the offence.
The Opposition also supported the bill in the Legislative
Assembly, although certain MPs expressed concerns about the measure to
suspend licences. Lakemba MP Robert Furolo, specifically, said that the
suspension may push offenders to commit a much more serious offence
driving while unlicensed. The move, he said, would also have the effect of
criminalising young people and giving them a long-time record
something that can substantially affect their ability to get into universities,
apply for jobs, and provide for their families.
The government decided to accept two of the proposals that
offenders must face court and that magistrates can order them to remove
the graffiti and restore the buildings appearance but not the
controversial plan to suspend licences for up to six months. Despite this
seemingly "watered down" version of the legislation, the Sutherland ShireMPs were pleased that the legislative framework for this community
problem has been laid down and were optimistic that it would create a
huge, positive impact on the task of curbing the issue. Gibbons said that
requiring offenders to appear in court would be an effective deterrent in
itself, as offenders would now be forced to tell their parents about their
deeds.
According to Attorney-General Greg Smith, the approvedreforms turned out to be significantly stronger than anything that the
Labor Party has introduced in its 16 years in office. Visit this sitefor more
info about this.
http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/ -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
11/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201311
Melanie Gibbons And The RMS Help Preserve
Motorist Safety With Deadmans Creek Bridge
Upgrade Plans
Deadmans Creek Bridge, a
narrow, two-lane bridge on Heathcote
Road found in Sandy Point (an area in
the New South Wales electorate of
Menai), is an important public passage
in this locality. It connects the two
sides of Menai and serves as a
valuable link between communities.
Heathcote Road is a major arterial link
that serves both local and commercial
traffic from Liverpool to Wollongong,
not to mention the Department of
Defence at Holsworthy; thus,
countless cars and heavy vehicles (like
trucks) pass by the road and this bridge every day, as well as a number ofpeople on bikes or on foot.
Unfortunately, Deadmans Creek Bridge has been known as a
notorious "black spot" residents know very well that many accidents
have occurred here and that the dangerous stretch often throws traffic into
chaos. There is a high risk of vehicles crashing into or clipping each other.
One resident who lives 300 metres from the bridge reported witnessing
many near-accidents and calls the decision of some people to ride a bike orwalk across the bridge as "verging on suicide."
Before being elected as Menai MP in 2011, Melanie Gibbons
announced her plans of upgrading Deadmans Creek Bridge to protect road
users and eliminate the reputation of Heathcote Road as one of the most
http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/community-development/melanie-gibbonsand-the-rms-help-preserve-motorist-safety-with-deadmans-creek-bridge-upgrade-plans -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
12/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201312
dangerous in the area. In November 2012, Roads and Maritime Services
(formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) Minister Duncan Gay disclosed
that although the initial plans were to upgrade or widen the bridge, the
preferred option is now to replace it entirely. The decision was made days
after another serious accident took place on the bridge a truck rolled
over just before 4am on a weekday. Thankfully, the driver escaped serious
injury. But in the past six years, the bridge has already claimed nine lives,
and Gibbons and the RMS believe that a total replacement of the bridge
would be the best solution to prevent more accidents from happening.
The 69-year-old Deadmans Creek Bridge will carry two lanes of
traffic in each direction and will include wider approaches on either side.
Improving the tight curves, steep grades and narrow shoulders will greatly
improve visibility for motorists and cyclists and will also reduce safety
risks. The replacement is due to be completed in early 2015. Gibbons made
the plans for the project accessible to the community so that they could
provide their feedback and insights. According to the MP, the project is an
"important and exciting step in meeting the commitment I and the NSW
Liberal party gave to the community during the election campaign."
To learn more about this,check out melaniegibbons.com.au
http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/ -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
13/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201313
Melanie Gibbons Campaigns For Safer School
Crossings
It was a dreadful accident on Old Illawara Road that prompted
Menai MP Melanie Gibbons to take action. A 12-year-old school girl, like
many of her fellow students, was in the habit of crossing the road to
attempt to catch a red Metrobus. That day, however, she missed the ride
and, on her way back, was hit by an oncoming vehicle. The young girl was
rushed to the hospital with a broken leg unfortunate, but a decidedly
much luckier outcome given the circumstances.
Known for being a champion of causes for children and young
people, Gibbons raised the issue of school crossing safety in the House as
soon as the incident had been brought to her attention. The main problem
indicated by the accident is that the section of the road where the girl was
hit was not a designated crossing and the traffic there could be quite busy.
The stretch of road closer to the school required vehicles to slow down, but
at that point of the road which pupils still needed to navigate to get toschool or back home, cars tended to speed by at about 60 kilometres per
hour. At the beginning and end of the school day, you were bound to find
young children dodging traffic and walking down the lane lines as they
traversed to the other side in groups. Something obviously needed to be
done to keep young pedestrians safe on their way to and from school.
http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/community-development/melanie-gibbons-campaigns-for-safer-school-crossings -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
14/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201314
Gibbons reported to the House that the Sutherland Shire Council had
quickly collaborated with Roads and Maritime Services in extending the
school zone. Measures had also been taken to put signage reminding
drivers to watch for pedestrians. While its best for everybody if children
and young people were to observe correct road crossing practices, it would
be irresponsible to take for granted that they would.
Since the issue was first raised, the school zone has been extended to
cover this and while flashing lights were already installed closer to the
school, consideration is being given to relocating them to this area or
installing another set. During the term, these are turned on in the morning
and in the afternoon to coincide with the arrival and departure of the
students.
Extending the school zone may not have completely eradicated the
problem, but it has significantly increased safety for the students as they
regularly cross to catch the Metrobus. In relation to this, Gibbons remains
in discussions with pertinent agencies on what other measures can be taken
to improve road safety.
Melanie Gibbons is lauded for actively listening to the concerns ofher constituents and for wasting no time in springing to action to resolve
issues. Sutherland Shire-born and raised, Gibbons is fully committed to
serving the people of Menai. Her background includes working for TAD, a
disability charity, and her record shows continuous active support for the
young and the disadvantaged. For more info, browse through Melanie
Gibbons Community Programs.
http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsholsworthy.com/ -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
15/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201315
Melanie Gibbons: Dedicated To Serving The
People Of The Electorate Of Menai
A Member of the New South Wales Parliament brings forward the
views of the people in his or her respective electorates in debates regarding
public policies and proposed laws. Within the appointed four-year term,
one works to assist constituents in a number of matters that are relevant to
maintaining a good quality of life, and this includes health and hospital
services, public housing, roads and transport, fair trading, industrial
relations, community services, public works, electricity and gas services,
and others. In addition, an MP also acts on behalf of the people to address
various government agencies, the local council, and State and Federal
Ministers.
Melanie Gibbons successfully performs these functions and so
much more. Born and raised in Woronora in the Sutherland Shire, she
demonstrated her commitment to serving the community early on by
becoming Councillor of the Sutherland Shire Council in 2004; she
completed her second term in September 2012.
Prior to her election into the Legislative Assembly, Gibbons worked
as the Fundraising Manager for the not-for-profit organisation Technical
Aid to the Disabled (or TAD) in NSW, a charity that was established to
provide custom designed aids, communication or computer support
http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/community-service/melanie-gibbons-dedicated-to-serving-the-people-of-the-electorate-of-menai -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
16/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201316
services, and other technical skills that can help improve the lives of people
with disabilities. This experience taught her much about the opportunities
and options available to the disadvantaged and how she can bring these
closer to the people who urgently need assistance.
Gibbons assumed her position as Member of the New South Wales
Legislative Assembly for Menai in March 2011. In addition to her primary
duties of acting as an advocate of the Menai community, taking the
concerns of residents to Parliament, and voicing out her electorate's views
on new laws that are being introduced, she also currently serves as Acting
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and as Deputy Chair of the Committee
on Children and Young People in NSW, a current joint standing committee
that reviews the work of the Commission for Children and Young People
as well as examines trends in the issues relevant to children and young
persons in order to make the suitable recommendations to Parliament. She
is also Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Mental Illness Group.
With the distinct responsibilities, achievements, and advocacies of
Melanie Gibbons, the residents of her area are assured that they have a
strong, committed, and compassionate voice speaking in their best interests
and working to bring harmony and a true sense of community to theirlocality.
http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/ -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
17/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201317
Melanie Gibbons Puts Babies And Nurses On Top
Of Healthcare Agenda
Improvement and protection of the communitys health is one of the
primary advocacies that Melanie Gibbons is known for as MP for Menai.
Some of the causes she is most passionate about include supporting people
with autism and disabilities, and she is very visible in her role as Deputy
Chair of the Committee on Children and Young People and Co-Chair of the
Parliamentary Friends of Mental Illness. Gibbons has often said that her
main goal is to provide better options for the disadvantaged, and this focus
on health and wellness is seen as one way to achieve that vision.
One of her most recent moves is to work with the Miracle Babies
Foundation, a foundation that provides support and services for families
who have a premature sick baby. As with most subjects she handles,
Gibbons sees the situation with a wide-angle view. She understood how
having a preemie with medical conditions is a concern not just for the
parents, but also for their friends, families and loved ones, and for the
whole community as well. In her Private Member statement, she mappedout the various issues that needed to be addressed from the emotional
weight of the problem, to the tricky logistics of repeated hospital visits, to
the financial expenses of extensive testing, medications and rehabilitations
and a whole lot of other interconnecting concerns.
http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/community-service/melanie-gibbons-puts-babies-and-nurses-on-top-of-healthcare-agenda -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
18/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201318
She knew that this complex web of issues requires an equally layered
and sophisticated support network as well. By working with the Miracle
Babies Foundation, Gibbons believes that she can lend a hand in enhancing
community awareness and raising this knowledge to the level of a national
issue specifically, that there are 44,000 babies born in Australia every
year that need the help of newborn intensive care. The birth of a
premature or sick newborn can be an overwhelming and traumatic
experience for families. Their lives can be changed permanently and
influenced significantly by their newborn intensive care unit experience,
she said.
Meanwhile, Gibbons knows that the only way to help care for the
sick and the disadvantaged is to care for the health care providers as well.
Thus, she also makes it a priority to provide help and support in the
funding and enhancement of the facilities of local hospitals and the
development of medical workers and professionals. For instance, she
provided support during the process of Liverpool Hospitals
redevelopment, and she has also led the welcoming party when new
nurses took their posts at Liverpool and Sutherland Hospital. According to
the community newspaper, the new nurses are part of the stategovernments promise to provide an extra 2,475 nurses over the next four
years. This promise has been delivered, with there being 4,000 more
nurses and midwives employed by NSW Health than when they were
elected. For additional information on this,click here.
http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/ -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
19/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201319
Why Did Melanie Gibbons Choose To Champion
Autism And Disability Support?
MP for Menai Melanie Gibbons hasdeclared early on during her inaugural
speech, to be accurate that her main
advocacy for this term lies in providing
support to people with disability and mental
illness. I will judge my time as a
parliamentary representative and the
performance of this government by how
successful we are in supporting those livingwith disabilities, she said in her inaugural
speech in June 2011.The benchmark must be
by how much we have improved their lives
and delivered greater independence.
Her pet projects have remained aligned with this vision more than
two years after she has outlined her priorities. The two pivotal roles she
now holds accurately reflect on her chosen advocacies. Gibbons is anActing Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Deputy Chair of the
Committee on Children and Young People, and is a Co-Chair of the
Parliamentary Friends of Mental Illness Group.
For local political observers, the long-standing commitment of
Gibbons to help heighten support for people with physical and mental
disabilities can be anchored to her years of professional and personal
experience with related health conditions, as well as her electoratespresent situation. This decision is seen as a natural route for her to take,
after she had earlier revealed how she had seen first-hand the unfairness
and difficulties that the elderly and many people with disabilities face on a
daily basis.
http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/community-service/why-did-melanie-gibbons-choose-to-champion-autism-and-disability-support -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
20/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201320
Improving the lives of the disadvantaged is an advocacy close to her
heart, and the following reasons may have also strengthened her
commitment on healthcare, mental health and disability issues:
She has a personal stake on the issue. Gibbons has said that one of herlife heroes and main inspiration for her principles is her uncle Bourke
Gibbons. Bourke has cerebral palsy, is a dual paralympian, and is
described by the local paper as an amazing fund raiser. Her uncles
influence on her is seen early in her career. Prior to the elections, she
worked for the charity Technical Aid to the Disabled. More recently, she
served as chair of the Sutherland Shire Councils Aged and Access
Committee.
There is a significant autism rate in her community . Records show that
more than 50% of children with autism from NSW are living within a 40km
radius of Liverpool. Gibbons is aware that autism is a collective concern,
and that helping affected individuals is also providing support to the
community. Not only is the child with autism affected but so is his or her
family, and in turn, the community," she said.
Local support groups need support. Funds are vital to not-for-profitorganisations... that rely on the generosity of the community, she said. On
behalf of Premier Barry OFarrell, Gibbons has presented Liverpool-based
Autism Advisory and Support Service a $5,000 grant to help the release of
an autism awareness DVD in April 2012. Since then, Melanie Gibbonshas
continued to work for the improvement of local healthcare and more
support for medical workers and professionals.
http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/http://www.melanie-gibbons.com/ -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
21/22
www.melaniegibbons.com.au Copyright 201321
Melanie Gibbons: Making Waves As MP For
Menai
She had set her sights on entering the Parliament of New South
Wales in 2004, but an unsuccessful attempt to win pre-selection kept herfrom doing so. Seven years later, however, Melanie Gibbons was finally
able to secure her seat as the MP for Menai and she did it with gusto.
Gibbons was born and bred in Sutherland Shire and developed her
commitment to public service as she fulfilled her role as Councillor of the
said location (she completed her second term as Sutherland Shire
Councillor in September 2012). She also worked as the
Fundraising/Development Manager of the not-for-profit organisation
Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD NSW) which was established to assist
people with specific disabilities.
2011 proved to be an interesting year for state elections as all four MP
seats for Sutherland Shire were won by members of the Liberal Party.
Gibbons was elected for Menai, while Mark Speakman, Graham Annesley
and Lee Evans cinched the seats for Cronulla, Miranda and Heathcote,
respectively. Gibbons also had a particularly remarkable achievement
gaining an impressive swing of 27.5 per cent, the third largest in the state.
Labor Party candidate Peter Scaysbrook (who ran for the Menai seat
against Gibbons) expressed his belief that the larger than average swing
may be attributed to the proposed Moore bank intermodal freight terminal.
As a community representative, Gibbons believed that she would be able
http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/community-development/political-will-protects-the-community-a-fine-example-from-melanie-gibbons -
7/29/2019 Discovering More Information About Melanie Gibbons
22/22
to be a voice against this proposal, especially as she planned to work with
local residents and federal Hughes MP Craig Kelly as a demonstration of a
united effort.
Gibbons aimed to hit the ground running upon assuming her MProle by addressing the crucial election campaign promises that were made
(in addition to the freight terminal). These included upgrading Deadmans
Creek Bridge, the expansion of the M5, and the transformation of
Heathcote Road into a much safer transportation channel. And of course,
because providing services for disadvantaged people is an issue that is
very close to her heart, Gibbons also vowed to help make disability services
more accessible for everyone who needed them.
Gibbons credited her uncle for providing her with life lessons and
solid inspiration for attaining her goals. Bourke Gibbons, who has cerebral
palsy but never let the condition prevent him from representing Australia
at the 1988 Seoul Paralympics and 1992 Barcelona games, would always tell
his niece to "never say you can't." This dear uncle gave his support
throughout the campaign and joined in celebrating the victory of the new
and first Liberal MP for Menai. Discover more about Melanie by
browsing throughMelanie Gibbons Political Plan.
http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/http://www.melaniegibbonsmp.com/