I'm running for the Red Hill Ward, Mornington Peninsula Shire 2020. Any contribution big or small will help me promote my campaign through Facebook advertising, garden signs, banners, postcards and direct mail. Ten years ago, I made the sea change from inner city Melbourne to the Peninsula. I have never looked back. I now live in the place of my happiest childhood memories. The Peninsula was the destination of every Christmas holiday since I was a baby; Fisherman’s beach for 30 years and then to Flinders. Since the March lockdown it has also been my place of remote working. The appeal of this part of the Peninsula (the Red Hill Ward) is not only its natural beauty and clean air but the close knit coastal and hinterland communities that are scattered throughout. I love being an active contributor to my local community. It is in my blood. My parents, Tim and Lee Thorn, are my greatest role models for community service. They are still going strong, even in these strange times of COVID. Since becoming a permanent resident, I have joined and contributed to existing committees and boards and initiated community and musical events to bring people together. My partner Giselle and I founded the Flinders Pet show at St John’s Church Fete 10 years ago. It has been a huge pleasure to organise it every year and I expect we will for many years to come. My working life over the last 25 years has included both community and public sector roles across youth justice, child protection, housing, mental health, youth services and education. I have a strong understanding of the tools and tactics utilised to shape whole of government policy. I am known for my strong values base and commitment to community engagement and consultation - ensuring all voices are heard. My career also includes qualifications in public policy development, management and governance. So now I feel more than ready to put myself forward as the next representative of the Red Hill Ward; which will combine my passion for the Peninsula, my public sector expertise and my commitment to serving my local community. Without hesitation I will advocate for the interests of the Red Hill Ward to protect its unique natural beauty, its bountiful harvest and the caring communities within it. Please let me know if you can help in other ways; with garden signs in your front yard; posters in your shop front; sharing my facebook posts; encouraging others to vote for me. All content on this page is authorised by Claire Thorn, PO Box 87 Flinders 3929