Courage, hope and a refusal to stay silent

Dear Tawny Readers,

I’m not the same person I was before Joe died. Creating meaningful change has become a vocation. It’s also my way of saying thank you to all of you who have stood by Danny and me.

I knew what had happened to my son Joe at Northern Beaches Hospital in September 2024 was wrong, and I knew I had a choice. I could retreat into grief for the loss of my boy and accept the explanations I was given, or I could seek the truth and speak up. So, I did both.

I drew on everything I had learned as a journalist. I asked difficult questions, kept telling Joe’s story and pushed for answers, even when I was grieving, even when it was uncomfortable and even when it would have been easier to stop. We refused to be complacent. We refused to be silent. We were led by our love for Joe and by a fire in my belly that, to this day, has only grown.

That advocacy achieved historical changes to our healthcare system: Joe’s Law, world-leading legislation banning future public-private partnerships for acute healthcare in NSW; the transition of Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership; Raise It, giving families a direct number to call when they know something isn’t right; and a second parliamentary inquiry into the hospital to ensure scrutiny and accountability continued.

I also learned something important about how change happens. Courage and advocacy can open the door, but someone on the other side has to be willing to listen with their heart and mind. I was fortunate our advocacy was heard by politicians who genuinely cared, listened and were prepared to act. Advocacy outside Parliament met political will inside it.

Without both, I don’t believe the change would have happened. Nor would it have happened without all of you, our friends and neighbours, who rallied so tightly around us with extraordinary support and endless love. That is the most important reason I am running.

What began with healthcare has shown me how much more we can achieve for the people of Manly. My campaign will focus on protecting safe access to public healthcare; easing cost-of-living pressures; delivering housing matched by the infrastructure we need; and improving transport and connectivity across the electorate.

As small business owners, Danny and I understand firsthand the pressure of rising costs, taxes and red tape, and the importance of thriving local businesses. I also hold a Master of Human Rights Law and Policy and will bring that grounding to my commitment to equality, protecting our environment and integrity.

For me, good representation starts with listening. I want to keep the door open when someone says, something isn’t right, to listen to what is said and unsaid, ask the next question and challenge the status quo. One person speaking up can start something. A community can give that voice strength. Good people in government can turn that momentum into lasting change.

Now, I’m asking the people of the Manly electorate to join me at the next election. Volunteer, donate, share our message or simply start a conversation. We need a strong, independent voice on Macquarie Street, and we can only make that happen with your support.

This is who I am now. I’m stepping forward with love, joy, and freedom, and a deep belief in what we can achieve together. Let’s do this!