Labor has candidate

A mother of five, Ms Atkinson has worked

in community advocacy and from her home in Tathra operates a small business which works on community based projects with organisations such as the University of Canberra.

“As a member of our community and as someone who has worked and raised children in a rural area, I understand that effective local representation is needed in every community,” she said.

“I moved from the Snowy Mountains to this part of the region with my family because I love the far south coast but also because I believe in the power and value of regional communities.

“Standing for Bega at this election was a choice I have made after being inspired by community leaders such as Mike Kelly and Steve Whan.

“Representatives like Mike and Steve listen to our community and work together to get things done.

“I will work in the same spirit of hard work, honesty and integrity.”

During the past 13 years, Ms Atkinson has served on a range of committees and boards that represented the Bega electorate, including the former Catchment Man-agement Board, the Capital Region Develop-ment Board and the original South East Academy of Sport working party.

She also served a term as a councillor in the Snowy River Shire.

Ms Atkinson said, as someone who understands how important regional schools and hospitals are, she will advocate for better health and education services in the community.

“Health, education and local employment opportunities are a priority for me and I will work with the community on these and other issues,” she said.

“I have always listened to community views and I look forward to meeting with local residents over the coming weeks.”