Dunn for Greens

By Casey Neill
LYSTER Ward councillor Samantha Dunn was ‘over the moon’ to learn she would vie for a place in State Parliament in next year’s election.
The Greens Party recently pre-selected Cr Dunn as its lead Upper House candidate for the Eastern Victoria region.
“I am humbled and honoured,” she said.
“I would never have thought that my quest to save the council-run childcare centre back in 2005 would lead me on a journey to nominate to run in the upcoming state elections.”
Cr Dunn was first elected to the Shire of Yarra Ranges Council in 2005 and her constituents last November returned her to Lyster Ward with a resounding 54 per cent of the primary vote.
The environment and public transport crusader assured her supporters she had no plans to enter state politics before the council elections.
She put her hand up for the role in March following a family conference.
“Many issues that affected the community are State Government issues,” she said.
“I think you can be more effective in the level of government you’re trying to change.”
Cr Dunn was not expecting a backlash from voters following her decision to abandon them mid-term.
“Most people are really happy for me,” she said.
As for causing a by-election: “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, I think,” she said.
Cr Dunn vowed to continue her advocacy for the hills and was not concerned about who she would come up against.
“Ultimately, I think you have to be completely focussed on your campaign,” she said.
Cr Dunn will kick off her election campaign with a fund-raiser at Belgrave’s Earthly Pleasures Café on 5 August.