Rosemary Nugent empowers women to stand for council and helps the Geelong community where she can. She speaks with Jena Carr about what she loves about living in Geelong and her role with the Women in Local Democracy committee.
What is your connection to Geelong?
I was born and educated in Geelong. After teaching in the country and travelling overseas, I returned to Geelong to teach and have remained here.
What do you like about where you live?
Through diverse interests, I have many connections in Geelong, making it an enjoyable, fun and interesting place to live.
It is also located near beaches, the Otways, Melbourne and other regional centres.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Having vibrant and liveable cities is essential, and I would like to see a reduction in the car culture and an increase in the use of public transport, bikes and walking.
It would be nice to see an increase in the housing stock for the many people seeking affordable homes and a rejuvenation of suburbs to retain the town’s character.
There should also be an emphasis on achieving a circular economy rather than continually adding to landfills and more people growing their own vegetables, using farmers’ markets and food swaps.
More people connecting through neighbourhood houses and taking advantage of all they offer is also important.
Most of all, there should be more respect for women, support for those impacted by family violence and a higher number of women candidates standing for council elections in October.
Where is your favourite place to spend time?
I enjoy being in my backyard gardening, reading or making mosaic art. I also like growing veggies at the Geelong West Community Garden, having coffee at a Pako café, and chatting to others.
What is something people may not know about you?
My father was a hotel licensee and a non-drinker. I also don’t drink, and neither did my mother.
What do you like most about your role with the WILD committee?
Women in Local Democracy (WILD) is committed to achieving equity, diversity and active citizenship across the region.
I have met enthusiastic and progressive women through WILD and hope many succeed in standing for council.
They will help to ensure Geelong’s council is more democratic and representative of the community it serves.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
People lead busy lives, but it is important to take time to connect with others and to try to be active, healthy and engaged.
We should also strive to be considerate of others, making a difference where we can, and, in this way, we strengthen our whole community.
In addition, we need to think outwardly and consider the plight of refugees who have fled persecution, wanting to be settled in a safe country where they can contribute to society.
However, red tape and unfair policies prevent them from doing so. Our close neighbours in Timor-Leste also want and deserve our ongoing friendship and support.
