Wendy Trow CSM
I have lived and worked in Balingup since 1998. Prior to that I worked in the air forces of UK, Australia and in civil aviation (with a few other jobs thrown in along the way!). My first regional job was as a Telecentre Coordinator and it was during that time I joined several community groups – discovering my real passion was in community work. I eventually landed my dream job working as a Community Development Officer for the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup and it was here that I experienced firsthand the challenges of working in local government.
In 2011-2013, I completed an 18 month Ausaid tour working as a volunteer in Cambodia. I continue to support my Cambodian friends by visiting each year and raising funds through my “One Family” project. This project supports families living in some of the poorest rural areas in Cambodia and has taught me the value of freedom, democracy and social justice.
I retired when I returned to Australia but in 2016, I became actively engaged in the anti-fracking movement and my disappointment with the decision making processes of State government led to me carrying out extensive research into political party donations. In 2019, I announced I was running as an Independent in the WA State Election but a bout of ill health made me re-think the idea and I withdrew in October 2020. I still think that independent members of parliament are better placed to represent their communities than members representing major parties. I want my elected representative to make decisions based on the wishes of the community; with well researched factual evidence and most of all, honesty and integrity.