https://nit.com.au/redfern-kindergarten-receives-long-needed-interior-makeover/Wiradjuri woman Yvonne Weldon has announced her independent bid for the Lord Mayor of Sydney, making her the first Aboriginal Australian to run for the position.

Weldon says Sydney is the best city in the world but it’s at a crossroads with young people missing out on opportunities due to a lack of affordable housing, pricing them out of the city.

“Our city gave me the opportunity to succeed, but unfortunately my children are being priced out of our city; they are missing out on the opportunities Sydney gave me when I was growing up,” Weldon said.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, I’ll put fairness and unity at the heart of Sydney’s recovery program. I want to rebuild an even better, greener and fairer Sydney where no one is left behind.”

Weldon is the elected Chair of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Deputy Chair of the New South Wales Australia Day Council, a Board member of Domestic Violence NSW, and a Board member of Redfern Jarjum College.

She has a passion for improving lives through health, social justice, Aboriginal advancement, children’s rights, education, child protection, and research and evaluation.

Weldon says she had a full-circle moment after growing up in Redfern and then launching her campaign in Redfern Park, where she said she wants Sydney to not only focus on one side of society but for everyone to have equal opportunities.

“I am about all of us coming together; about us walking together but making this city inclusive for each and every one of us — not one part of society,” she said.

“I believe the best is yet to come. Together we can build a fairer, greener, more dynamic Sydney after COVID.”

The election will be held on September 4.

https://nit.com.au/redfern-kindergarten-receives-long-needed-interior-makeover/