Statement – Councillor Zelinda Sherlock, 29 April 2024

Dr Sherlock Wins Deputy

Across the state of Tasmania, it appears that Dr Sherlock becomes the first female of Indian heritage, born in Fiji, to hold the title of Deputy Lord Mayor.

Key Points:

  • “The past 7 months have been a difficult time for me, but one of the things that has brought me joy is the work that I have been able to do on Council. Listening to community concerns, attending workshops in person or online, being part of community events and ceremonies – reading planning and council reports has provided me with the space to focus on a role I am extremely passionate about, and being a representative for the community, is a responsibility I thoroughly enjoy. Council represents a microcosm of the society in which we live, and all of us around the table represent different pockets of our community. I want to thank my fellow colleagues, most of you I have a good relationship with and we can share laughter over a meal, say hello in a tally room, I can send you messages when I’m having IT issues, we can professional discuss Council matters and importantly connect by sharing our personal stories and struggles.
  • During the 2018 and 2022 election is was noted that I received preference flows from various political sides. To me this signifies something important: people recognise my ability to resonate and communicate meaningfully with individuals from all walks of life, and political persuasion. We may not always agree, because difference of opinion is a natural and healthy part of the human experience. However, I pride myself on my ability to take a considered, compassionate, measured and evidenced-based approach. An approach that adopts a methodology of compromise and respect to decision-making; but make no mistake, I’m not afraid – to take a stand and I don’t think I have abstained from a vote in this chamber and I certainly have no qualms about voicing the views of the voiceless.
  • Our City sits on the precipice of major change. Even in the past six years that I have been on Council, what is noticeable about the significant transitions that are at the heart of our City, is the requirement to understand the perspectives of the many hearts that beat within our City. If elected as Deputy Lord Mayor, I intend on continuing my role as Welcoming and Inclusive City Portfolio Chair, a responsibility that is crucial, as we venture into uncharted changes to our City’s demographic and the need to advocate for social cohesion outcomes. My vote its but 1 of 12 around the table, and I intend on working alongside my Council colleagues and Council staff for the betterment of our community, especially through collaboration with stakeholders in areas such as medium density housing, public transport, precinct plans, sustainability and climate action initiatives and appropriate developments.
  • I finish by saying that it is incredibly special that I come from humble beginnings, immigrating to Tasmania with my family from Fiji, and I received my Australian Citizenship in this very building in August 2000, at a time when ceremonies were not part of the process. It is a beautiful feeling to feel like I belong, because belonging is such a central part of what it means to be a human being. I am profoundly humbled and sincerely honoured to have the opportunity to put my hand up to nominate for the role of Deputy Lord Mayor and I hope for your support.”