Committee Members

I've lived in Ku-ring-gai for almost 20 years and love the rare biodiversity it offers. I've co-published a book of poems, The Unfolding, with my friend and international photographer and artist Len Metcalf. Many poems were written among the angophora costatas (Sydney Red Gums), which form part of the area's critically endangered ecological community of the Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest (STIF) where less than 0.5% remains. 

I would like to see Ku-ring-gai Council offer more protection for the STIF and other remnant forests that are on the brink of extinction.

I'm wildly passionate about great leadership which, after a career in HR, led to founding People for Success where I consult as a Leadership Educator and Executive Coach. I'm a member of the local environmental groups, founder of not-for-profit Expand Now and previous Independent Candidate for Wahroonga in the 2023 NSW State Election. 

I have a long-term connection to Ku-ring-gai since 1976 when I arrived from Queensland to finish high school in Wahroonga. 

Passionate about preserving the community's unique natural beauty, I recently collaborated with a community action group to push for the preservation of green public space in West Pymble. I've also been involved with the establishment of the Natural Turf Alliance.

I champion genuine community dialogue rather than a ‘tick the box’ approach to consultation. 

Voices for Ku-ring-gai is an  independent community action group advocating for changes in consultation and decision making at local government level.

Greg Taylor was elected in 2021 representing the Comenarra Ward. Cr Taylor is a classical musician, environmental educator, conservation manager and passionate activist for progressive and sustainable social, ecological and cultural change.

Cr Taylor lists his listening abilities, communication skills, intimate knowledge of the natural environment and effective organisational expertise as the qualities he utilised and developed when he was a Ku-ring-gai Councillor.

Aspects of society he is most enthusiastic about contributing to are - community connection and services, environmental policy, conservation of natural and manmade heritage and development policy. 

Greg Taylor served on the following Committees:

• Sustainable Recreation Advisory Group - Deputy Chair
• Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai Bush Fire Management Committee (BFMC) - Delegate
• Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai Rural Fire Service District Liaison Committee - Delegate

  Human, woman, partner, mother, friend.

Living on gorgeous Dharug Guringgai country.

Strong independent passionate human rights political advocate activist volunteer. Very rusty beancounter/CPA.

Doing what I can to be the change I want to see in the world.

Best quotes that fire me up:

For every thousand hacking at the leaves of evil, there is one striking at the root. 

Henry David Thoreau

I love this quote as it says get back to the grassroots as that’s where the most impact can be made.

The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it

Henry David Thoreau

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

I’ve been a resident of Ku-ring-gai for almost 20 years and have a deep appreciation of the extraordinary natural beauty of our area. We are privileged to have access to three National Parks in our area and I believe we residents of Kur-ing-gai have a responsibility to protect our unique natural environment and critically endangered native flora and fauna. I am actively involved in bush care for both the Ku-ring-gai Council and National Parks. 

I am an academic with a lifelong commitment to education. When I arrived in Australia as an adult on a twelve-month scholarship many years ago, little did I know that this marked the beginning of a new life in a profoundly different world. My first impression of cultural idiosyncrasies and an unfamiliar landscape of shrubs, dust, rocks and gum trees everywhere, gradually transformed into a deep appreciation of the natural beauty of my new home and a growing interest in its politics and the history of its original owners.

I was invited to Australia because of my research into the intricacies of democratic systems, an interest and commitment that has continued to shape my research, teaching, and personal life to this day. In my teaching, I highlight the significance of individual voices – an understanding that goes beyond the oversimplified view of democracy commonly associated with a mere majority vote. This narrow understanding is often used for the justification of neglect of the interests and rights of minority groups frequently resulting in inequality, discrimination, and the suppression of diverse viewpoints. 

For a well-functioning democracy, it is crucial that the voices of all citizens are heard and considered, which underscores the importance of inclusive and culturally sensitive decision-making processes that prioritize the rights and voices of marginal groups and Australia's First Nations.

Together with fellow VoK members, I am looking forward to contributing to our group's mission of fostering a sustainable future and ensuring commitment to the delicate balance between governance and environmental well-being. 

Through education, collaboration, and a sincere appreciation for Ku-ring-gai’s natural beauty, my goal is to be instrumental in restoring democratic processes, integrity, and transparency at the level of local government decision making and hopefully beyond.