No. 1 – Torsten Blackwood

Torsten is a long-term Woollahra resident who grew up in Double Bay and has lived beside Cooper Park in Bellevue Hill for the past 15 years. As an active member of the Cooper Park community, he has a thorough understanding of local issues. To spearhead the regeneration of Cooper Park North in 2017, Torsten co-founded then designed and built the popular Cooper Park Community Garden which was complemented by the planting of over 2,800 native trees and bushes around the park. Last year he advocated strongly for the renovation of Cooper Park Community Hall and playground facilities. He was awarded Woollahra Citizen of the Year 2017 for his work enhancing the local environment. As a lifelong professional photographer, Torsten has always been a keen supporter of the local arts, culture and heritage. Torsten’s focus has always been on local issues and what will make Woollahra a cleaner, more sustainable and safer community for future generations to thrive in.

No. 2 – Louise Elsing

Since Luise was first elected to Council in 2012 she has been passionate about protecting the individual rights of residents, the enjoyment of public places and the preservation of  the heritage and character of our local neighbourhoods. For Luise, the best part of being on Council is that it provides opportunities to work with local residents and collaboratively with ward Councillors to deliver outcomes for the benefit of our community. Improving pedestrian experience: footpath repair (Edgecliff Road): signage (Peaker Lane and Halls Lane): pedestrian crossings (Queen Street and hopefully Moncur Street): enhanced parks/open spaces (heritage listing Cooper Park).

No. 3 – Claire Wivell Plater

Claire Wivell Plater has lived in the Woollahra municipality for 30 years, primarily in Woollahra, and also in Paddington and Watsons Bay. Claire has been actively involved in community affairs since 2005, when she joined the Board of Holdsworth Community. As chair of the Holdsworth Board for 9 years, Claire assisted Holdsworth to achieve significant growth, evolve to its highly successful person-centred service model and with the creation of its community café and garden. After a 35 year career as an insurance and financial services lawyer, Claire now works as a company director with a diverse range of financial services companies and two arts organizations.