Candidate claims waterfront connection
A woman who claims a strong connection to the Woy Woy waterfront is standing as one of fives candidates with Cr Craig Doyle's team for the Gosford Council elections in September.
In number three position on the ticket, Ms Rebecca Gracia is a full time mother of three and student studying urban, regional development and social sustainability at the University of Newcastle.
Ms Gracia said spent her early years on the Peninsula and has a strong connection to the waterfront at Woy Woy.
In 1911, her great, great grandparents bought a house on the waterfront after the train tunnel was completed.
Winning the lottery back in 1962, her grandparents also bought a holiday house on the waterfront.
Rebecca's mother lived in Woy Woy as a teen and met her father under the big fig tree on the waterfront.
Later they were engaged in that very spot and, a few decades later, so was Rebecca.
"Because of this extended personal history with the Peninsula area, I am very aware of the social, economic and environmental needs of the residents of Gosford area, particularly the Peninsula," said Ms Gracia.
"As a parent of three young children, I also understand the pressures and concerns of parents raising children in this community.
"I want to see our beautiful natural environment preserved, but at the same time the area is lacking in 20 to 35 year olds, because there is not enough exciting employment opportunities available.
"I would like to see development on the Coast that fosters our environment but also invites genuine career opportunities.
"I believe by evaluating developments and proposals based on this, it is crucial to ensuring that our community thrives.
"I would like to see the council take a leadership role in helping businesses in the Gosford area embrace and participate in the digital economy," she said.
Media Release, 16 Aug 2012
Tracey Doyle, Wamberal