A time for real leadership

I AM writing this article on election day with full knowledge that it won’t be published for another week.

Hence, any commentary about the election will be irrelevant, and the RBA will also meet before you read this, so the property landscape will also be different.

But as a swinging, dialed-in voter, I pride myself on voting with a focus on leadership qualities and integrity. Sadly, I have never been more pessimistic about my choices, I probably wouldn’t want to have dinner with either of our national leaders. Both options are boldly unelectable characters, it’s a contest of who is worse, not who is better.

In our local community, we have outstanding leaders. People who stand up for their beliefs and take action and get involved when they see something wrong or something they can improve. But our culture is to beat up on our politicians and demonise them so much that good people and good leaders avoid politics altogether.

Regular readers will know I have been advocating strongly for the Market Square redevelopment concept. It’s a project I am passionate about and one that many great leaders around Geelong have joined. I have been impressed by Michael Johnson from the Committee for Geelong, who put the ball under his arm and made some significant steps forward. Simon Loader from Tract Planning has also been at the forefront, and both should be applauded for their leadership and taking up the challenge on behalf of our city.

About a week ago, we were invited to meet with Premier Jacinta Allen to present the Market Square project and discuss the significant investment needed in Geelong to spur the town forward. Being invited to have a private sit down with the premier is a highlight for any professional and business leader. Also in attendance was Ella George MP and Christian Couzens MP, both of whom have been advocating for the project and the need for investment in Geelong. I found all present to be engaging, aware of the issues, and prepared to listen and actively be involved in an excellent discussion. I want to thank them for their presence.

I left the meeting with a real hope that we might be getting closer to achieving this dream. No promises were made, but I think Premier Allen was sincere when she said she would move the concept forward, and put it in the hands of the appropriate ministries to create the business case. Meeting her in this way, it was easy to see that she too has great leadership qualities, she was smart, quick-witted, a great listener and willing to work with us to find the right path forward. From what you hear in the press and in the vein of that critical culture I mentioned earlier, I didn’t expect she would be so impressive, but she was.

Our national sport of bashing our pollies will always limit the quality of the people putting up their hands. Even when good leaders do emerge in politics, our tendency to tear them down means good ideas and intentions often disappear as they focus on responding to criticism. But don’t despair, good leaders live among us.

One that I get to see firsthand on a smaller stage, is a parent volunteer within the junior program at Geelong West Giants Football Club. A young mum, she puts in so much time, effort and passion with such a positive attitude that she makes everyone around her feel great. I speak of Lucy Bowles, who runs the canteen even when her son isn’t playing, sends out newsletters, writes grants etc. She is a leader in our community, and I for one am very grateful for the humble way in which people like her, involved in all clubs and non-for-profit organisations around Geelong, go about it.

So, I will drag myself to the voting booth and vote for someone with less passion and less character than Lucy, confident that no matter what, at the grassroots level our community is full of great leaders, and that is what makes this country tick. By the time you read this, we will have a new federal government. Let’s hope it’s the best of the underwhelming choices we were given.

If you would like to see the most recent renders and details of the Market Square proposal, head to committeeforgeelong.com.au/post/committee-for-geelong-unveils-vision-for-market-square-transformation

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