Jan Hainke completes the line up.

Clr Larry Whipper proudly announced Jan Hainke as the 5th and final member of the newly launched People Power Team today. “Jan brings an enormous amount of community mindedness to the team” Larry said.” I have known and respected Jan for many years. Her volunteering efforts are almost legendary. She has contributed countless hours of service to Environmental and Social issues in the Wingecarribee Shire”.

Jan, who is a retired Occupational Therapist and Riding instructor, has been a full time resident of the Shire for 15 years and a ratepayer for 25 years.
Her son was educated at Chevalier College. She lives with her husband Len on a small rural property at Sutton Forest and has two adult children, both currently residing in London. “Jan has worked professionally with the aged and holds a TAFE certificate in Conservation and Land Management.
Jan continues to live her principles and is active in conserving and rehabilitating native vegetation on her property and is also does voluntary work in Bushcare and Landcare.”

“Jan’s dedication and Community involvement through HedgeWise, Wingecarribee Reconciliation Group, National Parks Association, REPS, CANWin, the Exeter Fayre Committee, co-ordinator Exeter Centenary of Federation Trees, Moss Vale Community Garden, WSC Community Nursery and Permaculture are an indication of the importance that Jan attaches to Community Action. Her networks bring her into touch with many grass roots issues in the Shire and her expertise and ongoing role as a Council observer have given her good insight into the process of Council”. She has more than served her apprentiship”, Larry said.

Jan’s philosophy of trying to Involving the general community in local issues and activities and her desire to see Council becoming more sustainable by using, and maintaining natural resources more wisely, is a common theme among team members.

Jan also believes that careful development does not mean no development, but rather wise development, knowing that all levels of society need to find a point of balance. She recognises that the “Englishness” of the Southern Highlands is a great attraction for tourists and many residents, but that we live in Australia and many people love the Australian qualities, which we are losing. This affects our wildlife and biodiversity, which are under great threat even at our local level. The challenge for us all is to maintain both and not to become a suburb of Sydney!
Jan is a welcome addition to the team. I believe she shares our vision for the Shire and supports issues such as considering the zoning of prime agricultural land in perpetuity, local saleyards, lobbying for more affordable housing opportunities, and looking at opportunities for local sustainable farming, an expansion of bike tracks and lobbying for improved public transport. It is clear that the Larry Whipper’s people Power Team have a wealth of Social, Financial, Cultural, Environmental and Local Government experience, which I know will continue to represent the community’s needs and maintain the quality of life for residents of our Shire". Larry said.