“Think globally, act locally’ is a key Green commitment, and it really happens in local government. As a councillor, I grapple with huge global problems – climate change, violence against women, poverty – and look at what can be done locally to make a difference.

“One of my best experiences on council has been chairing the Disability Advisory Committee. Too often, we build barriers – literally – to people being part of the community. Yarra’s Disability Advisory Committee has fabulous activists who have helped Yarra make our buildings, footpaths and
roads more accessible.”

"Another achievement has getting stronger community engagement. One example is our budget consultation process. We now ask our community how they want us to spend our budget. It's an initial step, but part of an important process of making democracy deeper and more meaningful."

Cr Kathleen Maltzahn was elected to the City of Yarra in November 2004 and represents Nicholls ward. She chairs Yarra council’s Disability Advisory Committee and Bicycle Advisory Group, and is a member of the Human Services and Community Development Committee and Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Committee.

Before being elected to council, she was Director of Project Respect, a women’s organisation that challenges violence against women in the sex industry. In 2005 she received the Inaugural Dame Phyllis Frost Award from the National Council of Women (Victoria) for her work on the trafficking of women.

Cr Kathleen Maltzahn
Nicholls Ward

Chair, Disability Advisory Committee
Member, Bicycle Advisory Group
Member, Human Services and Community Development Committee
Member, Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Committee