Helen became the first Greens councillor for the City of Whitehorse when  elected for Elgar Ward in November 2005.   She has lived in Whitehorse for over thirty years, and been involved in a number of community groups.  She has an M.A. in history, and holds a number of honorary awards, including an Order of Australia Medal (O.A.M.), which was granted in 1993 for services to
community history.

As a professional historian, she is interested in heritage and planning issues.  As an environmentalist, she is committed to environmental action at the local, as well as the national level.  Practising what she preaches, she lives in an environmentally friendly house, with solar panels, a solar hot water service, rainwater tanks, and compost bins.  Two Open Days have been held at the house, to educate local residents on how to lighten their environmental footprints.

Whitehorse Council now provides a rebate for residents who install either solar panels or solar hot water services and a Community Green Power scheme will be implemented shortly.  Helen initiated the establishment of a farmers’ market which has proved very popular.  Run by local Rotary clubs, the profits are returned to the local community.  Strengthening and supporting local communities is another of Helen’s interests.

Currently, she serves on the:

• Municipal Association of Victoria Local Sustainability Network
• Municipal Association of Victoria Local Government ESD Advocacy Group
• Heritage Steering Committee
• Indoor Sports Facility Focus Group
• 150th Anniversary of Local Government Working Group

Elected: 2005

Phone: 0416 316 419

Email: helenharris@vic.greens.org.au

This page is under construction