Voices of Bradfield

About us

Our objectives

Voices of Bradfield calls for integrity and effectiveness in federal politics. We aim to do that by:

selecting and endorsing an independent federal candidate/member for the seat of Bradfield
supporting the currently endorsed candidate/member as determined in collaboration with them
active advocacy in relation to key federal issues approved by the membership of the association

Our organisation

Voices of Bradfield is an independent community non-profit organisation. We are registered with NSW Department of Fair Trading as an incorporated association and we comply with all legal requirements of the department and the Australian Electoral Commission. Click here for a copy of our constitution.

Our principles

Voices of Bradfield is a community-based organisation committed to these principles:

representative democracy, unencumbered by the strictures of party politics
continuing community engagement
integrity and accountability
honesty, courage and truth
diversity, inclusiveness and respect for all
recognition of the importance of reason and science in public policy

Our office holders

President

Nick O'Brien

Nick has lived in Sydney’s north shore for 17 years, having moved here from Melbourne (via Canberra and northern-NSW). He has a PhD and degree in forest science, and has worked in the research and funds management sectors with a focus on sustainable plantation management and climate change mitigation. Nick strongly believes that a key focus on mitigating climate change impacts is to change the way we produce and use energy, and feels that the current major political parties have not displayed the necessary urgency in this area.

Treasurer

Madeleine Hobbs

Madeleine has lived in Bradfield for over 20 years after emigrating from South Africa with her husband and two children, who went to local public schools. Madeleine has worked in IT and project management across a number of industries and is now taking a Master of History degree. She believes in thoughtful, pragmatic and evidence-based action on climate change, gender equity and integrity in government.

Secretary

Danielle Zagel

Danielle has lived in Bradfield with her family for over a decade, following a long stint in London, and her children are studying in local schools. Danielle has degrees in Law and Asian Studies and has been working as a commercial lawyer in senior positions in Australian and global organisations for many years.

Danielle is excited about the potential for a grassroots organisation to harness the many skills and talents found in the residents of Bradfield and use them to change our community and our world for the better.

Committee member

Ian Palmer

Ian’s connections to Bradfield date back to 1987 as a lecturer for some years at Kuring-gai CAE. Later, he moved to Lindfield and his two children attended Killara High. His teaching, research and industry consulting was on managing organizational change. Ian recently returned to Lindfield from Melbourne where he was a Vice-President at RMIT University and managed the College of Business. He remains a Professor Emeritus, RMIT.

Ian has a strong focus on achieving change for the better and his recent pro bono activities include mentoring, designing a post-prison employment program, advising businesses and bike building for a disability organisation. He is naturally aligned to the changes Voices of Bradfield is championing and was excited to see the strong support in Bradfield for the recent referendum.

Committee member

Gillian Bennett

Gillian has lived in Bradfield for over a decade, settling here after many years working in Canberra, Sydney and overseas as a broadcast news writer and producer. She now works in philanthropy while raising two children. She has postgraduate degrees in International Relations and is very slowly completing a Masters of Research at Macquarie University.

Gillian joined Voices of Bradfield because she believes having informed, responsive and effective local representatives in the federal Parliament is crucial to a healthy Australian democracy.