The newly elected convenor of Wollongong’s Neighbourhood Forum 5, Andrew Anthony, is no stranger to public advocacy.

The former Wollongong City Councillor (2004-2008) takes the reins after many years of service by distinguished lawyer Harold Hanson and, more recently, former senior council engineer John Riggall. Andrew will be supported by another new face to the NF5 executive, Theresa Huxtable, who has been elected as co-convenor.

Neighbourhood Forum 5 is charged with providing advice to council and represents the central area of the city including Wollongong, North Wollongong, South Wollongong, Figtree, Fairy Meadow, Coniston, Mangerton and Gwynneville.

Andrew, who lives in Figtree, is a self-employed IT and telecommunications consultant who enjoys cycling for fun and fitness. He chaired the Bicycle Planning Taskforce while on council and he helped found the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group (iBUG), which has become a strong advocacy group for cycling safety. 

Before being elected to council, Andrew was convenor of the now defunct Neighbourhood Committee 7, covering the city’s western suburbs.

“As convenor, I was able to gain a great deal of knowledge of the workings of council, and I was able to nurture relations with council staff that helped immensely when I was elected councillor,” Andrew said.

When asked about his passions and where his priorities lie in leading NF5, Andrew said: “I’ve been a strong supporter of the council’s Bushcare groups, and I’m passionate about protecting the Illawarra escarpment and foreshores from over-development. I advocate for precinct planning and community participation in decision making to maintain the local character and feel of our suburbs, and prevent developer-driven unbridled development.

“I believe one of the biggest threats to the area is the pressure from high population growth, which has increased housing demand and led to a disregard for the environment and infrastructure, particularly stormwater management.”

Active in the community

Andrew’s co-convenor, Theresa Huxtable, moved to Wollongong in the mid-1990s and has been active in the community through schools, sports, the arts, culture and environment.

“I value and respect the place where I live and work, so will always strive to promote it and encourage others to do likewise. We live in a most beautiful place and I want to help protect it for generations to come,” Theresa said.

“I have worked with the public, UOW, in the office of a Federal MP and for Wollongong City Council, and in both my career and at a community level, I consider good communications and sensitivity to particular situations makes for good outcomes.”

Theresa believes our city’s neighbourhood forums provide a valuable platform for council to communicate directly with the community and vice-versa.

“The forums keep residents informed about changes within their neighbourhood, provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns and ideas, help in planning and organising community projects and provide a vehicle for sharing of resources, skills and knowledge among community members.

“Then there is the trust and co-operation among neighbours and council which can result and hopefully a chance to resolve misunderstandings between residents and the council.”