I am a proud young Aboriginal woman, aged 24, from a close-knit family of six. I am deeply connected to Yuin Country, which has shaped my values, identity, and commitment to community and protecting country. I believe that my background, lived experiences, and unwavering dedication position me to serve our communities and the environment effectively.
From a young age, I have been actively involved in my local community in the Shoalhaven. Growing up in a place where natural beauty and cultural heritage are intertwined, I developed a strong passion for advocating for both environmental preservation and Indigenous rights. My dedication to creating positive change has driven me to work tirelessly towards building a community that values sustainability, inclusivity, and respect for Country. I am committed to ensuring that the voices of young people and marginalised groups are heard and that policies reflect our collective aspirations for a fairer future.
Whilst I have always cared about the environment it wasn’t until the 2019/20 bushfires and the aftermath when I really decided to stand up for change. The bushfire came within 500m from my family home and when the community was supposed to be in a time of recovery what we saw instead was log truck, after log truck taking away trees that survived less than three months later. In 2023, I was honored to receive the Bob Brown Foundation’s Young Environmentalist of the Year award, for my work in the native forest space. At the end of last year, I attended COP30 as a spokesperson for WWF Asia Pacific where I had the chance to talk about the direct impacts of climate change and natural disasters on Yuin Country and across Australia. It was a special opportunity but also showed me we have so much more to do when it comes to climate action on the ground.
Since joining the NSW Greens in 2020, I have been deeply engaged in political activism and community organising. Over the years, I have run as a candidate for local council twice, gaining valuable experience in grassroots campaigning and community engagement. I have also served on various NSW Greens committees and have been an active member of my local group and the NSW Young Greens.
My academic background further fuels my passion for these causes. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, which has deepened my understanding of the complex relationships between land, environment, and society. This education has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for environmental policies.
With my combination of public speaking skills, a strong sense of purpose, and a genuine desire to create an inclusive and sustainable future for NSW, I am committed to amplifying the voices that are often ignored.
Takesa Frank
