With the State Election on 23 March fast approaching, we are taking this opportunity of continuing our tradition of giving you an insight to the three main candidates. They may surprise you.

Nina Digiglio, The Greens

Favourite sport? Player or spectator? 
Running is my favourite sport. I run 10km every morning to set me up for the day. I have also been a long term soccer mum and club vice president for Southern branch soccer club and I have learned to love soccer over the years. My favourite football player is Kyra Simms.

Best subject at school?
History – it is such a fascinating subject, and I love the lessons it teaches us about the leaders who have succeeded and failed.

Best holiday you’ve ever taken?
Berlin – I travelled to Berlin on a working holiday and seeing the remains of the vast wall really inspired me that peace is possible in the world.

Favourite beach in the Kiama LGA?
Bombo – I love Bombo, it really feels like home to me.

Cat or dog? 
Cat

Most admired world leader, past or present?
Martin Luther-King Jr – he stood for justice and equality, and was a truly courageous person who spoke out, and cared about the people.

Favourite style of food?
Italian – just like my Grandmother cooked, it’s such a healthy food base.

Favourite movie?
Mary Poppins and the Sound of Music

Best concert you’ve ever been to?
Paul Kelly – when he is in the zone he has such a powerful presence.

What lured you into politics?
Working as a nurse, with vulnerable sick people, children and their families and with the Indigenous community highlighted the atrocious way our governments treat people and communities. The health system, welfare system, schools, housing, transport – everything. Inaction on climate change, our oceans and biodiversity pushed me hard too.

List three personal qualities you have that will make you a good representative?
a) Work ethic and high energy  b) Good listener c) Flexible

Most important issue for Kiama?
Planning is a big issue for the Kiama community. People are concerned about overdevelopment, protecting the areas high value agricultural land, and maintaining the character of our coastal and historical towns. People are worried about the rapid rise of Shell Cove, and now Caulderwood Valley sensing that Kiama is next.

Our infrastructure is already stretched. Our hospitals lack crucial services and resources, our transport system, local roads and parking is inadequate, and our schools are growing too large. The community’s concern for climate change feeds into planning with homes needing to be cool, and sustainable; and solarised reducing energy costs.

Gareth Ward MP, Liberal

Favourite sport? Player or spectator?
I love going to the Cricket. In spite of my results, frustration and occasional profanity, I love playing golf.

Best subject at school?
Legal Studies

Best holiday you’ve ever taken?
I think the best holiday is a stay-cation. I love spending time at home and around our region with family and friends.

Favourite beach in the Kiama LGA?
I’m going to be a politician and say “all of them”.

Cat or dog?
Dog

Most admired world leader, past or present?
Martin Luther King Jr

Favourite style of food?
Italian

Favourite movie?
Any James Bond film but Casino Royale would be top of that list.

Best concert you’ve ever been to?
I took my mum to see Elton John in Wollongong last year (Don’t tell anyone – but I liked it as much as she did).

What lured you into politics?
Shoalhaven Council was trying to sell public land behind our home that had always been set aside for public open space. I was involved in the grassroots movement to stop the sale, which we won. However, the need to upgrade the Princes Highway was why I stood for State Parliament.

List three personal qualities you have that will make you a good representative?
Works hard, gets real results and loves our community.

Most important issue for Kiama?
One of the reasons I stood for Parliament was to fix the Princes Highway. I’ve delivered on my promise to upgrade the Princes Highway at Gerringong and Berry and work is underway between Berry and Bomaderry and the long-awaited Albion Park Rail Bypass is under construction. Working with our community, we’ve doubled the number of train carriages on the 4:24, 3:54 and 3:24 Central to Kiama Services with more new trains to come. I’ve delivered on my promise for a new Kiama Ambulance Station and Kiama Primary Health Care Centre and I won’t support any plans to Development Blowhole Point.

Andy Higgins, Country Labor

Favourite sport? Player or spectator?
Kelly Slater, 11 time world surfing champion. A natural talent, an effortless artist of the waves.

Best subject at school?
Always design and art, I’m still intrigued how different elements and colours compliment and balance to achieve a message or function to improve and inspire our lives.

Best holiday you’ve ever taken?
Through my cousin’s sponsorship of a village in Vanuatu we had the opportunity to experience the day to day life in the local community.

Favourite beach in the Kiama LGA?
I grew up in Chapman St, so Kendalls and Surf Beach hold many early memories for me. However Bombo and Boneyard have a certain magnetism I’m drawn to.

Cat or dog?
Dog

Most admired world leader, past or present?
So many inspirational leaders, but to keep it in Australia, Bob Hawke.

Favourite style of food?
I’d eat a Sunday roast, seven days a week.

Favourite movie?
Anchorman

Best concert you’ve ever been to?
Bob Dylan, not so much for the performance, but to see a living icon perform songs that have changed the world.

What lured you into politics?
Kiama is a jewel on the coast. The lack of transparency and consultation from the current liberal government is dismantling the character and heritage of our unique community. We must invest in future generations and give them the same opportunities that we have had. “What’s real and what’s for sale?”

List three personal qualities you have that will make you a good representative?
Practical, Creative, and Dedicated.

Most important issue for Kiama?
Development without transparency or consultation.Due to the erosion of local council’s power by the Liberal government. A developer can be knocked back by Kiama Council 8-to-1, but then gain approval through the back door in Macquarie Street. A Dailey government will close this back door to developers, giving power back to local government and community.