Profile: Labor candidate for Ballina Melanie Doriean
Name: Melanie Doriean.
Occupation: Currently Labor Candidate for the seat of Ballina and otherwise a project officer in the Department of Education and Training.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love reading, discussing ideas, walking, singing in a local choral group, spending time with my family.
How long have you lived in the Ballina electorate?
My husband and I moved here 25 years ago from Victoria.
What do you like most about living here?
It is a great place to live — the beaches, rainforest, the friendly people, facilities close at hand, great educational opportunities and a multitude of community activity and events that offer something for everyone. The vibrant culture of all the different towns and villages enriches our lives here.
What are your favourite places in the area?
The beaches are a favourite with me and also the peace and quiet of the National Parks.
What are the major problems facing the Ballina electorate?
I think managing growth in balance with protecting our environment is the major challenge facing us. This area has managed considerable population increases and more is to come and we must ensure that we plan carefully to have sufficient infrastructure in place. A major element of this is our health service and Labor has a plan to support these needs.
What’s your vision of Ballina in the year 2050?
I see Ballina in 2050 as a beautiful place to live with a mix of suitable housing options, open parks and spaces and a vibrant business community. The Bundjalung people have a magnificent museum and art space and are recognised for their contribution to our environment and culture. There is a strong eco-tourism industry that encourages visitors to enjoy and understand the environment and learn how to protect it. People of all ages have access to excellent health services and enjoy many low-cost health-promoting activities provided in the area. Our educational institutions provide excellent educational opportunities for our young people who now have a wide range employment options in a number of large and small enterprises in the region.
