Meet the Candidate - Gloria Baker

My Life Before Beautiful Bilinga

I moved from Sydney to Bilinga 12 years ago. I was fortunate enough to win a scholarship to attend the University of New South Wales where I studied Economics (hons) for 3years and was then offered a graduate placement in the State Bank. And so began my life in the corporate world. My role was to facilitate and coordinate Multi-Million Dollar loans to both domestic and international companies to assist them to relocate to regional areas to provide them with economic stimulus. It was extremely satisfying and rewarding to ultimately sign off on those loans that would revitalise the economies and lives of people in regional areas.

This experience has given me insight into the machinations of big business and the role they play in local communities. I have gained the skills to quickly and accurately assess the financial benefits and impacts of new proposals across a range of industries. My superior economic skills will be of benefit to our community

In the meantime our small business was expanding and we made the decision for me to leave the corporate world and work in the family business. For 30 years I worked in our small business and I know firsthand how tough it is. There is no sick pay, no holiday pay and no super provided. You are on your own and your house is also on the line. I know and understand small business and will be proactive in supporting all measures that help to ensure they survive and prosper.

The years I spent working in our small business have given me abundant skills and experience to undertake the role of your local Councillor. I am a tireless and committed worker who maintains an unwavering focus of achieving benefits for our local Community.

On retiring here in Bilinga we discovered the amazing spirit and strength in the Friends of Currumbin Community. I was invited to join this Group and became Secretary in 2014 and together with the T2B Oceanway Team, we worked damn hard. The heavy lifting paid off with the delivery of the Tugun to Bilinga Oceanway. A world class asset.

My passion for Community has led me to actively support many other issues including:
The World Surfing Reserve
Save Greenmount against Komune,
Save Currumbin Valley,
Stop PFAS offsite Airport contamination.
Stop excessive Black Helicopter flights,
Return Kirra Pavilion to Kirra Surf Club
Stop overdevelopment
Founding member of the Community Alliance ACE
Stop Sandtunes petition

I have always been there for my Community…

Combined with the tremendous support of likeminded community people I am extremely proud of what we have achieved to both improve and protect those things that make living in this area so special.