Education looks set to be the big campaign issue in Camden at the next state election after Labor announced teacher Sally Quinnell as their candidate.
Chriss Minns, the Labor opposition leader, and Dr Mike Freelander, the federal member for Macarthur, joined Ms Quinnell yesterday morning in Camden to announce her candidature (pictured).
Ms Quinnell has been a member of the Camden community for over 15 years.
She has worked as a school teacher in both public and private schools, including Camden South Public School, St Clare’s Primary School, Narellan Vale and Macarthur Anglican, Cobbitty.
Ms Quinnell said she was running for election to ensure a growing Camden has enough schools to accommodate for local children.
“I love Camden and am dedicated to making it a better place for my children to grow up in,’’ she said.
“I have witnessed first hand the crisis facing the schools in our area. This government and our current local member have had 12 years, and they have not delivered for our community.
“Camden deserves a strong advocate within NSW Parliament, and after teaching our local kids for many years, I can’t sit back any longer.
“I am putting my hand up to be that voice for Camden in Parliament because only a Labor Government will focus on ensuring we have enough schools and teachers for our area.’’
Mr Minns said Sally Quinnell was a passionate teacher and he was confident she would make a strong local member in NSW Parliament.
“Sally is an experienced educator who knows the crisis facing schools across NSW and within the Camden area – it requires a local who is committed to action,’’ he said.
“This Government has had 12 years in the job, and it’s time for a direction for Camden.’’
Dr Freelander said he had Ms Quinnell for a long time.
“Sally is a wonderful local mother, teacher and community advocate who will be a passionate and dedicated Member for Camden,’’ he said.
“I look forward to Sally representing Camden in the NSW Parliament where she will work tirelessly for local residents, businesses and their concerns.’’
Ms Quinnell lives in Camden with her husband Damien and their three children.
A passionate musician, Sally is also a small business owner, setting up Bandemonium, a music business which provided music education to hundreds of children across the Camden electorate.
She is also a founding member of the Camden Musical Society, has volunteered with Nepean Venturers and Cobbity Scout Group, and is a dedicated parishioner of St Paul’s Church Camden where she participates in the choir.
The next state election will be held on the last Saturday of March 2023.
