The Greens councillor is the first councillor to confirm they will run for mayor following Member of Gilmore Joanna Gash’s recent announcement that she intends to leave federal politics and move into local government.

The Shoalhaven Greens have pre-selected Ms Findlay to be a lead candidate for the battle for Ward 3.

She has also been given the go ahead as the party’s mayoral candidate.

“I’ve had a few calls and emails of support already,” Ms Findley said.

“I believe I have something different to offer than Joanna Gash.

“I have progressive politics on my side. I’m really interested in how we can take our community along on the journey and work together to achieve outcomes.

“I think that is a modern approach that people are beginning to expect from politicians.

“People are sick of the nastiness, the divide and conquer, they want a good news story and they want to be a part of it,” she said.

“One of the essences of a good leader is someone who can take on board other people’s opinions and not be too proud to change your mind.

“I see that all the time at all levels of government.

“Representatives of the Greens have proven around the state they are capable of taking on the role of mayor.

“Take for example Byron Bay, Randwick, Marrickville, and Balmain, all had Greens mayors, and two of those mayors have gone on to State Parliament.”

Ms Findley said she sees the mayoral position as that of a figurehead, “it’s not the old-school mayor who had all the power, it’s an ability to talk to people from all walks of life,” she said.

“I have that ability. I was just as comfortable meeting the Prime Minister last year, as I was sitting down and painting children’s faces at a community event in Parramatta Park.”

The current term is Ms Findley’s first with council, she said it had taught her a lot.

She has raised the issue of Joanna Gash standing as an independent, questioning how she intends to leave her politics of 16 years at the door if she was elected.

“People can make these statements about not bringing these party politics to the table.

“But if your personal ideology is created around the things you believe in, then how do you leave that ideology at the door?

“Especially for someone like Joanna who’s been in the political game for 16 years, it is going to be extremely difficult to leave that baggage behind,” she said.