I am an author, city-maker and advocate for an expanded civic imagination as a foundation for a fair and sustainable future.
Mission
We have many of the solutions to our most confronting challenges within our reach. We can look to the world, learn from each other, organise and develop a greater sense of agency – expanding our civic imagination – to bring those solutions to the table.
Over the last two decades, I have worked in policy, politics, advocacy, city-making, media and the creative industries to help advance the public discourse, shift Australia from an extractive to a creative economy, and help more people feel active, engaged and hopeful about the future.
Work with me
Become a part of the Civic Imagination Network.
Read my book or commission me to write for your publication.
Book me as a speaker, host or facilitator, or engage me as a consultant.
Or let’s talk about what you’re working on.
Current & recent projects
Civic Imagination Network
2023 – ongoing
As we face some of the most rapid and disruptive social, economic and environmental transformations in history, Australia is experiencing a crisis of civic imagination. The Civic Imagination Network inspires citizens and connects researchers, purpose-led organisations, advocates, activists and community groups to collectively reimagine what we value and what role we can play in a more hopeful Australia.
Glimpses of Utopia:
Real Ideas for a Fairer World
2020 & 2023, Pantera Press
My book explores innovative social and economic policy and effective community movements to address the climate and inequality crises we’re facing: from for-purpose finance to models for fairer land use. Glimpses of Utopia was shortlisted in the Australian Book Industry Awards.
Consultant,
World Bank Group
2022 – ongoing
I work with the World Bank Group on projects and research in sustainable urban transformation, focusing on policy, institutional reform and investment, to support Indonesia to develop resilient, productive and inclusive cities.
Deputy Lord Mayor,
City of Sydney
2019 – 2022
In my three years in this elected position I initiated a global competition to find new models for addressing the housing crisis; I secured the creation of transitional housing through “meanwhile use”. I advocated for a Community Wealth Building framework for inclusive economic development and successfully campaigned to establish the NSW Micro Business Support Grant which helped thousands of small service and creative businesses survive lockdown.
Councillor,
City of Sydney
2016 – 2023
Across seven years in this elected position I secured free early childhood education for asylum seekers, instigated a Citizens Jury to shape Sydney’s Community Strategic Plan, and expanded access to renewable energy infrastructure in heritage areas. I championed a child-friendly and Laneway Commons approach to public realm planning. I successfully advocated for extended hospitality and retail trading hours and the creation of new nightlife precincts.