We are proud to introduce our wonderful NSW Local Government Election candidates who are standing for the council of the City of Sydney.

Andrew Patterson - City of Sydney Council

Andrew Patterson is an active Sex Party member in NSW and is our lead candidate in the Sex Party NSW group running in the NSW local Government Elections, for the Council of the City of Sydney. Andrew joined the Sex Party back in 2010, finally having found a political party which matched his social views. He currently holds the position of Sex Party NSW Registered Officer.

Andrew was a police officer in WA for many years, leaving the Force as a Detective Sergeant, having specialized in child protection and vice. He has worked in a number of public sector roles since then, including as Chief Investigator with the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, and Specialist Investigator with the NSW Ombudsman. Andrew is currently an Internal Ombudsman in Local Government in NSW.

Andrew has two Masters degrees, one of which is a Master of Ethics and Legal Studies, for which he wrote a dissertation aimed at establishing the moral neutrality of prostitution.

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Zahra Stardust - City of Sydney Mayor and Council

Zahra Stardust is a Penthouse Pet, award-winning stripper, pole dance champion and queer feminist porn star.

With bachelor degrees in Law (Honours) and Arts (History) and a Master’s degree in Gender and Cultural Studies, she has been a law graduate at Allens Arthur Robinson, a guest lecturer and tutor at the University of Sydney, worked in sexual health and development with the United Nations (UNIFEM in Australia and UNFPA in Eritrea), interned at the Kimberley Land Council on Native Title claims, and volunteered with Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre in areas of sexual assault and domestic violence.

She currently teaches pole dancing at Suzie Q Pole Studio and works during the day as the Policy Officer for Scarlet Alliance, the Australian Sex Workers Association, advocating for sex industry law reform.

Campaigning for Lord Mayor of Sydney, this is her third time running for Parliament for the Australian Sex Party (formerly for the Bradfield by-election and 2010 Federal election). A proud member of the LGBTIQ community, Zahra is passionate about human rights, anti-discrimination and social justice.

Zahra has presented at events such as: Sexual Cultures Conference (Brunel University, London), Erotic Screen and Sound Conference (Griffith University, Brisbane), The Unacceptable Conference (Macquarie University, Sydney), Slut Walk Sydney, UN Youth Summit (University of Technology, Sydney), Down and Dirty: Sex Gender Media (Next Wave Festival, Melbourne), The Feminist Conference (Teachers Federation, Sydney), Sex Camp (Melbourne), and Camp Betty, Sheila Autonomista and Femme in the Frame (Red Rattler). Her topics include Queer Sexuality, Radical Action and Electoral Politics, Sex Working for Social Change, Feminist Perspectives on Pornography, Being Femme/Working Sex, and Gender and Equality.

Throughout her performance career she has modelled at the World Body Painting Festival in Austria, undressed on trapeze at Auckland Erotica Expo, taught pole dancing workshops in Sweden, performed in a circus tent at the Amsterdam Burlesque Festival, judged Miss Pole Dance Bavaria in Germany, been a life drawing model in Japan, and belonged to a burlesque troupe at the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Her titles include: Miss Nude Australia Pole Dance Champion 2012, Miss Nude Pure Platinum 2011, Miss Centrefold Oceania 2010, Penthouse Pet October 2010, Miss Nude Dancers Cabaret 2010, Australian Pole Dance Open Pairs Champion 2009, Miss Nude NSW's Most Unique Entertainer 2009, Miss Pole Sydney Sexpo 2009, Miss Pole Dance Australia Finalist 2008.

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Geoff Thomas - City of Sydney Council

Originally from Newcastle, I have lived in the heart of inner Sydney for the past 30 years in Redfern, Erko and Surry Hills. I love to travel, eat, drink and some what surprisingly work.

I have worked as cleaner, on a cotton farm out at Wee Waa, a laborer in the steel industry in Newcastle and have extensive experience in the public service. I am a union member and a manager. This has given me a strong commitment to social justice, reconciliation with Australia’s first people and a firm belief in people taking personal responsibility for the things that happen in their lives.

I bring a balanced and pragmatic approach to life’s complex challenges and a sound knowledge of government processes at Federal, State and local levels. I believe people need to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. I want to live in a city that looks to future and makes its residents feel proud.

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Robyn Trigg - City of Sydney Council

I am a teacher, trainer, tutor and training quality auditor.

I have lived in Sydney inner city since 1980.

I love lots of things about Sydney - the cultural diversity, the fabulous geography, the feeling of freedom and energy, the people - friends, businesses, services, causes and strangers.

I believe in live and let live, civil liberties, intelligent urban innovation and transparent community consultation.

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Graeme Dunne - City of Sydney Council

I'm a resident of Surry Hills and a founding member of the Sex Party.

In my 32 years living and working in Sydney I've had several careers including public servant, stockbroker, business manager and rock musician. I worked for Sydney City Council for nine years from 1987 to 1996 and was the Council's first Freedom of Information Manager.

I'm a strong believer in civil liberties, freedom of speech and having a good time.

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Authorised by Robert Swan, 10 Ipswich Street, Fyshwick ACT 2609.