International Women’s Day: Bunbury Deputy Mayor Tresslyn Smith inspired by female trailblazers

In October last year, Cr Tresslyn Smith became the first female deputy mayor in 16 years, serving alongside a majority female council striving to use their experience to create a more forward thinking and family friendly community. Speaking to the Bunbury Herald for International Women’s Day, Cr Smith reflected on some of the wonderful women who inspired her journey. “I had some fantastic women in my family that I am inspired by, but my mother was a complete dynamo, energetic individual, I wish I had her energy,” she said. Cr Smith said she was also inspired by her mother-in-law, Evelyn Smith, who began feeding dolphins near her home on the Leschenault Inlet in the 1960’s, and slowly began to gather crowds who would watch the relationship foster between her and the dolphins. In 1989 the newly established Bunbury Dolphin Trust hired a dolphin specialist to continue this tradition and begin feeding and studying the local dolphins of Koombana Bay. However Cr Smith said she was continuously inspired by women who were trailblazers throughout history. “I am so inspired by the women who were scientists ahead of there time, I’ve always admired people like Marie Curie, she was a pioneer for nuclear and radioactive research in the 1900s,” she said. “Some of the great authors who had to change their name to male, just so they could be published, women like that who have just blazed the trail for us.” Cr Tresslyn Smith has been an advocate for women in local government for years, working in local government and community regulations since being married, and now serving half a decade on the Bunbury Council. Cr Smith said she has noticed a shift following the election of more women in local government. “Nine women on council out of 13 is a pretty good indication of a forward looking community,” she said. “I found it really interesting in my role in consumer protection, it took a while to break down barriers, some men didn’t like dealing with females in a regulatory role.” “I have noticed a slight shift in council’s emphasis, new projects being more family friendly, particularly for women with babies.” “As our council, now with a majority of women, I want to see Bunbury progress.. and continue to be a caring community, a compassionate community, and a forward looking community.” The full list of the top 15 women to watch in 2022 can be read on www.swtimes.com.au