Cancer Survivor Launches Council Bid to Empower Community

A woman from Kaitangata, who overcame significant personal challenges, is now vying for a position on the local council. Mrs. Harrison, a mother of three and a cancer survivor, is determined to give back to her community after successfully recovering from a brain tumour.

Born and raised in South Otago, Harrison faced two family tragedies and the loss of all three of her pets before discovering her health issue. In a surprising turn of events, she learned about the tumour after waking up to find three fire officers in her bedroom. “I later learnt I’d had a seizure in bed, which had left me confused,” she recounted. Her husband, Keith, had called emergency services, leading to the swift arrival of the local brigade as first responders.

Fortunately, the tumour was removed, and four years later, Harrison is now fully recovered. Her experience has inspired her to seek a role that allows her to support others in her community. Having served as the council’s road safety officer for the past three years, she has gained valuable insight into the workings of local government.

“The past few years have taught me several things,” Harrison stated. “When you’re given a second chance, you make the most of it. You take care of yourself, and you want to try and do something meaningful and give something back.” She aims to advocate for those who are often overlooked in her community, leveraging her understanding of the council’s operations and the relationships she has built there.

Harrison’s involvement in the Drive My Life programme has been significant. This voluntary driver licensing initiative has enabled her to mentor “hundreds” of local individuals who face barriers to obtaining their licences. “I received my instructor qualification in June, and I still mentor five or six learners a week, of all ages, including many migrants who work in primary industries,” she explained. This role not only provides personal satisfaction but also contributes positively to the local economy, allowing residents to access jobs and remain in the area.

Despite the challenges that female politicians face, including aggressive behaviour from some constituents, Harrison remains undeterred. “You’re always going to have a range of views out there, and you’re always going to get push-back,” she acknowledged. “The way to counter it is to provide clear facts in a timely way.” She emphasizes the importance of communicating effectively with the public, noting that not everyone has access to social media or the internet.

Harrison believes voters are ready for a shift from the conventional image of rural council representatives, typically older, male farmers. “I think people are ready to see some younger, more diverse representation, with fresh ideas, to take the district forward,” she asserted.

The upcoming election for Balclutha’s two council seats has other candidates including Ruth Baldwin, Phil Barrett, Brendon Smith, and incumbent Wayne Felts. As Harrison embarks on her campaign, her journey from cancer survivor to community advocate illustrates the resilience and determination that can inspire change at the local level.