Madeleine Hinchy

Independent candidate - Central Ward - Lane Cove Council

I'm motivated to run for council to position climate action at the centre of decision-making and ensure the views of young people, renters, strata residents and newcomers to our area, are represented.

The average age of my area is 37 and over 50% of residents in my area live in apartments. But this isn't represented in council chambers which is older and affluent.

The thing that tipped me over into running was seeing a number of councillors stand up and say that they didn't believe human-induced climate change. I have been active in grassroots campaigning but never had any leanings to be a candidate myself.

I am however really passionate about local government and what it can achieve.

I'm currently a digital marketer and communications specialist for a major Sydney metropolitan council. I used to work in the private sector, but this frontline exposure has given me an acute understanding of what councils can do for their community!

In 2020 and 2021, I was also given the opportunity to work for the NSW Government. I worked with bushfire and flood impacted councils across the state supporting them with disaster recovery. This exposure to a number of communities and councils strengthened my belief in the unique role of a well-run council to a community’s wellbeing. The community's that bounced back had councils that put their wellbeing first.

I strongly believe that young people need more of a voice on council. I would love to see more diversity at our council and would like to support young candidates of diverse backgrounds to get INSIDE council chambers.

My team and I are highly consultative. We want to bring our community on the decision-making journey and I particularly want to work harder to make sure local young people's views are represented. Integrity is really important to us.


I am also a signatory and was one of the first people to sign the Voices of North Sydney declaration of independents - a push for more transparency from our political candidates and representative. you can read more on our website: