The Honorable Katrine Hildyard: Member for Reynella, South Australia

Shila Yukuli Paia  

14 October 2014 

Adelaide  

1. Introduction  

I would like to write about my experience in meeting with the Honorable Member for Reynella, Katrine Hildyard this morning. This leader is extraordinarily unique, different, down to earth, decent, yet elegant, available and accessible in every way. Here are why. 

2. Always available  

If you look into her social media page, community groups, social events, gatherings, funerals, rallies and more, you will begin to wonder how such a very busy member of parliament can possibly make time to be available everywhere every time! I am blown away myself! I am actually dumbfounded. There is absolutely nothing and no one insignificant to her. She has time for everything and everyone! Never in my life have I come across someone in such control in the political space. Not only that. A member who is genuinely a decent individual. 

 

3. Always accessible  

In Papua New Guinea (where I come from), member of parliaments are not accessible to voters. Their offices are not located in the electorates. Rather their offices are located in Port Moresby. That means electoral population only get to see their member of parliament during the next election. That also means the Port Moresby office is guarded with tight security. There may be more than half a dozen security personal you are required to pass through to reach your member. That is if you are lucky. Oh and you can only access the member if you are someone special. Special is someone who is known to be popular because they own business or educated or favored for some reason by the member. It is sad and sickening to my stomach. This morning I met with Honorable Katrine Hildyard in her office here in SA. Her executive secretary made the appointment for 11:30am. No security checks! Her office at Reynella was open. I was respectfully led to the conference room, offered a glass of water. The honorable member walked into the room at 11:35am. Lighting up the room with her cool authority, 360 degree smile, looking gloriously beautiful in her bright red dress. She began to apologize repeatedly for being ‘very late’ to meet with me. She carried so much human decency, elegance and cool authority! She cared so much! She was so genuine and modest! She made me feel elevated with her stamina and presence. She is a goddess! So powerful with the way she creates such space! So calm and relaxed!  

4. The meeting  

The honorable member asked gently how she can help my project Soilchild. She didn’t waste time. She is a straight shooter. She told me a million ways to take Soilchild to another level. I will cover this in my next episode on this incredible, inspirational and unique member of parliament.  

5. Conclusion 

Here is a photo her secretary took of us. She complimented me repeatedly for what I am doing in the world. She complimented me for how good I look. I am dumbfounded and in tears as I walked out of the room. Watch this space for the next episode. Celebration of #Katrine#Hildyard#incredibly#amazing#