The NT Independent is providing you with a light-hearted look at the candidates for the August 22 NT general election. We’re not looking at policy or platforms at this time, but rather at the person behind them.
Our Q&A should help you get to know the humans of NT politics.
Today’s profile is independent candidate for Braitling, Kim Hopper.
Kim grew up in a small country town in NSW, and her first job was stacking shelves as a twelve-year-old. Her grandfather was a hard working immigrant from Italy and has inspired much of her philosophy on life, work, family, friendship, community and service.
Kim spent 14 years in Canberra where she managed a crisis accommodation service and sat on peak territory and national homelessness and housing boards. This experience of working at the coal face of how government policy effects the lives of vulnerable people, as well as growing up in public housing herself, has galvanised her into a passion for advocacy and sense of responsibility in her community.
Kim moved to the Territory eleven years ago. Like many others she came for a holiday and never left. She has done a variety of jobs mostly in project management roles at a community level. For the past eight years she has been a small business owner and enjoys the social aspect of running a business and the opportunities it provides to connect with people from all walks of life.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and who did it come from?
“Grab life with both hands. Do all that you dream of you only have one shot at it.” This was from Mum’s husband on his death bed.
Also, “never judge a book by it’s cover”. I’m not sure who I got this from but this is a constant reminder not to judge people and to be open to human difference.
Tell us something interesting or quirky about yourself.
I once drove my 60s series (LandCruiser) to the east coast and back on veggie oil picked up from takeaways along the way and filtered through a Woolies bag. Versatile.
How would your best mate describe you in twenty words or less?
Determined, unshakable, hardworking, loyal and passionate; the mate you want with you when you break down on the side of the road or need to talk through troubles with.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring one movie, one album and one book, what would they be?
Book:How to Make Trouble and Influence People by Iain Mcintrye.
Movie:Nina Simone: Live at Montreux 1976, such a fiery and timeless concert.
Album: Dark Side of The Moon by Pink Floyd. You don’t want too many lyrics on a stranded island I would think.
If you could have dinner with any person in history, who would it be and why?
All of my great-grandmothers. I am so inspired by strong women throughout history that have lived through the most challenging and transformative of times. The wisdom of our elders is so precious and formative.
A couple of really quick questions. You can give one-word answers if you wish.
