Campbelltown Mayor's PhD journey towards future proofing the region
For Campbelltown City Mayor, Cr George Greiss, the decision to undertake his PhD journey at Western Sydney University was driven by his passion and advocacy for the people of Campbelltown.
Receiving his PhD in Geography and Urban Planning from the University’s School of Social Sciences this week, Cr Greiss says the Campbelltown region is experiencing a significant amount of urban growth, inspiring his focus to specialise in town planning policy and practice.
“In my early years as a councillor and after a few spirited debates in the Council chamber, I realised that in order to effectively advocate for the people of Campbelltown and make informed decisions for the betterment of our city going forward, I would need to increase my own knowledge base and skills,” Cr Greiss said.
“My passion for Geography and Urban Planning stems from my passion for Campbelltown, and the desire to make decisions that will ensure our community benefits from the many opportunities that are coming our way in the future.”
Cr Greiss’ doctoral research investigated the causes of community resistance to apartment living in Sydney, revealing interesting insights into community opposition to high density living.
Cr Greiss says achieving his PhD has had a significant impact on how he understands the operation of the wider city and how people utilise and interact with their built environment.
“It’s been a journey of discovery that has inspired me to think in new ways about how to approach and solve problems,” he said.
“I’ve developed skills that encourage me to look at the bigger picture and consider any decision through a variety of lenses, hopefully enabling me to be more effective as Mayor in advocating for the needs of our city as we plan for the future of Campbelltown.”
Cr Greiss recently celebrated completing his PhD at Western Sydney University by undergoing a haircut for charity, raising over $11,000 for the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre at Campbelltown Hospital.
Committed to growing out his long hair from the day he began his PhD in 2017 until he successfully completed his studies five years later, Cr Greiss said it was an excellent opportunity to raise much needed funds for a worthy local cause.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey. Studying a PhD requires a lot of sacrifice at times, so I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the family and friends who have encouraged me along the way or the mentors who have guided me through work.”
This week, Cr Greiss delivered the Occasional Address to graduates of the University’s School of Social Sciences at the April 2023 Graduation Ceremony and was awarded his PhD.
ENDS
28 April 2023
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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