Councillor Sama Balson was elected in December 2021.
Sama Balson is an active advocate for equality, diversity and social justice.
Sama has four generations of family connected to the Byron Shire. Upon witnessing the local housing crisis, she felt compelled to act and she founded the registered charitable organisation, Women’s Village Collective. The Women’s Village Collective are actively getting people into homes and working alongside others to develop creative and effective housing strategies.
Sama’s work history spans over two decades in the performing arts industry. She has worked as an Artistic Director and in Production Management. She also has a background in HR and Business Management.
Sama has a deep care for the environment and its creatures. She is a wildlife carer.
In her role as a Byron Shire Councillor, Sama is the Chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, is on the Biodiversity and Finance Committee and sits on the Arts Northern Rivers Board.