Again only eleven candidates contesting the nine seats, so business as usual for one of the most respected councils in the area. Di Baker and Stewart Berryman are exiting, with former general manager of radio stations 2NZ and Gem FM and National Party political staffer, Greg Kachel, widely expected to be elected.
All candidates are shown in the order they will appear on the ballot. Click on the group to reveal the candidates. Candidate biographies are only included from those candidates who have supplied them.
See the NSW Electoral Commission’s website for where and how to vote information.
Group A – Kate Dight
DIGHT Kate* About I want to continue helping drive Council’s direction. I have been a strong voice on Council representing the entire Shire. Priorities: Take advantage of every opportunity to make our communities thrive. Maintain our road network. Support & improve medical services. Most important issue Making our communities productive for the future. Vote for me because… I work super hard and am dedicated to the role. Website: https://katedight-candidaterestandingforInverell.ShireCouncil |
| HOOKER Ian |
Group B – Paul King
| KING Paul* |
WILKS Wendy* About Born in Inverell into a loving family with 5 other siblings and lived here most of my life. Privileged to have a devoted husband and 4 children and 3 children we also include as family along with their partners and children. Been in businesses for 50 plus years and have experience in the private and the corporate space as well. Have employed lots of people and loved watching people grow and do well. Most important issue We are challenged in the bush for some quality of services and the tyranny of distance causes natural issues. For children to excel at sport they need to have dedicated parents to travel hundreds of kilometres per week to give them a chance to succeed and realise their talent. Transport is a fact of life and we want to improve where we can. Health services are another challenge due to the regulations and biases in some cases along with declining attractiveness to essential professions. The fact experienced Drs and nurses in the bush are deemed unable to perform the roles that they are qualified for and would be permitted to if in a city location. This degrades the experience of people in the bush and we die earlier because of this. We want to work with others to change this dynamic. Vote for me because… I want to keep listening to what the citizens want and need from us! There is more to do. Especially what we have begun working on in the area of our Health Forum and Fitness and because the Inverell Shire Council has a high standard of operation ..we want to continue the great work the previous councils have overseen. The new Swimming Pool precinct and the new Dog pound to name a few projects. The Council staff are doing an excellent job with roads rates and rubbish which are kept religiously on track as it’s a huge road network. The team don’t wait for disintegration of the road structure its upkept to keep us safe on the roads and reduce risk. However we are always listening and reacting to reports received. Building approvals have remained constant and the finance team are extremely prudent. It’s a great council. |
Group C – Paul Harmon
| HARMON Paul* | INVERELL |
| ROSS John (Jacko)* | INVERELL |
Group D – Jo Williams
WILLIAMS Jo* About My broad range of business and people skills gives me a very balanced approach to issues as a councillor. I grew up in Inverell and have been a small business owner, worked part time as a council finance officer and managed the Inverell Art Gallery. My husband and I run sheep and cattle in the area and enjoy the lifestyle Inverell has to offer. Most important issue The most important issue for our area is the declining health services. It’s an issue that affects us all. I hear and understand the frustration of our community when they can’t get the medical help they need and I will continue to work as part of the Inverell Health Forum to lobby for change. Vote for me because… My vision for Inverell Shire Council is for us to be a progressive and prosperous council. I am committed to our community and have shown this during my first term as a councillor. I served on the Economic and Community Sustainability Committee, Sapphire City Festival Committee, Public Art Committee and the Inverell Health Forum. I am a director of the charity Operation: Operating Room Ltd and local co-ordinator of the Rural Doctors Network Bush Bursary Program. I care about the residents in our shire and I look forward to continuing to represent them as a councillor. Website: https://www.facebook.com/JoWilliams.ForCouncil |
BROWN Fiona About “I’m married with four grown sons and 7+ grandchildren and have lived in various parts of the Inverell Shire. So, I guess you could say I’m a ‘townie’ and a ‘bushie’, having lived on property at Koloona near Delungra, and Bassendean, (which is famous for its aboriginal history), near Tingha, a small village Gilgai, and Inverell. I’ve worked in the Public Sector, Private Enterprise, Adult Education and self-employed in Allied Health for over 25 years. I am now an Authorised Civil Celebrant, Public Speaker, & a Published Author/Illustrator of children’s books. I was President of Inverell Chamber of Commerce & Manager of Inverell CES. I initiated and was a founding director of Operation: Operating Room Ltd, which has raised many thousands of dollars towards equipment for Inverell Hospital. I’m proud to say I was the first female Rotarian in Inverell. I hope I’m known for my straight talking, what you see is what you get attitude AND able to be tactful, diplomatic, and sensitive, (my parents being strong on etiquette and good manners!)” Most important issue I don’t have a specific ‘barrow to push’ really. I believe the Counsellors job is to plan, strategise, and promote the area so the Shire continues to grow and prosper. Present Counsellors have been working hard on lobbying and getting more health services our area and I believe it’s important to carry this on – everything takes time and if left to mark-time, it can be easily put aside. While it’s the NSW State Government that has responsibility for health, individuals and Councils can push. Vote for me because… I’d like people to vote for me because I’m straightforward, honest and having worked in government departments before, I’m a bit pedantic about making things easier to understand than reading the various acts of parliament without the benefit of coffee… Acronyms give me an eye-twitch. I enjoy listening to people and hearing their thoughts and stories. I don’t believe you can make a sensible decision without hearing as many bits of information you can. And, if you do happen to change your mind – speak up and give reasons. I believe giving credit where credit is due is a particularly part of being in a team. Counsellors are your team and I’d love to represent you as a member of that team. Website: https://www.facebook.com/fiona.brown48 |
Ungrouped candidates
| BROWN Kelvin |
MURRAY Graem About Relocated from Parkes 23 years ago making Inverell our home, been Married 42 years, have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Moving to Inverell to take up a position as a Territory Sales Manager for Northern NSW & Queensland for Heiniger Australia, establishing, building and maintaining business to business and end user relationships in the rural supply chain industry, holding the position for 23 years. Previously I’ve had experience in the grain industry and as a CEO of a grain Co Operative in Central West of NSW, as a quality control supervisor with Graincorp and as a Shearing Contractor. Most important issue Sound economic management and corporate governance to deliver cost effective delivery of service to the ratepayer in a cost of living crisis, for business and residents to thrive and grow in the Inverell shire and deliver on community expectations. Vote for me because… Honesty, integrity, business experience, considerable experience in the rural industry supply chain as well as in the grain industry responsible for grain segregation, storage, marketing and transport logistics. I’m standing independent of any party or group affiliation as I don’t wish to be beholden to someone else’s viewpoint and agenda. |
| KACHEL Greg |
See all our coverage for the Local Government elections 2024. Candidates can submit information here and we’ll get it up when we can.