We put the call out to this years’ Tamworth Regional Council candidates to give us a rundown of what they’re all about, ahead this year’s local government elections.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
PHIL BETTS: I have worked all my career for the RMS, in the road construction industry, in addition to owning and operating a grazing property. I have lived in the regional all my life and have extensive involvement in local government as councillor, mayor of Parry Shire and deputy mayor of TRC. My passion is being involving in the community. I am actively involved in many community organisations.
MARK RODDA: I am a first-term councillor first elected in September 2012. I am fiercely independent, not part of any voting block, not currently a member of a political party or professional organisation and have no close associations with developers. I want a better outcome on raw water pricing and to find a long-term solution to our ongoing water woes which may include a new Dungowan Dam or a pipeline from Chaffey Dam.
CHARLES IMPEY: I am passionate about our community and what can be achieved when individuals and organisations work together. I have a strong background in creating opportunities, links between youth and business through my work, ?building and developing positive outcomes for community such as the Adventure Playground. My goal is a council that is strong and transparent, inclusive and represents our entire community.
JIM MAXWELL: I am married to Gwenda, we have three grown sons who were educated in Manilla primary and did their secondary at Rosary College in Tamworth, both Gwenda and I are fourth generation residents of the Manilla area, I have had 16 years previous experience in local government on Manilla Shire Council. I am a retired farmer and grazier and since retiring have spent most of my time helping in the community.
DAVID MCKINNON: I have lived in Tamworth for 20 years and have run my small business throughout that period. I believe that communities should come first when considering local government issues. I'm a founding member and Vice President of Tamworth Regional Residents and Ratepayers Association and believe in transparent and consultative council. I will be a direct voice for the ratepayers and residents of the region.
JAMES TRELOAR: I was elected to Council in 1987, Deputy Mayor in 1989 and Mayor in 1995. I have strong belief in this region and encourage development and job creation within our planning guidelines, respecting the lifestyles we all currently enjoy. I support good communication with our community, open and transparent decision making and the continued improvement of the amenities provided within this region.
CHRIS ACHURCH: I have lived in this great region with my family for the past 16 years. I do not have a direct business interest in the region. What I do have is a great passion to see the region on a whole prosper and grow. This can be achieved if we all have an input into the future of the region. I am a person who looks at the whole picture and not just what suits the few.
HELEN TICKLE: I will continue to use my experience and involvement in business, education and the community to listen to and support the needs of individuals, community groups and business across the entire council area. I have an appreciation of the issues facing towns and villages, having grown up in a small rural community. Regional growth, aged care services, art and libraries are all important to me.
RAY TAIT: I have been employed by the NSW Ambulance Service for over forty years. I am currently a District Manager in the New England zone. I am a founding member of the Young Drivers Expo committee which has just had its 20th year. I have been a Director and current Chairman of Multi Task Human Resources, which is an organisation that supports people with disabilities with care, employment and housing.
ANDREW BROWN: I am a registered nurse, married with two kids who attend local schools, I have nominated myself for election because I believe the Tamworth Regional Council is too city-centric in its compilation, planning and spending. The regional towns surrounding Tamworth need representation so their voices can be heard. I am offering them my service.
NOEL O’BREIN: A highly respected regional community leader, Noel O'Brien has served on many boards and is a previous mayor of the Gunnedah region. He worked on many regional economic development projects ranging from mining to health. Noel is highly entrepreneurial and has established successful businesses, providing a solid understanding financial management and the business life cycle.
MITCHEL HANLON:A regional business and community leader, Mr Hanlon is founder and CEO of Mitchel Hanlon Consulting. Mitchel is passionate about building resilient regional communities. He has a proven capacity to generate and implement economic development ideas, working across all tiers of government, local, state. He has a proven capacity to bring people and ideas together across the region.
GERRY GRIFFITHS: Owner of an established engineering consultancy, Gerry has worked on large development projects including hospitals, agribusiness abattoirs and grain storage projects. He has a passion for education and was instrumental in re-establishing the Peter Pan pre-school, and was a board member of two schools. A strong networker focused on vigilant pursuit of new economic development ideas.
JUANITA WILSON: I am an independent councillor with no party membership serving my second term. I want to grow the city and towns that we are proud off. My priorities include future water security, creating jobs by encouraging businesses, manufacturing and service industries to invest local, communicating better within the whole region and improve essential services. Our region is not only an economy, it is a community.
COL MURRAY: I have lived in the Tamworth region all my life, both in Dungowan, Tamworth and Bendemeer, so feel I have a very good understanding of our region. I am very passionate about our region and the communities within Tamworth Regional Council. I am proud over the past 12 years on council I have played a role achieving strength in our region, leadership to our community; and responsibility in our council.
RUSSELL WEBB: Having worked for the past 12 years with a team, most recently in the role of deputy mayor, we have achieved some great outcomes, I would ask that you consider my direction for the next four year term: continue to push for economic growth and job security, continue to consult with all regional residents through the strategic community plan, proven ability to work with state and federal government.
WARWICK LINDSAY: All my working professional life I have worked on projects for my clients and in every case delivered outcomes. I have worked with a lot of councils and government departments and understand how they work, what is required getting results and bringing the best out in staff in achieving these results. A vote to me will give the community a voice that will be heard not ignored, not for a chosen few but everybody
GLENN INGLIS: I was the General Manager of the newly amalgamated Tamworth Regional Council from 2004-10 and previously held the position of GM of Parry Shire Council for 11 years. I believe strongly in the ability of local government to make a real difference in building strong and prosperous communities. My focus going forward will be on the sustainable development of the region with jobs growth high on the agenda.
WARREN WOODLEY: I am proud and honoured to be the longest serving Councillor on the TRC. I became involved in local government in the mid 1960’s, and have spent a large part of my life in the councils since that time. I think it’s not necessarily about the person and their education who is running for council, it is more about the type of person, their background, and their beliefs for the future of our people.