The Leader has asked each election candidate it profiles to bring an item that means something to them; whether it be personal, symbolic or representative of a professional achievement, and give the public an explanation why
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
PASSIONATE about recycling and support for people with disabilities, Chris Buckman has thrown his hat in the ring to stand for Tamworth Regional Council.
The former Narrabri shire councillor moved to Tamworth in 2013, and launched his business Disability Consulting Supports four years ago after 15 years working in disability services with Challenge.
Mr Buckman served on Narrabri council from 2008 to 2012, an experience he said ignited his passion for community service and driving change.
"That particular council was complex, they had their challenges, still to this day have their challenges and that's because they have to deal with mining and some contentious issues out there," he said.
"One thing I learnt from that experience is you can't keep everyone happy, if you did you're not necessarily making the adjustments that need to be made for people to go forward."
After two stints running as a Senate candidate, once for CountryMinded and again for the Australian Democrats (which merged with CountryMinded in 2018) Mr Buckman maintains he's no longer affiliated with political parties.
"I'm very strong on the fact that I don't believe parties have a place in local government," he said.
Read also:
"It might be outrageous but I actually am of the view that when you represent local government you represent your local area and you don't take a party line to a local council, because when you need to change something at a state or federal level, you need the capacity to talk to everyone."
The 46-year-old said he wants to use his background in advocacy to create change for people in the community who don't always get a voice.
Other issues high on his agenda include water infrastructure and affordability and recycling services to cater for the city's target population increase to 100,000 by 2041.
Asked to bring an item of importance to him, Mr Buckman tracked down the NDIS Certificate of Registration for his disability support services business.
"Personally this holds extreme value to myself and to those that we employ and most importantly care for," he said.
"It is a symbol of dedication, hard work and commitment showing that from when I first established the business in 2018 and we created the business with $500 to our name and two staff.
"We now support the local economy by employing over 60 staff and supporting numerous participants within the Tamworth region and greater community over the last three years in operation."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark northerndailyleader.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News