ELECTION DAY IS SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2024
I believe that I can bring a unique skillset to the Walcha Council. Being able to look for alternative solutions and carefully analyse problems to determine the best solutions and outcomes.
I grew up and lived mostly in Sydney until moving to Walcha in 2012 with my wife and children. Initially we were drawn in by the unique Walcha Sculptures that welcome you to town in contrast to the fluro metal signs you see in most places in Australia.
I have spent most of my working life in the IT industry, predominantly in banking and finance, as well as some time developing retail software.
Since arriving in Walcha, Kate and I have run our company Alternation, doing design/techology/software/audio and video.
I have been involved in the campaign opposing the amalgamation of Walcha Council, the Musical Society, the BobbyJack’s festival, and most recently joined the Walcha Arts Advisory Committee and an Animal Ethics Committee. I also play in the band Pale Ailments and teach music.
I have been a part of Voice for Walcha for the last 2 years, because I believe that there were a number of risks and issues that had not been addressed by the supporters or developers of the projects to the community at large, most of which still remain unanswered.
It is important to stress that this is not my sole purpose in running for council, but it is a key issue where council needs to represent its constituents. I am also keen to ensure a smooth and viable transition of Riverview to councils’ control, and in a larger sense maximise the use of Council’s finances to benefit the community. The role of the Arts and the outdoor gallery and the importance of tourism are also a critical component in making Walcha stand out from the crowd of small towns in Australia and continue to be a great place to live.
Why I'm Running
As a member of the community watching the Walcha Council function over the last few years, I have become frustrated by the lack of visibility of decisions made by Council, it seems that much happens in closed workshops and there is little discussion in council meetings.
I would work to see that the public has more visibility to Council process, and ensure that Council makes the best decisions based on merit. And that, wherever possible, the community is fully informed and represented in all matters.
I am open to being persuaded by solid information and informed discussion. So my primary focus, will be to truly represent the community in an open and clear way, be approachable and to see Walcha be in better shape at the end of my term than it is today.
What's important for Walcha?
The most important thing for Walcha now and into the future is to remain a vibrant town, with a viable council, that its residents love and want to live in. We need to get things right now. What we do now will be critical to how things are in 10 years or beyond.
While agriculture is our most important sector, our local businesses who chose to base themselves in Walcha, tourism, and the arts all combine to make Walcha the vibrant and unique town it is. It is important for all these things to thrive to maintain Walcha’s unique character. Council and Health related services are also critical to maintain all these things.
There are a number of issues that are critical to the ongoing success of Walcha, these include the transition of Riverview to Council ownership, supporting in home aged care, the continued availability of accessible medical services, water security and the ongoing viability of the Walcha Council, both financially and for those working for the council, culturally. Providing key feedback in relation to renewable developments and the energy transition is also critical.
I also believe a new council needs to make a positive contribution to councils strategic development plans.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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