Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council candidates have their say

Former Gundagai mayor Abb McAlister, former Gundagai deputy mayor and chartered accountant David Graham, former Gundagai Councillor and Solicitor Peter Gain, local businesswoman Penny Nicholson and CPA Accountant Amy Turner are hoping to secure a seat on the new Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

Together, they bring a great mix of experience and representation of a vast cross section of the community.

Historically, women have had minimal representation on local councils.

With the inclusion of both Penny and Amy, the group is hoping to push forward into the future.

Abb is married to Pip and together they have two children, and six grandchildren.

Abb is a licensed stock and station agent who successfully conducted a private agency in partnership from 1993 to 2016 prior to selling to Elders.

Abb was elected to Gundagai Council in 2004 and served until the amalgamation took place. 

He spent four years as deputy mayor and six as mayor.

David is married to Kate with six children and many grandchildren.

David lives at Adjungbilly on a livestock property and is fourth generation.

He was elected to Gundagai Council in 2004 and was deputy mayor for five years until 2016.

David offers professional business experience and a practical common sense approach.

He is passionate about delivering economic and community benefits, to ensure a sustainable long term strategic plan as a custodian for the next generation.

Peter is married to Robyn and together they have three children and eight grandchildren.

Peter has been a solicitor for 46 years and is now assisting practices in the Central West.

He was elected to Gundagai Council in 2012 and has been a long term solicitor to that council and other local government and statutory bodies.

Peter is proficient in identifying and solving problems, a necessary expertise post-administration.

Penny and husband Mark own the Gundagai Newsagency with two children Grace 16 and

Harry 12.

Being a resident and in business, Penny understand the challenges faced by small towns.  

Penny would love to see the combined communities grow, flourish and thrive.  

She sees protecting local jobs and encouraging new business, tourism and industry as a high priority in order to create jobs and security for our towns and future generations.

Penny is approachable and accessible, with great communication, and a clear vision for the years ahead.

Amy Turner, 34, is married to Sean, with three young children under eight.

She is a CPA Accountant with an interest in promoting and growing small business.

Amy would like to give a voice to the younger generations within the region and be a point of contact for all women across the community.

With a financial and economic background, key organisation skills and forward-thinking, Amy is dedicated to anything she invests her time in, and is highly approachable.

If elected, the group will be there to equally represent all ratepayers and residents of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, with an aim of ensuring transparency, fairness and fiscal responsibility.

Dennis was elected to Cootamundra Shire Council in 1999 and elected deputy mayor in 2013. 

He was chairman of the Engineering Services Committee and was council’s delegate on the Goldenfields Water County Council board. 

He and wife Frances own and operate a mixed farming enterprise and have two children, Michael and Emma, who live locally.

Dennis completed his automotive trade in Cootamundra before starting his own motor vehicle repair business in 1980. 

He now owns and operates Cootamundra’s franchised Ford dealership.

Dennis is an active member of Lions Club, having held various executive positions over 15 years. 

He has a positive vision for our future and is focused on creating needed infrastructure and jobs for the benefit of Cootamundra-Gundagai residents.

Ron and Margaret moved to Gundagai in 2004 after purchasing the Gundagai Tourist Park, which they owned and managed until 2016.

Ron has three children and has been an active member of the Gundagai community for more than 10 years and has been a supporter of local employment through his various business interests.

Ron was first elected to the former Gundagai Shire Council in 2012 and has many years of construction industry experience as the project manager for multi-million dollar building projects including a number of major shopping centres, public buildings and the Consulate for The People’s Republic of China in Sydney.

Ron is focussed on the development and growth of industry and business in Gundagai and Cootamundra for future generations.

Rosalind was elected as a councillor to the former Cootamundra Council in 2012 and served on the Corporate Services Committee, the Saleyards Committee, Chairman of the Noxious Weeds Committee, and as a delegate to the Riverina Regional Library and South West Slopes Zone Bushfire Committee.

Rosalind is a keen advocate for the continued operation of the Cootamundra Saleyards and has worked hard to keep the profile of the saleyards elevated, during the competitive development of the Salex complex in Yass.

Diane is the daughter of swimming coach the late Pud Williams and his wife Faye. She is married to Jeff Bristow, and has two daughters.

Since 2015, Diane and her husband care for two children, generously providing them with a much needed home and family life. 

For 26 years, Diane ran and owned Little Wattle Preschool & Childcare Centre, which she recently sold. 

She now works at Pinnacle and teaches swimming lessons during summer.

Passionate about her community and the disadvantaged, Diane, until recently, was a driving force of the local Soup Kitchen every Wednesday.

If elected to council, she will grow prosperity for the region by attracting more jobs and investment, drawing on her background in education and community service.

I am a 53-year-old, fourth generation farmer who lives at Adjungbilly with my wife and three teenage children.

I genuinely thought I had finished my time as a councillor (Gundagai Shire 1995-2008) but the challenges of optimising the opportunities of this merger are too important to walk away from.

Over the past 12 months I have met, interacted and developed positive relationships with the former Cootamundra Shire councillors (LRC Committee).

We have more similarities than differences and if the elected representatives bring rationale thought and personal integrity to the table, we can drive our community forward.

Prior to moving to Cootamundra earlier this year, Jennie and her husband David owned and operated the Gundagai Licensed Post Office before selling the business to the local supermarket.

Before moving to Gundagai in 2005, Jennie owned and operated the Ardlethan Licensed Post Office. She also worked with her husband farming on their property at Beckom. They have three children and their eldest son Bill was the youngest Councillor elected to the former Gundagai Shire Council in 2008.

Jennie is keen to see the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council capitalise on its location and natural assets, to provide job and investment opportunities.

Peter was first elected to the former Gundagai Shire Council in 2010 and was re-elected in 2012.

Peter is one of the pioneers of contemporary Australian theatre having produced and directed numerous seasons of drama, comedy, opera, musicals, revue and puppets in major theatres in every Australian capital city, and overseas. He is also a noted arts administrator, playwright, set and lighting designer, festival director and publicist.

Peter who is well known locally for his Bald Archy portrait competition, has been successful in growing the arts and cultural institutions in Gundagai. He was awarded an OAM in 1999 for services to the arts and the community.

Peter is very passionate about tourism and is determined to create jobs and investment in Gundagai and Cootamundra by making them successful tourist destinations.

Doug, a cabinetmaker and full-time teacher since 2014, moved with his family in the early 70s to Cootamundra from Wollongong.

With his wife Julie-Anne, their eldest son Ben and his wife Alysha, they run the region’s first gastro pub.

He was elected to Cootamundra Shire Council in 2004 serving several years as deputy mayor and two years as mayor. 

Doug originally ran for council because of his dissatisfaction with the decision making processes and lack of transparency in council decisions; these concerns are still evident.

Doug and Julie-Anne run the Wattle Time Debutante Ball and he is a past president of APEX. He is also a life member of the Cootamundra Beach Volleyball Committee and involved in CADAS.

Known as ‘Stewie’, the father of one, was elected to Cootamundra Shire Council in September 2012. 

Born and bred in Wagga, he came to Cootamundra in 2004 to care for his parents. 

His two brothers and parents were born in Cootamundra and his grandparents owned ‘Rathden’ between Jugiong and Harden. 

Stewie is a member of the Cootamundra Development Corporation and Cootamundra Heritage Centre. 

He is also on the board of directors at the Cootamundra Country Club. 

He has worked at Mitre 10 for more than 10 years. 

His aim is to see the new, bigger council work together for the future of all and pledges to donate his first remuneration from council to St Vincent De Paul.

I was born in Cootamundra and have spent most of my life in town.

I am married to Anne with two sons, Bradley and Patrick. 

Anne and I bought Atlas Printing Works off my parents in 2004.

In doing so I became the fifth generation printer in the family, after Edwin Doidge moved here in 1884.

Having expanded our business into Canberra and Young for many years we moved the shop to the top end of Parker Street, giving us a greater profile.

I have been involved with the Cycle Club for 17 years, many as club secretary, and have been the main driver for a mountain bike park in the town.

I served on Cootamundra Council for four years.

A local to the district, been born at Harden-Murrumburrah . 

She has lived in Cootamundra for 32 years with her husband Glen and has worked for various businesses, currently running Ray White. 

Janet and Glen have volunteered for junior league, Cootamundra Public P&C, Meals on Wheels, blood donations and senior and junior arms of the local amateur dramatic society.

This diversity has given Janet a unique opportunity to understand the community. 

She has always had a strong desire to involve herself in promoting and improving our region. 

Janet understands that being a councillor is all about representing her community and providing a voice for the rate payers in our region.

Lived in Cootamundra since 2009 and married with two daughters aged 18 and 16.

My family have embraced the lifestyle that the Cootamundra/Gundagai region offers and I have taken the opportunity to get heavily involved in the community.

I am standing for council as I can make a significant contribution in bringing the merged communities together in a consultative manner ensuring that all residents are given the opportunity to have their voice heard,

I understand the financial challenge that lies ahead of the council and I believe I have the skills and experience to ensure the council provides the necessary services and opportunities in an affordable way ensuring long term financial security.

I was elected to Cootamundra Council in September 1999, have been on a number of committees was the most recent mayor. 

The new council will work. There will be some changes yes, but by the time the three years are up, I am sure both communities will see the amalgamation will work. 

If elected, I pull push for more industrial land for both Gundagai and Cootamundra to bring businesses. 

Council must do more, and spend more, on our villages; they are an important part of our communities. 

Gundagai’s location halfway between Sydney and Melbourne and Cootamundra’s as the halfway point of the main southern railway must be capitalised on. 

I want to build a vibrant, sustainable and prosperous region with a council that listens to and works with and for all the residents of our region. 

We need to cater for our young, attract new people and encourage enterprises which generate growth.

I have experience in business and management and in consultation and negotiation.

I also have a proven record in making it happen! (eg The “Meet Your Candidates” forums.)

Importantly, I have experience and enjoy working as part of a team. 

I believe that a successful council is made up of councillors who work together and who can bring the whole community with them.

I would be honoured to represent you on the new Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

After 30 years in the Australian Defence Force my wife, Donna and I live and work in Cootamundra in search of a quality lifestyle.

I am campaigning as an Independent; I have no allegiance to any political party or interest groups.

I have been asked to run for selection by a wide range of people within the community, from young families to retirees, tradespeople, professionals and pastoralists.

These individuals all share a common desire for the community to thrive and prosper.

I am truly humbled by the trust that these people have placed in my abilities to promote the desires and aspirations for the future of their families, businesses and community.

Together we can continue to grow our community.

I am passionate about living in our area and improving it for ourselves, and visitors, to create a lovely place to live and work, for young families, as well as the elderly. 

I am proud of our towns, and want to keep improving and building on what we have already achieved.

I enjoy listening to people and trying to cut the red tape when I can and get the job done.

I would love to see a lookout over Pioneer Park for tourism. 

I want to attract business for jobs in both towns for our future security. 

I want to attract small conferences to our town, so we can show city people our great life style, which will help improve our economy.

Elect me and I will;

Push for our council to introduce and enforce a buy local policy. How can we claim to support locals and local growth if we are not willing to spend money here?

Do everything in my power to support local job creation. How can we expect people to stay in our region if there are no jobs for them?

Take the necessary steps to give the people of our community the chance to decide who our mayor is. 

There are many other councils in New South Wales that give the people this voice. Why don’t we?

As a councillor, I will help to build community spirit, re-establish pride in our towns and villages. 

I will establish communication links with our services of health and aged care, education and training, police and law enforcement. 

I will support development promoting employment and business opportunities to encourage growth of our towns and villages. 

For council staff and employees, I want an enjoyable, healthy and safe workplace, providing apprenticeships, training and opportunities. 

I represent all ratepayers as I am a residential ratepayer and a commercial ratepayer and the business I manage is a rural ratepayer. 

We live in a great part of NSW and as a councillor I will use my experience and knowledge to make it a better place. 

I am genuinely excited about the possibility to represent my fellow residents. 

Like so many others, I am a parent, husband and homeowner. 

The things that are important to me are the same that are important to so many others. 

If elected, I am prepared to work with all other councillors; we can’t become too distracted by the amalgamation debate if it means we lose focus on the role of an effective council in providing quality and efficient services and growing our communities. 

This election is a great opportunity to elect people like me who are passionate about our communities and that is why I am seeking your vote.

I am a positive, proactive person who is standing for council as an independent ungrouped candidate.

I am about economic growth generated from within using the creative and resourceful attributes that are here in our shire. 

I believe people with good sound ideas that have good economic growth possibilities need mentoring and encouraging.

Once we can provide that positive "anything is possible " culture within outside investment and enterprise will want to move here. 

We need to have land packages and infrastructure ready for outside investment. 

Councilors need to have attributes to access potential investment making sure "the shoe fits".

Both my wife Jo and I were born in Cootamundra.  

We run Harris Tyre Service and have two young boys who attend Sacred Heart Central School and keep busy with junior sport.

I have a lot of reasons why I would like your vote but to name a few I'd like to see the old Mitre 10 and old Tafe College buildings blocks cleaned up.

I've worked in transport and the location of Cootamundra, I believe, is an avenue we should try to tap into in conjunction with our railway corridor, which would create job opportunities in town. 

I want to see a future for our children and every other family that lives in and around the new shire boundary. 

My election commitments are to ensure and support:

An Open and transparent council.

Financial probity, effective budgeting and reduction of current debt levels. 

Accessing grand to improve sports facilities, especially for women. 

More council/community engagement for decisions in the best interests of our local area. 

Specific long-term plans to capitalise on Cootamundra and Gundagai’s ideal positioning to increase tourism exposure and promotion. 

Establish a dedicated Economic Development office to encourage and support businesses to relocate to our local area. 

A proactive and future-focused council to ensure positive change in our local communities – a truly ‘can do’ council. 

I’m a vote for change.

I’m currently chairman of the Cootamundra Development Corporation, representing the business community, and have worked with council to provide services and promote Cootamundra.

Cootamundra needs to move forward, particularly with regards to development, tourism and promotion.

I would incorporate the work done by Gundagai to enhance the entire package to promote our new region.

We need jobs and promotion is the start, while opening up industrial opportunities is the next step.

I have several other involvements in sport and racing and see the need to create a new vision for the use and promotion of sporting facilities.

I support projects such as the Pioneer Park upgrade.

We need change in our council to make Cootamundra-Gundagai great.