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Local Elections

Lyndall Murray – Richmond Valley meet your candidates

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Lyndall Murray
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Lyndall Murray Richmond Valley meet your candidates

 

By Tim Howard

The Northern Rivers Times has asked all of the candidates for the September 14 local government elections to introduce themselves to voters identify the issues they want to address and policies they would pursue if elected.

A number of candidates did not meet the deadline for publication but are welcome to send in copy for coming editions of The Northern Rivers Times before the election date.

Lyndall Murray

Lyndall Murray

Lyndall Murray

Lyndall Murray champions a balanced approach to future planning that invests in sports, attracting small business, tourism, and recreation while considering the needs of both businesses and the local economy.

Lyndall has founded two local not-for-profit community projects: Backyard Sessions, which supports live music and emerging musicians in the Richmond Valley, and the Hands & Hearts Project, which funds trades and materials to aid the most vulnerable flood-affected residents.

Lyndall’s efforts have resulted in more than $250K in in-kind and cash donations, helping the community recover and thrive after the 2022 floods.

 

For more 2024 Local Elections News, click here.

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Local Elections

Richmond Valley candidates vie for your vote

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Richmond Valley Candidates
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Richmond Valley candidates vie for your vote

 

By Tim Howard

Candidates for the Richmond Valley Council election have largely organised themselves into four voting groups and have made their pitches to voters accordingly.

John Walker and Group A Richmond Valley candidates

John has been a successful executive in local government and the private sector, doing difficult jobs that require hard decisions.

He has a reputation for leading from the front, getting things done, and delivering what he promises.

John was CEO at five councils and a Councillor at another. He is a former general manager at RVC where he introduced improvements to its finances, amenities and services.

Group A has strong links to the Richmond Valley community.

Stuart George

Stuart was born and bred in Casino and lived in the area for 95% of his life with strong family and community ties in Richmond Valley.

Reason for standing: I want to see unity between RVC and the community/ratepayers, especially after the saleyards and the unsettling divisiveness it caused. We need to unify the community again and get back to where the RVC was the envy of the Northern Rivers communities.

Bridge the disconnect and dismantle the perception of arrogance.

Kylie O’Reilly

Kylie is running for Richmond Valley Council with a dedicated team that supports my role while addressing other key areas.

My primary goal is to be a strong advocate for the lower river areas, including vital infrastructure, ensuring these communities receive the attention and resources they need.

Scott Brereton

Scott has lived in this community for more than 50 years.

He owned and managed a family tyre and mechanical business for more than 18 years, which they sold in 2022.

I am currently a standing board member of the Casino RSM Club.

I believe in the importance of listening to the concerns and needs of our residents and working together to find solutions that benefit our community. As a councillor, I will prioritise transparency, accountability, and communication with the people I serve.

Anne Toohey

Anne is running for council to bring fresh perspectives and new energy to the council.

Raised on a beef property and now running our family dairy farm business, sheI understands the unique challenges facing the region.

Anne is the company secretary at Casino Food Co-op, (Casino meat works) and has an extensive background in corporate governance at an executive level.

She is passionate about creating an environment where businesses can thrive and backs policies that attract investment, support local businesses, and create jobs that will boost our region’s economy and ensure its sustainability and growth.

Robert Hayes and Group B Richmond Valley candidates

Vote for Group B to keep the lower river area connected to the rest of the Richmond Valley Council.

I have been fortunate to be one of the local representatives for the past 12 years.

During this time on council the councillors have largely worked well together, and we have been able to secure a reasonable amount of funding for projects in the Lower River Area, which has been rewarding and credit to the existing 7 councillors.

We are running a group of non-political candidates, that has a mix of local business people, some with prior council experience and some new candidates who are prominent members of the lower River Community with connections throughout the broader community.

show your support for the good work from the existing council by:

Voting 1 For Robert Hayes for Mayor

Voting 1 for Group B above the line for Lower River councillor representation

To give the entire community a workable council please aid us by:

Placing The Number 2 on the mayoral ballot paper beside Robert Mustow and a 2 above the line for Group D

If our team are successful we will

  • Keep Airforce Beach open to 4 wheel drives
  • Maintain the current leasing arrangement for the NRLX and guarantee the operation will not be at any expense to ratepayers.
  • Re-visit current water supply contracts to get a balanced water rate across the entire RVC.
  • Guarantee that the public get an opportunity to address council prior to a decision to appeal the Iron Gates court decision by having it included as a meeting agenda item.
  • Not allow a Waste to Energy incinerator to be established in the RVC.

Thanks to the community Robert Hayes for Group B.

Neale Genge

Casino/Evans Head

I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Richmond Valley Council.

With deep roots in our community and a passion for its continued growth, I am eager to bring my experience and dedication to this important role.

My background includes degrees in Business, Accounting, and Law, and a strong foundation in leadership from my time as the former CEO of the Casino RSM Club.

I have also had the privilege of serving as President of the Casino Chamber of Commerce and Industry, President of the Richmond Valley/Kyogle Liquor Accord, and as a council member of Southern Cross University.

My current role as CEO of the Evans Head RSL enables me to engage with both the Lower and Mid Richmond communities, while I remain a proud resident of Casino.

I believe my diverse experience will allow me to add significant value to the council, particularly in supporting the implementation of its strategic plans.

My commitment to our community is unwavering, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to its bright future.

Lyndall Murray and Group C Richmond Valley candidates

Lyndall Murray is your candidate for mayor bringing 20 years of executive experience in sports, entertainment, and tourism marketing with brands like the Wests Tigers, GWS Giants, NRMA Holiday Parks, AUSTAR TV, and Foxtel.

After moving to the Richmond Valley in 2017, Lyndall ran a successful business consultancy, supporting startups and scale-ups in eCommerce, cyber security, superannuation, tourism, and manufacturing.

During the floods, Lyndall coordinated more than 1100 rescues and aid drops through a makeshift triple zero call centre from her home.

In June 2023, she co-founded a fundraising platform Hands & Hearts Project with Bianca Rayner, raising $185K in cash and $180K in-kind donations to repair 48 homes, with support from Mick Fanning & the Charity Golf Day.

Bianca Rayner

As a fifth-generation Coraki local, Bianca Rayner carries a proud family legacy of community service.

With roots in Coraki dating back to the 1800s, Bianca’s deep connection to the region fuels her commitment to fostering growth and resilience in the Richmond Valley.

Bianca played a pivotal role coordinating an evacuation centre in Coraki during the 2022 floods, and has since worked on the frontline of the recovery effort.

Bianca is committed to improving outcomes for disadvantaged minorities, particularly youth and families.

Having grown up in a time where Coraki was a vibrant community with local sport played every weekend at Windsor Park, Bianca plans to advocate for a reinvestment in sports infrastructure to bring hockey back to Coraki.

Simone Barker

I am an Aboriginal Education Officer at the Evans River K-12 School and Traditional Knowledge Holder and Custodian for the Bandjalang People and Bundjalung Nation.

I strongly support public education because of the opportunities it provides for our young people.

I have joined Lyndall Murray’s team as I believe they represent the best opportunity to lift Richmond Valley out of its current socio-economic disadvantage through progressive housing and social policy, encouragement of diverse economic opportunities and sustainable use of our acknowledged advantage, and our wonderful natural resources.

Samuel Allis

I’m passionate about making a positive impact.

Coming from a family of business owners, I learned early on that excuses were unacceptable, and you could achieve anything with determination.

I started working at 15, making coffee, and by 18, I was managing a café bar restaurant.

At 19, I moved to Tabulam, where I gained practical skills in building, welding, fencing, and bushcraft. My love for animals led me to rescue dogs and study veterinary nursing.

I am running as an independent voice without any party policy influence with Group C to be a true voice for our community. Richmond Valley has incredible potential, and by promoting a circular economy and sharing our natural assets with visitors, we can thrive.

Kylie Maunder

Kylie Maunder has called the Richmond Valley home for more than 15 years, with time spent in both Evans Head and Rileys Hill.

She grew up in the small village of Drake, where she experienced firsthand the challenges that come with living in regional and rural communities, especially the lack of services and opportunities.

She believes in the importance of supporting rural communities and is committed to advocating for better funding for NGOs that deliver essential services. She is running for Council to help create lasting change, ensuring that the community thrives for the next generation.

Nathan Scully

Nathan Scully, born and raised in Casino, has been a dedicated member of the Richmond Valley community since beginning his butcher apprenticeship in his hometown in 1995.

Nathan is committed to the development of grassroots sports and has been instrumental in enhancing the Richmond Valley’s sporting facilities, making them some of the best in the Northern Rivers.

His work aligns with local government policies focused on improving community sports infrastructure and bringing larger sporting events to the area, thereby boosting both community engagement and local pride.

Hanabeth Luke

I am passionate about improving the ability of our rural communities to actively respond to change, while maintaining what keeps them special. Richmond Valley Voices is an important forum to have a say and express your views about what you would like to see from our next council.

We need fresh faces on council – smart young people who know, love and value what makes our towns and our region special. I would like to see safe homes become a reality for all of us, including from domestic violence, crime and natural disasters.

Councils can and should play a strong advocacy role in ensuring that the basic needs of all community members are met.

 

Robert Mustow and Group D Richmond Valley candidates

Robert was born in Casino and schooled at Casino Public and Casino High, and was a panel beater by trade.

He owned and operated my successful smash repair business for 15 years.

Since becoming mayor I am very proud of the council’s achievements during some very trying times, drought, horrific bushfires, covid, six natural disasters, including the 2022 devastating flood event. Each of these challenges has tested our community, but they have also highlighted our collective strength and commitment to recovery and rebuilding.

I acknowledge that the path ahead remains challenging yet I am confident in our ability to overcome these obstacles together.

With the council’s focus on housing, intergenerational infrastructure renewal (sewer and water), economic development and attracting business, I am hopeful children finishing their schooling will be able to find employment in our Local Government Area instead of needing to leave.

Steve Morrissey

Born and raised in Casino, I attended St Mary’s Primary School and Marist Brothers’ High School before becoming a butcher, running my own shop for 17 years.

Happily married to Angela, I take pride in our three children, two of whom live in Casino with our grandson.

Throughout the years, I have participated in numerous sports, notably as a member of the Casino Rugby League ‘Cougars’, along with playing cricket, touch football, squash and basketball.

My community involvement spans over 25 years at Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre, including a decade on the board and currently as vice president.

Currently serving as deputy mayor, I am proud of this council’s achievements and what is planned for the Richmond Valley’s future.

Sandra Duncan-Humphrys

I’ve been a councillor on and off, since 2000 and am standing for re-election, as I’d like to be involved in the progress of plans and projects developed and designed over the past few years. Knowing that the Regional Job Precinct Master Plan alone has the potential to build on economic prosperity throughout the Valley, I believe it is important to maintain forward momentum.

Volunteering within the community began in 1994 as the inaugural secretary for COWFM107.9. It was an honour to have been awarded Life Membership a few years ago.

It was also an amazing experience to be the president of Casino Beef Week 2001. Fast forward to 2024, the Casino Country Music Muster was a new venture for me. I believe this event has the potential to spread new tourism dollars throughout the Valley as the ‘Fans in Vans’ explore all the wonders of our Valley.

Getting on with the job would be a priority for me.

Sam Cornish

Having served the Richmond Valley for the past eight years as an elected member, the current council and I have helped secure $200 million worth of State and Federal funding to better improve infrastructure and liveability within the Richmond Valley, including disaster recovery funding in the wake of droughts, bushfires, pandemics, and flooding.

During my time on council, it has been pleasing to deliver multiple signature projects including, NRLX upgrade, Woodburn Riverside Park upgrade, Evans Head lookout and Stan Payne Oval upgrade, Coraki Riverside Park, Casino Memorial Baths, and most recently the Casino to Bentley section of the Northern River Rail Trail.

To learn more about your Local Richmond Valley Candidates, click here.

 

For more local elections news, click here.

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Clarence Valley News

Preferences will be vital in Clarence poll

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Former Clarence Valley Council deputy Mayor Craig Howe has cast his eyes over the field for the 2024 Clarence Valley Council elections and thinks preferences will play a bigger than usual part in deciding who will be on the next council.
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Preferences will be vital in Clarence poll

 

By Tim Howard

Some of your candidates don’t want anything to do with them, others wish they could ignore them and some will live and die for them.

They’re preferences and they are what are troubling the minds of a good number of candidates as time ticks away toward Saturday’s Clarence Valley Council election.

We talked with former Clarence Valley Council deputy mayor and election tragic Craig Howe about how preferences could play out in this year’s vote.

Mr Howe, who served two terms on council and finished as deputy mayor in 2016, has been happy to step away from local government, but he maintains a fascination with the electoral process.

At each local government election since 2016 he’s created and moderated a Facebook pages, Clarence Valley meet the candidates, where people can ask candidates pertinent questions about their reasons for running.

The page also runs mock poll where people can “vote” for their candidate of choice. But more on that later.

Mr Howe said the 2024 poll differs from any of the elections he has contested or witnessed since 2008.

“I can’t see there being a ‘Richie vote’,” he said, referring to the wildly popular vote the current Clarence MP Richie Williamson attracted when he stood for council from 2005 to 2021.

“When Richie left in 2021, people wondered who was going to pull those big numbers and it was Jeff Smith.”

He said the crucial thing was candidates reaching their quota.

The quota is determined by first dividing the aggregate number of formal first preferences by one more than the number of candidates to be elected. The quotient (disregarding the fraction) is increased by 1 to give the quota.

The NSW Electoral Commission has the number of electors in Clarence standing at 41,890.

In the voting system used in local elections once a candidate reach his or her quota the preferences were distributed to other candidates. Continued candidates also received the preferences of candidates who were eliminated during counting.

Former Clarence Valley Council deputy Mayor Craig Howe has cast his eyes over the field for the 2024 Clarence Valley Council elections and thinks preferences will play a bigger than usual part in deciding who will be on the next council.

Former Clarence Valley Council deputy Mayor Craig Howe has cast his eyes over the field for the 2024 Clarence Valley Council elections and thinks preferences will play a bigger than usual part in deciding who will be on the next council.

Mr Howe said it anyone was going to poll big numbers this year it would most likely be someone well known in Grafton.

“Jeff Smith got it, and that’s because he owned the ice cream shop in Prince Street,” he said.

“You got a lot of votes from Grafton, and Grafton the big voter base, you know. So that that’s why I think Ray Smith might be a chance to pull in those sort of numbers.”

But Mr Howe said while this year Ray Smith and shared a surname, the recognition factor might not be the same.

“He hasn’t been around for a while, either, so maybe, you know, the younger people don’t necessarily know him,” he said.

He said Greg Clancy might be a chance to poll well, but he doubted if the numbers would as high as Williamson’s or Smith’s in previous elections.

But he said a new candidate might consider joining a ticket with someone like Dr Clancy, who has served two terms on the council.

Mr Howe said if you looked at the how to vote choice of candidate Mellissa Hellwig and Lynne Cairns you could see that pattern.

“Greg’s in one, Hellwig two, and Lynne Cairns three.” He said. “But then, if you look at Hellwig, she’s gone her one, and then Lynne Cairns at two, which what they’re hoping will happen is Greg’s preferences will flow from him to Hellwig, and then she’ll get her quota, and then the rest of them will find Greg’s will flow down to them.”

But Mr Howe said these ideas were conditional on candidates reaching their quotas, which might not happen.

He said there a lot of candidates from down river, who would be contesting a smaller voter base.

“It might not shape up this way at all,” Mr Howe said. “Voters might decide they want a balanced council and decide to pick someone from the conservative side and some from the not-so-conservative side.

“So then you have someone like Cristie Yager or Amanda Brien. Where do they fit into that.

“It could be the preferences don’t follow the how to vote cards and go everywhere.”

Mr Howe said his Facebook poll had been disappointing so far, with about 35 votes cast.

“It’s too small to be a really good sample at the moment,” he said.

“But even in 35 votes you can see a trend and at the moment some of those trends are very interesting and might worry a few candidates.”

Pushed to tip who he thought might make the council this year, Mr Howe said Ulmarra’s Cristie Yager was his bolter.

“She’s done very well getting recognition on social media and I like what she’s saying’ he said.

“She seems to be a person who cares about people and that’s what people want.”

Of the incumbents he thinks the Mayor Peter Johnstone would be re-elected, despite his rocky start to the leadership role.

He thought Steve Pickering and Debrah Novak were also likely to be re-elected but thought some of the incumbents might struggle.

“With the ones that retired this time, there could be five maybe even six new faces on council when the counting’s down,” he said.

 

For more local elections and Clarence preferences news, click here.

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Local Elections

Many made it to Meet the Candidates

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Meet the Candidates Richmond Valley
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Many made it to Meet the Candidates

 

By Samantha Elley

It was standing room only at the Casino Arts and Culture Centre in Walker Street as Richmond Valley mayoral and councillor candidates gathered to introduce themselves last week.

Hosted by Bruce Lyle and MCed by ex-Lismore mayor, Jenny Dowell, mayoral candidates were given three minutes to outline their reasons for being deserving of ratepayers’ votes.

This was followed by two minutes for each councillor candidate to speak or be introduced by their group leader.

Common topics covered included the need for transparency and accountability, streamlining red tape when it comes to development applications, flood mitigation, listening to constituents, waste management, the Northern Rivers Live Stock Exchange, business sustainability, youth crime, housing affordability and water security.

Newcomers candidates, Group C – Lyndall Murray, were quick to point out they were not career politicians but emphasised heavily on listening to residents, with an online survey for people to be a part of at richmondvalleyvoices.org.

Current mayor, Robert Mustow heads Group D and outlined achievements of the council so far, including his availability in his role, where he has attended more than 2,200 events across the Richmond Valley since taking office.

Current councillor, Robert Hayes leads Group B and is keen to stand again to be able to complete existing projects, with a heavy emphasis on maintaining the status quo.

Previous Richmond Valley Council general manager, John Walker, heads Group A and his team believe now is the time for change, where we can learn from the mistakes of the current council.

Outlier and lone voice, William Drew, made a promise to all voters that he would be the thorn in the side of council, if he were elected. Aware that one person can’t change major policy, his focus will be on calling others to account.

There were a number of questions from the audience as follows with highlighted responses:

What do you see as the major challenge for Council and how will you address it?

Group D – Sewerage upgrades, where $10m is being spent in Evans Head very soon.

Group B – Water security. Existing water contracts need to be looked at.

Group C – Community consultation and future planning for natural disasters.

Group A – Infrastructure delivery and flood recovery. Finances need to be looked at.

Mr Drew – Passionate about Salty Lagoon as it is an Aboriginal area and needs cleaning out.

What needs to be done about the Casino saleyards?

Group B – the lease set in place is for a long period of time now and will get us to a break even point and that shouldn’t change.

Group C – Advisory group needs to be consulted as rate payers shouldn’t be subsidising a council asset. It should be making money, not costing money.

Group A – The community is in the dark over the details of the saleyards and there should be an independent inquiry.

Mr Drew – No comment.

Group D – The community asked council to lease the saleyards to the real estate agents but we couldn’t do that. Council didn’t make the decision to lease the saleyards.

Will community members still need prior approval at council meetings?

Group C – We need 100% transparency

Group A – We need to open up all information sessions to allow public access.

Mr Drew – We need transparency and as councillors are elected, they should be available to talk to ratepayers.

Group D – Mayor already has an open door policy and current policies are around who can come and talk to council.

Group B – Public access should be through the right channels so certain people aren’t talking on their grievances till midnight.

What will you do for the homeless flood survivors?

Group A – There are a number of us doing rebuilding as many of us were rejected from government funding.

Mr Drew – No comment.

Group D – Lobby the federal and state governments hard to provide the right funding.

Group B- Fight hard to state and federal governments for funding and processes.

Group C – Work on the front line of flood recovery with organisations. Look into acquisition of land for new development.

Will you agree to an industrial incinerator in the LGA?

Unanimous no.

Waste management?

Mr Drew – I am for roadside pickup and vouchers.

Group D – Government charges a levy and a study showed that kerbside collection costs about $40 per household.

Group B – There is a cost involved and somewhere the ratepayer will pay.

Group C – Resource, not waste. Reduce waste and recycle more. Let’s see it as an asset.

Group A – We can learn to recycle with an emphasis on Armidale’s recycling system.

How will you represent those in other areas apart from where you live?

Group D – The current mayor has proved he is across events in all areas of the Richmond Valley.

Group B – Current councillor is very adamant to connect Casino with lower river area.

Group C – Wants to hear from all people across the Richmond Valley.

Group A – All represents all. It’s not about where you live.

Mr Drew – I will be a thorn in everyone’s side to make sure all are represented.

What measures will you take to stop corruption and do you have a personal agenda?

Group B – There is no room for conflicting interests as there are processes in place.

Group A – The personal agenda we have is what we are standing for.

Group C – We represent diverse voices not our own agendas.

Mr Drew – I am all about transparency.

Group D – The policies in place are already very strict and with pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests, we believe if there is doubt, we walk out and don’t have any discussion in the matter at hand.

Flood and storm water and flood mitigation?

Group C – We will wait for the CSIRO report and then ask the hard questions. Flood mitigation is critical and we need funding from federal and state governments.

Group A – Great believers in flood mitigation and will be open to the CSIRO report suggestions.

Mr Drew – Climate change is making a difference and we should have policies around that. Building dams will help with flood mitigation.

Group D – Work is currently underway with Evans Head drainage and Casino will be looked at in time.

Group B – the CSIRO report is so important. Flood mitigation is the answer.

What will you do about roads?

Group A – Roads are the most important thing but it is a matter of money.

Mr Drew – Roads are a priority and I support any work to be done there.

Group D – Roads are a priority. We live in a very high rainfall area and when potholes appear, people need to be patient. It also comes down to funding.

Group B – We have 500km of gravel roads. The road program needs to move quicker than it does but getting workers on road crews has been an issue too.

Group C – We also need to improve consultation with neighbouring councils on shared roads.

To learn more about your local Richmond Valley Candidates, click here.

 

For more local elections news, click here.

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