Meet your Kyogle candidates

By Samantha Elley

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 Ward Kyogle Candidates

Brett McNamara

Brett McNamara brings a professional skill set with 40 years in national parks, local government, and budget management. He is focused on renewal, civic pride, and effective governance. With strong people management skills, he envisions Kyogle as a place for families, creativity, and prosperity. Brett is committed to listening and serving with respect and compassion.

To find out more about Brett McNamara, click here.

Brett McNamara

Kieran Somerville

Kieran Somerville, with credentials in Environmental Management and Regenerative Agriculture, advocates for sustainable development, transparent decision-making, and strong support for farming. He promotes local businesses, arts, culture, and environmental protection. Kieran holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Management and a Graduate Diploma in Regenerative Agriculture, working as an environmental consultant and farm co-manager.

To find out more about Kieran Somerville, click here.

Douglas Layton

Lives at Kyogle and is retired.

Naomi Worrall

Naomi Worrall has spent two decades working in social housing, from frontline services to government reforms. She recently built a small business focused on baking and growing flowers. With extensive volunteer experience in governance roles, Naomi is dedicated to ensuring efficient and accessible government services and is passionate about serving the Kyogle community.

To find out more about Kieran Somerville, click here.

Janet Wilson

Experience and knowledge with local government, community development and engagement. Strong interest in governance, engagement with residents and other levels of government to achieve best outcomes in the public interest.

To find out more about Janet Wilson, click here.

B Ward Kyogle Candidates

Neil Summerville

A long-time resident of Sextonville, having lived there since 1989, and with family ties to Babyl Creek since 1972, the candidate is motivated by the high maintenance costs of vehicles on rural roads. With over 20 years of boardroom experience, including as deputy chair of Northern Co-op Meat Company, he brings significant leadership experience, including roles as chairman of the NSW Livestock Health and Pest Authority and North East Pest Animal Advisory Committee.

To find out more about Neil Summerville, click here.

Neil Summerville

Glenn Robinson

To find out more about Glenn Robinson, click here.

Glenn Robinson

Robert Cullen

To find out more about Robert Cullen, click here.

Robert Cullen

John Burley

Olivia Taylor

To find out more about Olivia Taylor, click here.

C Ward Kyogle Candidates

Simon Dejoux

To find out more about Simon Dejoux, click here.

Simon Dejoux

Danielle Mulholland

To find out more about Danielle Mulholland, click here.

Danielle Mulholland

Ian Murrell

Ian Murrell, a Kyogle resident since 2016, is running for council to bring fresh perspectives to the democratic process. An ex-clinical nurse and cabinetmaker, Ian values community input and plans to run workshops to understand local concerns. He has been active in community organisations and believes in creating a great place to live and work.

To find out more about Ian Murrell, click here.

Ian Murrell

Thomas Cooper

Thomas Cooper, a 28-year resident of Bonalbo, is running for Ward C to complete major projects like the $50 million Clarence Valley Way upgrade. He emphasises the need for a high-caliber general manager, local economic growth, and infrastructure improvements. Thomas opposes the referendum for a popularly voted mayor, advocating for community-focused governance.

To find out more about Thomas Cooper, click here.

Thomas Cooper

Earle Grundy

Is a non-resident but has been a councillor of Kyogle Shire.

James Murray

Previously a councillor of Kyogle from 2022 – 2024 and lives at Grady’s Creek. He holds a certificate in Agriculture and is a farmer and timber contractor.

Robin Harley

Lives at Kyogle.

 

For more 2024 Local Elections News, click here.

Ian Murrell – Kyogle meet your candidates

By Samantha Elley

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.

Ian Murrell (C Ward)

Ian Murrell

I have lived in the Kyogle district since 2016.

I am not running because I feel that the present councillors have done a bad job or because I have some pressing concern I want resolved.

I have no vision for Kyogle district, apart for wanting a great place to live and work and visit.

I’m running because I think new people with new ways of thinking are good for the democratic process.

My most urgent issue is to find out what are the urgent issues of the people in the district.

I am receptive to having peoples’ issues and ideas explained to me.

To achieve that I’ll run workshops for the whole community.

I’m an ex-clinical nurse, and cabinetmaker who lives in Cougal with my partner, Eija.

I’ve been active in community organisations and on the boards of co-operatives and body corporates.

I have lived in different parts of the world and bring a perspective from all that I have experienced.

For more 2024 Local Elections News, click here.

Danielle Mulholland – Kyogle meet your candidates

By Samantha Elley

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.

Danielle Mulholland (C Ward)

Danielle Mulholland

I am a full time councillor and part time lawyer and board member and have lived at Gradys Creek for the past 25 years.

I grew up Country and have served 3 terms on Council, but there is still so much left to do.

I want to focus on: 

• roads and bridges backlog;
• helping Kyogle and our villages thrive;
• sustainable communities, balancing the environment while encouraging innovative primary production eg, gate to plate experiences, raw product to market on farm etc;
• our ageing volunteer base;
• basics for the villages eg kerb and guttering, pavements etc;
• passing waste levy waiver on to residents, saving them $ at the tip gate;
• economic and social activation of our communities;
• community engagement to rebuild the trust between community, Council the organisation and the elected body, and to better inform decision making;
• ensure that water and sewer project is delivered to Wiangaree, Tabulam and Mallanganee;
• seeing the Mallanganee lookout complete which highlights our most marketable resource – the natural environment;
• ­build a cooperative, collaborative team.
• being the community’s voice on the bigger issues.

I think the most important issue in our electorate at the moment is rebuilding the trust between the elected body, Council staff and the community.

We need to fully engage with our communities and allow their voices to be heard.

The next most important issue is our roads and bridges – we still have a way to go before we have addressed our infrastructure backlog.

Decent roads and bridges support our local residents and industries, allow kids to go to school, emergency services have access etc.

I have a proven track record of delivering outcomes, securing funding and fulfilling my promises.

I am hoping that this will hold me in good stead coming into this election.  I am passionate about our council area and will always act with honesty, integrity and in the best interests of our communities.

For more 2024 Local Elections News, click here.