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Local Elections

Kylie Maunder – Richmond Valley meet your candidates

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Kylie Maunder 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.

Kylie Maunder

Yamandhu marang, my name is Kylie Maunder and I’m a proud Wiradjuri woman, blessed to be living breathing and learning on Bundjalung country for most of my life.

I grew up in a small village outside of Casino and have experienced first-hand the lack of supports and infrastructure for regional communities.

My background has been in leadership in community services, disability, family support, aboriginal engagement, reconciliation and aboriginal leadership.

My goals and passions are educating and inspiring the broader community through culture, closing the gap on education, health, and support healing through connection.

 

For more 2024 Local Elections News, click here.

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Local Elections

Ninth councillor could decide mayor

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Ninth councillor could decide mayor

 

By Tim Howard

The race to secure the ninth and final spot on Clarence Valley Council could also be decisive in deciding who becomes the next mayor.

With more than 31,000 votes counted since voting closed on September 14, the first seven or eight spots appear locked in, but a four-way battle is building for the final spot.

As of Saturday’s counting first time candidate Amanda Brien held ninth spot with 1505 first preference votes ahead of incumbent Karen Toms on 1410.

Also in the mix were former councillor Andrew Baker on 1131 and another incumbent, Ulmarra’s Steve Pickering, on 1093.

Two of the field, incumbent mayor Peter Johnston, who had 3731 votes and a 1.22 share of his quota and first time candidate Ray Smith who had 2415 and 0.73 of a quota, have begun canvassing for mayoral votes.

Both were confident they have four votes from those most likely to find themselves on council, but conceded the ninth councillor to be elected could hold the crucial vote for both of them.

Mr Johnstone said it appeared that either Ms Brien and Ms Toms were most likely to secure the last spot.

And he acknowledged that while he was sure of support from Ms Toms, his observations of the election campaign led him to believe Mr Smith would have Ms Brien’s support.

“She was giving out Ray Smith’s how to votes and he was giving out hers and they both had their corflutes up in Dougherty property,” Mr Johnstone said.

Mr Smith did not comment on the record about where his support came from because of uncertainty over the final result.

“I’ve had a couple of the potential councillors ring me to indicate their support if I stood,” he said.

“But I guess we really can’t do anything until the final nine have been declared.”

Mr Smith said the outcome would not be determined until early next month.

Former Grafton City Council general manager Ray Smith has emerged as an alternative mayoral candidate, claiming he has support from three other candidates likely to be elected to the council.

“I’ve been told the Declaration of the Poll will be on October 3,” Mr Smith said.

“And then the meeting to elect the mayor and deputy mayor will be on October 17.”

Before the poll is declared the vital, if complex, distribution of preferences will decide the formation of the next council.

The NSW Electoral Commission website has a description of the

“Where an elected candidate has a surplus of ballot papers over the quota, this surplus is transferred to the continuing candidates (i.e. those not yet elected or excluded).

“If multiple candidates are elected, each candidate’s surplus is transferred (one at a time) to the continuing candidates, from the highest surplus to the lowest.

“To transfer a surplus, all the ballot papers received by the elected candidate are sorted to their next preferred continuing candidate.

“Each ballot paper is then worth a portion of that surplus. This portion is called the transfer value.

“Example: if an elected candidate had 100 ballot papers and their surplus was 10 votes, then each ballot paper would be worth 0.1 of a vote.

:A continuing candidate receiving 20 of these ballot papers would therefore receive two of the 10 surplus votes.

“After each transfer of ballot papers (and their associated votes), if any more candidates have reached quota, they are elected and added to the queue of surpluses to be transferred.

“This transfer of surpluses continues (one at a time) until all have been transferred.

Then, if vacancies remain, the candidate with the lowest number of votes is excluded.

“All the ballot papers received by this candidate, including those received from surplus transfers, are sorted to the continuing candidates according to their next available preference.”

The preferences from excluded candidates are transferred as a full vote.

Both mayoral candidates are refining their pitches ahead of the vote.

Mr Johnstone said this election was more uncertain than the 2021 poll which was not decided until the 14th preference count.

Mr Johnstone also cautioned that other councillors could come forward as candidates for mayor or deputy.

“I know that Debrah (Novak) normally puts her hand up every time, so wouldn’t be surprised if she does again,” he said.

Mr Johnstone said he would back his record as mayor, even though he had only been in the position for a year.

“I think I’m hearing all the time from the community that I think I’ve done a good job,” he said.

“I’ve only been in place for a year, which normally, mayors are in place for at least two.

“Obviously, the elected mayors are in for four and but, you know, with a peer elected one, so every two years, and I’ve only had one, and what I’ve done is I’ve made a foundation.

“I think it’s a very good foundation.”

Mayoral incumbent Peter Johnstone says criticism of the voting patterns in council last term was not warranted.

Mr Smith has never stood for office, but has 30 years experience as a council general manager, including from 1993 to 2004 as general manager of the Grafton City Council.

He returned to the Clarence in 2022 and what he observed in the past two years convinced him to run for council and mayor.

“I was disappointed in the way it was operating,” he said. “There were factions in council and there were voting blocks more often than not, it went five, four, and I just felt that when you’re voting in a block, you’re not voting with your conscience, and that impedes good decision making, and therefore it becomes detrimental to the Clarence Valley.”

Mr Johnstone disputed Mr Smith’s description of the voting patterns.

He said he had created a spreadsheet of voting patterns on what he called “contentious issues”, votes decided 5-4 or 6-3.

“Now they’re no surprises with several,” he said.

“Alison and Karen voted together a lot, as did Ian and Bill.

“But then when you get away from that he people I voted with least are actually what I would have considered my best mates on council, Greg and Jeff.

“And yet, I voted very strongly with Ian and Bill, but also with Karen.

“So you know that I think this idea that there’s some sort of voting block, it isn’t borne out by the facts.”

Mr Smith said the council looked to be in a solid financial position and had done some good things over its last term.

But he said it had continued to alienate many in the community and he wanted to tackle this issue.

“My first priority would be improving the council’s engagement with the community, because that was certainly made loud and clear during the campaign process,” he said.

“The feedback I was receiving was just that lack of genuine engagement.

“Councillors were listening to the community, but you can listen, then you’ve got to put some action to what you’ve heard.”

Only one candidate, the Greens’ Greg Clancy, has indicated he would stand for the deputy’s job.

He was elected as deputy mayor on a ticket with Ian Tiley in 2021, but did not stand for election at the mayoral election last year. He was replaced by Jeff Smith, who, like Mr Tiley, did not run this time.

Dr Clancy was often critical of the last council’s leadership and decisions and said he would support Mr Smith’s bid to become mayor.

“I hope he can see his way clear to give me some support,” Dr Clancy said.

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Ballina News

Northern Rivers Election results to date

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Northern Rivers Election results to date

 

By Samantha Elley

NSW voted for their council representatives over the weekend and while results aren’t finalised, we have compiled the results so far at time of printing (Monday 16th of September).

Ballina

Residents of the coastal local government area showed they have been happy with the work Sharon Cadwallader has been doing as mayor. She is currently sitting at 45.08% of the vote with her nearest rival, the Greens Kiri Dicker. a long way back at 25.79%

A ward favourites include the Greens Erin Karsten on 20.73%, Independent Damian Loone following closely at 17.35% and ALP’s Maria Marshall on 14.07%, although Independent’s Kevin Loughrey is close on her heels at 13.52%.

B ward has larger margins with Sharon Cadwallader taking 36.12% of the vote then Kiri Dicker, much closer than in the mayoral race at 31.34%. After that the closest candidate is ALP’s Andrew Broadley on 11.65%.

C ward has the Greens Simon Chate leading the chase on 36.21%, followed by Independent Simon Kinny on 28.47% and another Independent These Crollick on 15.12%

Byron

Current mayor Michael Lyon’s recent public issues are reflected in the sad results of his race to get back in the top job, with his mayoral vote hitting a paltry 17.29% compared to Sarah Ndiaye of the Greens who is sitting on 34.71%. However, there is a chance ALP’s Asren Pugh is not discounted yet with 30.37% of the vote.

The Greens also have a chance of strong representation on council as Group D holds 40.22% of votes for their council candidates, followed by the ALP at 27.95%.

Kyogle

While it has been tradition that elected councillors in Kyogle voted for the mayor, residents of this inland local government area had the extra task of deciding in a referendum question, whether or not they wanted a popularly elected mayor and a reduction in the ward numbers or the status quo. Results at time of printing were not available.

A ward’s most popular candidate thus far is Brett McNamara with 31.15% of the vote, followed by Kieran Somerville with 26.67% and long-standing councillor Janet Wilson at 18.40%.

B ward’s winning candidate is currently Olivia Taylor with 34.03%, then current councillor John Burley 25% and Robert Cullen on 19.29%.

In C ward popular councillor and previous mayor Danielle Mulholland holds 40.88% of the vote with Tom Cooper on 21.06% coming second and Robin Harley on 13.63% holding the bronze.

Lismore

There is no doubting the popularity of current mayor Steve Krieg who looks like holding his seat with 48.38% of the vote, trailed by the Greens Vanessa Grindon-Ekins on 21.13%.

The Independent Group A look like, not only getting their mayor back in but will fill a few seats around the council table with 42.39% of votes.

They are followed by the Greens Group D with 26.77% and ALP’s Group B holding 18.77%.

Richmond Valley

It looks like business as usual for the Richmond Valley with mayor Robert Mustow holding a comfortable lead to retain his role on 38.93%. He was given a run for his money by newcomer Lyndall Murray in the early part of counting before she settled around 27.17%.

There should be a mixture of new and old faces on council with Group D, led by the current mayor, Robert Mustow receiving 41.42% of the vote and newcomers, with Lyndall Murray, Group C, second with 25.69%. Group A led by previous Richmond Valley general manager, John Walker obtained a healthy 20.51%.

Tweed

A large number of parties were vying for all council positions with the current group with most votes being the Liberals with 28.74%. ALP are a comfortable second on 14.96% and Independent Group A, led by current mayor, Chris Cherry in third with 13.42%.

To keep up to date with the Northern Rivers Elections Results, click here.

 

For more 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 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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