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.

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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.

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Bowled over by new medical centre in Mid-Richmond

By Samantha Elley

Change is coming to Woodburn and it is thanks to the passion of three women who want to ensure residents in the Mid-Richmond receive prompt medical treatment.

“It’s been a bit of a long journey,” said Amanda Moss, one of the team setting up Woodburn Health.

“The three of us had previously worked at Evans Head Medical Centre, which is a fabulous practice but one thing we noticed was (it) was at capacity.

“Books have been closed for a long time…there was no more room for growth in that building.”

The other members of the Woodburn Health ownership group include Dr Louise Wagner and Kelly Towns and they knew for the sake of the community, they wanted to take action.

“We looked at our options of room for growth and what the community needed,” said Amanda.

“That’s when we made the decision that Evans Head is at capacity so the three of us got together (and we) looked at alternative spaces.”

Amanda said it was a deliberate decision to choose Woodburn as it is a central location for residents from Coraki, Evans Head, Broadwater, Bungawalbin, Swan Bay and surrounding areas.

“The three of us recognised that this is an area that is growing,” said Amanda.

“Obviously, it has been affected by flood so anything that we can do to try and attract and retain community members as well as… good staff to this area, so choosing this venue was a big decision.”

The team agreed they do not want to be in direct competition with the Evans Head Medical Centre.

“We want to support Evans Head as the community needs two medical centres,” said Amanda.

The ownership group acknowledged that while Dr Louise and Dr Ann Tosomeen, who has announced her move to Woodburn on Facebook, will be coming from Evans Head, this will provide an opportunity for more doctors to come to the area.

“Coming to Woodburn, yes, Louise and Ann are coming here, I think that’s really good for the community to be familiar with those doctors, but it also gives Evans Head two rooms they can attract more doctors or Allied Health.

“Us being here, we can (also) attract more doctors or Allied Health to our rural area.

“We are hoping to get Allied health here. Physio, podiatry, we’ve got space for that.”

L to R: Amanda Moss, Dr Louise Wagner and Kelly Towns.

The capacity for the practice will include three doctors with three extra consulting rooms as per their development application.

Feedback from the community has been positive, according to the ownership group.

“The three of us have a really good attitude and are very community focused,” Amanda said.

“We understand what the community needs and we will do everything we can to try and get (Woodburn Health) for the community.”

Each of the team acknowledges they couldn’t take this project on without each other as each brings something unique to the table.

Dr Louise Wagner has been a qualified doctor for 10 years having graduated at the end of 2013 and starting work in January 2014.

“General practice is its own speciality so I’ve been a qualified GP since early 2018,” she said.

Amanda’s background is emergency nursing and has experience as a practice manager.

“Did emergency nursing for a long time and has done a little bit of work with the Australian Practice Nurses Association (APNA), I am really trying to advocate for nurses, particularly in primary health,” she said.

Kelly’s experience is in administration and it could be said, is the backbone of the team.

“I had worked at Evans Head for 19 years,” she said.

“I do have a degree in Social Science and my last five years I’ve been doing the practice manager role with Amanda.”

The main driver for the three women is the need by the community for another medical centre, despite the paperwork, the lost sleep and, of course, the cost of setting up such a venture.

“We’ve got no-one backing us, the three of us are backing this and really focused on the need for the community,” said Amanda.

“And as much as Kevin Hogan, Richie Williamson and Robert Mustow are all supportive of it, there’s been no funding for it from anywhere.

“Richmond Valley Council has been good and getting the DA through.

“We definitely appreciate that they see the need for this.”

The plans are for Woodburn Health to be open before Christmas and it will be using the HotDoc app for online bookings.

“Once we are able to take bookings, we will put a Facebook page out to our local Facebook community groups,” said Amanda.

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