Mayor Ken Keith and councillors George Pratt, Ken McGrath, Louise O'Leary, Bill Jayet and Neil Westcott all confirmed to the Parkes Champion Post that they are standing or have nominated through the NSW Local Government register of candidates for the September 4 council elections.

Councillors Barb Newton, Pat Smith, Wally Biles and Alan Ward all indicated to the Parkes Champion Post that they are not seeking re-election.

Cr Biles said his decision was purely based on not having the time to dedicate to the role.

A member of the NSW Police Force, Cr Biles said "It's a bit of a time factor for me, otherwise I would have (stood)".

Asked for one piece of advice he could give to anyone thinking of standing Cr Biles said: "I think they just have to realise how much time that it takes".

"There are things that just pop up, if you work for yourself it might be a bit easier, but if you've got to go to your boss all of the time to get to a meeting it can be a bit tough," Cr Biles said.

"You have to be a bit flexible in your working because things do just pop up without notice."

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Cr Alan Ward is stepping down after 13 years.

"I've had a wonderful 13 years and highly recommend being a councillor to anyone," Cr Ward said.

"I think we've kicked some very good goals over those years.

"My portfolio included the Elvis Festival, the airport and the retail sector.

"Being a councillor is a wonderful experience, I'm sure they'll be some good candidates."

Cr Ward said he hoped new candidates would be forthcoming from the business sector.

Retiring councillor Barb Newton says an open mind is important.

"Always be ready to listen to what everybody has to say and ask questions with an open mind," Cr Newton said.

Pushed for highlights of her time on council Newton said "there's been so many".

"On a personal level, you get more of an awareness of your community and you get to be able to grow your representation for them.

"On a council level, Parkes Council has been such an outstanding innovative council," she said.

"In the 17 years I've been there council has always been a cohesive council, we spend time discussing things together.

"The culture of the council, through the organisation is excellent, which makes an enormous difference," Cr Newton said.

Alongside the current councillors re-standing five more candidates are named on the NSW Local Government register of candidates.

They are Marg Applebee, Conrad Mill, Robert Pelkey, Jennifer Rankmore and John Southon.

A registered candidates must also be nominated as a candidate to have their name included on the ballot paper.

The nomination period opens on Monday, 26 July 2021.

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Bookmark www.parkeschampionpost.com.au

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