I completed my HSC at Parkes High School, then completed a year in Office Administration at Parkes TAFE and moved away for a couple of years for work before moving back to Parkes, where my children have grown up (two boys, who are now young men).

I have been involved in a number of voluntary committees:

I'm also an associate member of the Parkes RSL sub-branch and have been in an executive role with Landcare NSW for the past three years and Landcare NSW Council for four years.

This has given me insight into the operations of a large scale, rapidly growing organisation.

I have learnt so much in this role and made so many fantastic friendships, and it will be hard to step down from this role at the end of November to make way for time to contribute to Parkes Shire Council as a councillor.

I'm fortunate to work across both Parkes and Forbes council areas in my role as Landcare Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare, with whom I have worked for over ten years.

In my spare time, I enjoy furniture restoration, gardening (mine is currently a big work in progress - but progressing) and I love to box - just with a boxing bag and music. That is my stress relief, my opportunity to totally focus on myself and relax. Don't knock it until you try it!

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I feel like it is just a natural progression for me to stand for the Parkes Shire Council elections.

I have the governance skills, the background contributing in committee forums and my children are now grown and in full time employment.

I work part-time in a job that I love, and have a wonderful work committee behind me that are supportive of my step into local government.

I love our region and our villages.

I want to contribute to make our shire the best that it can be, which includes livability, prosperity and opportunities to give back to the community and others.

Along with the rest of the Parkes Shire residents, I had the opportunity to contribute to the Parkes Shire Community Strategic Plan that takes suggestions and recommendations, and forms a guide for decision making and prioritising for the next Council term (2022 - 2025).

I participated in the six sessions held across the Shire, and I've got to say, we are just so fabulous!

It was so encouraging to see input from Parkes, but I have got to tell you, our villages blew me away with their insight and suggestions.

I know that many people just think that this is more paperwork, some probably just think 'rubbish', but I know that it is productive way for the community to participate.

It's the chance for their suggestions to be heard and I know the value of this document when funding submissions are made for community projects and when you want to be taken seriously as a shire, showing that you have a plan the community contributed to.

I have seen all circles of life during my time in Parkes.

From giving birth to my boys at the old Parkes Hospital (which back then I saw as 'normal' to now seeing it as a 'privilege' unfortunately), to spending time with my grandparents in nursing homes and in the old and new Parkes hospitals as they passed away.

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I want people to know I have an understanding of the everyday issues that a family faces, experience working in a team and I truly want our communities within the Parkes Shire to be the best that they can be.

I would also like to see more focus given to engagement of young people by providing facilities in both Parkes and our beautiful villages.

Several years ago I was fortunate through my work to be part of the Green Army Program, which was an opportunity for me to see that there was a gap in employment for school leavers who were not going to further studies, who did not have a trade to go to, but were still wonderful young people who just needed an opportunity to have a go.

I hope that the projects proposed for Parkes region include people like this who just need a chance.

I also have a commitment to seeing accessibility and green spaces improved around our towns. I see it improving, but we still have a way to go to improve both of these issues.

I want to be able to contribute to the wonderful work that our councillors have been doing.

I don't want to be elected because we have two wonderful women leaving, but I still recognise that having women amongst our councillors is essential.

I feel that it would be beneficial to have representation from a younger, but experienced, demographic within council.

I want to contribute to making Parkes Shire more liveable, more inviting, more family friendly and accessible.

Vote 1 Marg Applebee on December 4.

Learn more about Marg at https://margapplebee.wordpress.com/blog/.

If you are a Parkes Shire Council election candidate and haven't yet been contacted for a profile, please contact kristy.w@parkeschampionpost.com.au.

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