I have had the privilege of serving on the Parkes Shire Council for 38 years, including 17 years as Deputy Mayor and current Mayor for the past 14 years.
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I'm also the chair of the Country Mayors Association of NSW, chair of the Newell Highway Taskforce, chair of the Regional Integrated Transport Group, former chair of CENTROC and former executive of the Local Government and Shires Association.
The past five years on council have been very rewarding, with significant grant funding which enabled some long planned construction of a new Water Treatment and Sewerage Treatment Plants, along with a Recycled Water Treatment and associated rising main.
We have seen significant improvement to sporting and cultural facilities throughout the Shire with the new Cooke Park Pavilion and a Country Universities Centre.
On a personal note, I am a third generation farmer and I have been married to Sue for 38 years and have three adult sons and 2 gorgeous grandsons.
I enjoy golf and am a regular lap swimmer in the Parkes Aquatic Centre, attend and contribute to the Parkes Uniting Church and visited Timor Leste on four occasions.
I'm a life member of the Parkes Sports Council and had involvement in cricket, touch football, soccer, hockey and rugby. I now play golf for relaxation.
I'm the past President of the Parkes PA&H, member of the Parkes Showground Land Manager and have been the Chief Steward of the District Exhibit of the Parkes Show for the past 40 years.
My other community involvement includes past president and life member of the Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC), executive member of the Country Children's Services Association and former past president of Parkes Rotaract Club and Rotaract District Representative.
I'm a recipient of a Centenary Medal and Order of Australia (OAM) for services to community and local government.
My philosophy of government is to have a council that works as a team for the benefit of all the shire.
Diversity in terms of age, gender and experience is particularly important, as everyone brings a different perspective to the chamber.
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I believe it is essential not to have politics or factions in the chamber in order to have the best results.
Parkes has a very exciting future and I'm standing because I can offer experience and stability to try and bring some of the visions of past councils together in the development of the National Logistics Hub and the Special Activation Precinct.
I believe it is important for councillors to ensure they represent and listen to all the communities that make up our wonderful shire.
I seek your Number 1 Vote, but encourage you to vote for at least 10 candidates in order of your preferences rather than the minimum legal vote of five - as these votes could well determine the outcome of the new Council.
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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