As we look towards the upcoming local government elections in September, after careful consideration with my family, I have decided not to stand for re-election as a councillor and finish my time as mayor of Blayney Shire Council.
Over the last 25 years it has been the greatest pleasure to have been elected as a councillor, including the opportunity to be Mayor for the last 12 years, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout this time.
I have deeply valued the trust and confidence you have all placed in me with my role as a councillor and mayor.
Over these years, I have been surrounded by many wonderful councillors and staff who have all contributed to helping and encouraging me in my mayoral duties as we have worked together to deliver a stable, reliable and proactive Council.
I have had the opportunity to work with six general managers, numerous councillors and three former mayors in Bruce Kingham, Ted Wilson and John Davis, who had all made significant contributions to the success of our community and inspired me to follow in their footsteps.
Over the last 12 years as mayor, I would particularly like to thank and acknowledge my three deputy mayors, David Kingham, Allan Ewin, and David Somervaille, for their steadfast support and friendship.
I have also been fortunate in my mayoral role to be involved with many of our wonderful volunteers and community organisations and the work they do in making our shire a better place to live.
It’s been an honour to represent and advocate for our community with successive state and federal governments and work closely with our neighbouring councils to support and grow our beautiful region.
As councillors, we are continually planning and looking towards the future, but recently, I have been proudly reflecting on our past and the many accomplishments of our small rural council.
We have seen major improvements and upgrades to our community facilities and have supported growth and investment throughout the shire.
Blayney Shire Council has a very bright future serving our community. It has dedicated staff and the newly elected Council will continue our success into the future.
If you are interested in running for Council, I encourage you to stand and represent our community in this upcoming election. I am happy to talk with anyone who has any questions about local government. The lodgment of nominations for elections is now open, with registrations closing at noon on Wednesday 14 August.
Finally, my deepest thanks and love to my wife Michelle and my family, who have supported me throughout my local government journey, through all the ups and downs, countless meetings and functions, and lots of time away from home.
I wish nothing more, than for our community to be safe and happy and to look towards the future with confidence and optimism.
