Richmond Valley meet your candidates

The Northern Rivers Times has asked all of the candidates for the September 14 local government elections to introduce themselves to voters identify the issues they want to address and policies they would pursue if elected.

A number of candidates did not meet the deadline for publication but are welcome to send in copy for coming editions of The Northern Rivers Times before the election date.

Robert Hayes

I am an Evans Head

Local with local family ties through out Evans Head, Woodburn & Coraki, I have resided in Evans head since 1991.

I have been fortunate to be one of the local council 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.

I would like to gain another four-year term to complete existing projects, and to make sure that RVC continue with funding applications for more projects and infrastructure improvements in the Mid Richmond area.

The foods in 2022 interrupted council’s vision and planning for our area.

A new direction is being set with the pending fnalisation of place plans for the entire Richmond Valley Council area.

I believe local representation is required to guide the Mid Richmond and the whole of the RVC with the funding and the implementation of these plans.

Deb is a sitting councillor from Coraki and was elected on a Casino-based ticket in 2021.

She now has three years’ experience and is doing a great job representing our area.

Debbie has resided in Coraki for seven years, a small land holder running cattle.

When moving to Coraki, she wanted to be involved in our community and surrounds so she joined the CWA (Country Women’s Association, the UHA (United Hospital Auxiliary), got involved with the Coraki Museum, the Coraki Uniting Church, and was the business chamber president for three years. She also assisted with community events such as Macca the radio announcer when he came to Coraki, Christmas Tree Light Ups, and market days.

While being active in our communities, and listening to people’s issues, she understands the need for representation on the Richmond Valley Council.

Her vision for the Lower area of the Richmond Valley, is promote growth in our regions, encourage tourism and to be the community’s voice

Rachel Arthur

Rachel Arthur is a small business owner and life-long local of Evans Head.

Her passion lies with her community, long-term success for small businesses and the development of new events and initiatives that will see the Richmond Valley continue to fourish and thrive for emerging generations of young families.

Previously the President of the Evans Head Business and Community Chamber, Rachel contributed to the launch of the Evans Head Tourist Guide, supported, and helped facilitate large events and functions as an enthusiastic advocate for residents and business owners alike.

Inspired by her hope to see her own children grow up in a vibrant and sustainable community, Rachel will act as a voice to council; Bringing fresh ideas and concepts forward for consideration, supporting the continued invigoration of regional tourism and focusing wholeheartedly on the maintenance and growth of the family friendly atmosphere that the Richmond Valley prides itself on.

Tracey Knox

Tracey has owned and run the Sunrise Caravan Park at Broadwater with her husband Craig, and their family for over 30 years . In her spare time she is a keen photographer , watercolour artist, soap maker, and enjoys crocheting and bushwalking.

Tracey has previously been involved with the Woodburn Wolves Football Club, being a treasurer for a 5-year period during the 25 years that her husband and children played football.

Tracey also played touch football at Evans Head for a period of approximately 15 years. Tracey was actively involved, after the 2022 food, with having the “Tinnie Memorial” placed in the Broadwater Community Park to honour the local Tinnie Hero’s.

The rebuilding of the Broadwater Public School was fully supported by the Knox family.

Tracey would like to see some major funding being spent on the Broadwater and Riley’s Hill communities, with her focus on the roads, fxing storm water drainage problems, building more footpaths and cycle ways and community beautifcation.

If riverside properties became available, due to Government buy backs, she would like to see that land be utilised as usable public space and parkland.

“Riley’s Hill boat ramp desperately needs an upgrade,” and a public jetty and tidal pontoon would be an asset for Riley’s Hill and Broadwater communities and tourists.

Tracey has supported our ticket for the last 12 years and has been our regular contact for the Broadwater Community and this year has decided to get involved to support a voice on Local Government for Broadwater and the surrounding areas.

Neale Genge

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 signifcant 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.

Daniel Simpson

Daniel is a husband and father of three children, Hayden (16), Amelia (13), Kai (10). He enjoys surfng, fshing, and spending time with his family. He has been the owner / operator of the Rod N Reel Hotel

Woodburn for the past eighteen years, for ten years 2011-2021 he was a councillor on Richmond Valley Council.

He is very passionate about the area in which he lives and works and enjoys being an advocate for the area.

Daniel knows It is imperative that the lower rivers area have strong representative on council.

Daniels business experience coupled with his previous experience on council places him in a unique position to be a strong advocate for the area possessing the ability to hold council accountable for the way in which they conduct their business.

Lyndall Murray

Lyndall Murray champions a balanced approach to future planning that invests in sports, attracting small business, tourism, and recreation while considering the needs of both businesses and the local economy.

Lyndall has founded two local not-for-proft community projects: Backyard Sessions, which supports live music and emerging musicians in the Richmond Valley, and the Hands & Hearts Project, which funds trades and materials to aid the most vulnerable food-affected residents.

Lyndall’s efforts have resulted in more than $250K in in-kind and cash donations, helping the community recover and thrive after the 2022 foods.

Bianca Rayner

As a ffth-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 foods, and she has since worked on the front line of the recovery effort.

Samuel Allis

I’m Samuel Allis, a father and the local business owner of Hemlock’s Books and Coffee.

Casino was my local big smoke for about 10 years while I lived in Tabulam, and I have called Woodburn home for 5 years.

My job is connecting with locals, helping to empower the community spirit, and encouraging virtue through reading and connection. You all know where I work, and I strongly encourage everyone to let me know what they want for the future of our towns and our children.

Kylie Maunder

Yamandhu marang, my name is Kylie Maunder and I’m a proud Wiradjuri woman, blessed to be living breathing and learning on Bundjalung country for most of my life. I grew up in a small village outside of Casino and have experienced frst-hand the lack of supports and infrastructure for regional communities.

My background has been in leadership in community services, disability, family support, aboriginal engagement, reconciliation and aboriginal leadership.

My goals and passions are educating and inspiring the broader community through culture, closing the gap on education, health, and support healing through connection.

Nathan Scully

Nathan Scully is a dedicated father of three, with another on the way, and a proud Casino local before landing in Evans Head.

As a talented cricketer, Nathan’s passion for sport runs deep.

He is also a local butcher at Metcalf’s in Evans Head, where he is known for his commitment to quality and community.

Nathan frmly believes in the power of strategic long-term investment in sports infrastructure and programs.

He advocates for initiatives that foster positive outcomes for youth, providing them with opportunities to engage in healthy activities and develop valuable life skills.

Dr Hanabeth Luke

Dr Hanabeth Luke is passionate about building resilience in rural and regional Australia.

Hanabeth was one of the emergency response leaders during the 2022 foods, and has since developed a strategic framework & committed working group driving the Evans Area Resilience Network focused on community disaster preparedness.

She was the founding coordinator of the SCU Courses in Regenerative Agriculture, and is project leader of two national research projects on farmer decision-making and developing indicators for regenerative agriculture.

John Walker

John has a history of being a successful Executive in local government and the private sector, doing diffcult jobs that required hard decisions. He has a reputation for leading from the front, fnancial management, getting things done, delivering what he promises and working with his community.

John understands how local government works. He was CEO at fve councils and a councillor at another.

John is a former general manager at RVC where he introduced improvements to its fnances, amenity and services and at Lismore Council where he was involved in food recovery, working with governments and funding.

He was an advisor to the NRRC. He maintains Lismore did more for its food victims than RVC and got more money and better outcomes.

He has held roles in the private sector as MD of Thrifty Car Rental and as general manager retail for Westpac.

John is putting his name forward to serve as Mayor for Richmond Valley and as leader of a talented team of independent voices because he believes change is necessary.

He believes the council has become increasingly disconnected from community with a lack of transparency and openness.

He will open all meetings and allow questions and public access on any subject.

He believes there must be an independent review of the Casino Saleyards fasco which caused signifcant pain to a lot of businesses and individuals.

His view is council mishandled the process and got the result wrong by being arrogant and refusing to mediate.

The review will help better decision making.

He is also concerned about the signifcant pain point being experienced by people wanting to invest, develop or build in our community.