Ballina Shire meet your candidates continued

over 20 years and have worked in aged care and the local hospital.

I am the HSU subbranch president at Ballina Hospital and work as a Hospital Assistant in patient support, non-clinical, primarily in food services.

My passion is people. Whether it’s health, housing or even food mitigation. I want to make a difference to the well-being of all, and to our town.

Kevin Loughrey

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B Ward

Sharon Cadwallader

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has been serving the Ballina Shire community as a councillor for more than 20 years.

She is a company director, Justice of Peace, Registered Civil Celebrant, Chair of the Australian Coastal Councils Association, Deputy Chair of Rous County Council and Northern Rivers Joint Organisation.

Sharon is a past director of Summerland Credit Union and a former regional manager of Northern Rivers NSW Business Chamber. Accreditations include Dental Nursing, Marketing and Management and UTS Executive Certifcate in Local Government and is standing on her track record of honesty, integrity, hard work, getting things done and putting locals frst.

It has been an honour to serve as your mayor, leading the rebuild after the foods, a record 2024/2025 $78 million investment in new infrastructure through the shire’s biggest capital works program on record.

I kept my promise and got the Dunoon Dam back on the table. I will continue to push for affordable accessible housing for everyone, and fght for our fair share of State and Federal Government funding, new SES headquarters, crime prevention, clean safe secure water supply, dredged healthy Richmond River, protection of our environment and heritage, sustainable career pathways for our youth, getting rid of red tape through facilitation, not just regulation and fx the processing times for Development Applications.

The candidates I am endorsing all support the dam and keeping Australia Day on the January 26. They believe in keeping Ballina Shire in safe hands, not being dictated by political parties from Sydney and Canberra.

I am a true independent with no political party affliation, asking voters to consider just voting 1 Sharon for Mayor and my endorsed candidates

A Ward 1 Damian Loone 2 Kay Oxley 3 Mark Paterson B Ward 1 Sharon Cadwallader 2 Michelle Bailey 3 Tom Berry

C Ward 1 Simon Kinny 2 Shona Barrett.

With your help together we can keep Ballina moving forward.

Ward.

I am a teacher in the Northern Rivers and the Ballina community has given to me abundantly, from my family, to my job, to sport, to volunteering. It has been a privilege to raise my kids and work in this area.

I am hoping to step into this role as mayor, not for a career, but for an opportunity to give back. For too long our council has been hampered by division and self interest.

I stand for transparency and integrity. I am here to re-empower the community and restore confdence in the processes of local government.

I will improve the health of the Richmond River by ensuring that Ballina Council publishes the results of regular water quality testing.

Our local leaders have been too slow in implementing the recommendations of many government reports into the health of our river.

The establishment of the position of a coordinator for stakeholders in the Richmond River is a simple measure that I am championing.

My successful advocacy has delivered results for public sector workers and primary industries.

With more than three decades of experience in the classroom, and in my role as president of a local teachers association, I have a working relationship with the NSW State Government and a direct connection with the youth of our community, allowing for more opportunities for our district’s families, helping improve the lives of all constituents in this LGA.

My name is Kiri. I’m a mum, a renter and a community development professional from Lennox Head.

I grew up in the Ballina Shire and have lived and worked here most of my life.

In 2021 I was the youngest woman ever elected to Ballina Council and this year I am vying to become your mayor.

We need to end decades of conservative control of Ballina Council and start electing people who are willing to prioritise communities and the environment over profts.

We have the lowest percentage of native vegetation of any council in the Northern Rivers and the sickest River in Australia. We need to act now.

The housing crisis is pushing locals out of town and putting a huge handbrake on our local economy.

I have a plan to use council-owned residential land to build genuinely affordable housing for local workers who are not eligible for social housing and do not own property.

You can read more about it at kiridicker. com/housingmanifesto

We are also working on an exciting plan to enable business owners who lease their premises to access cheap renewable energy and reduce the cost of doing business.

We’ll also ensure that council meets its Net Zero target and generates at least 20% of its own electricity needs by putting solar panels on infrastructure we own, including buildings, car parks and sewage treatment plants.

If you want change, you need to vote for it.

If you believe in people and the planet, Vote 1 Greens at this year’s council elections.

Tom Berry

As a resident of Skennars Head for over 29 years I’ve seen numerous council representatives come and go.

I’ve always been of the opinion that major political party candidates come with a predetermined agenda which seldom suits local government.

Whilst some wellmeaning candidates see it necessary to engage in matters that are the responsibility of State and Federal Government, council should not have to consider using ratepayers funds to right the wrongs of more than 40 years neglect in the public housing.

Council needs to concentrate on projects that are affordable, fnancially viable and necessary for the ratepayers and I feel it time to through my hat into the ring to ensure continuation of the previous two and a half years of very positive progress by Mayor Cadwallader and her supporters.

Having been involved in business for more than 35 years and with a Bachelor of Business (UNE), I believe I have suitable credentials to contribute to the electorate.

With 29 years of active (though not so much these days), patrolling membership in Lennox Head-Alstonville Surf Club, I think I’ve demonstrated a commitment to community.

Eight years membership with Lennox Head Residents Association has kept me abreast of relevant matters and the diversity of views that need to be considered before advising council of local wishes.

As a frst venture into government, I will resist any political antics that detract from the real task. I’ll be approachable to anybody with a concern I believe I can help.

Michelle Bailey Michelle, a lifelong resident of Ballina Shire with deep family roots as a Wittleton in the area, is committed to community service.

Her dedication is showcased by her extensive involvement in various initiatives, including her current role as President of the Westpac Helicopter Support Group for Ballina Shire.

Michelle’s leadership skills are evident in her pivotal role in organising the North Coast Show and Shine event this year, highlighting her ability to coordinate signifcant community initiatives.

With experience in the local government sector, Michelle brings valuable knowledge and leadership to her candidacy for the council.

Her vision includes driving business, economic, and development growth by working collaboratively within the council to implement change and seize opportunities.

Also with a focus to bring back the positive vibe to Ballina she grew up with, street parades, riverbank markets and food festivals with community and business supported events and initiatives.

Advocate for safety to be a priority, to our community through support of CBD safety cameras and patrol initiatives.

Michelle envisions a council operating with a sound business structure, fostering synergy between business and community to achieve collective progress.

Eva Ramsey