Richmond Valley Council, Jill Lyons, Casino, Independent
Tell us about where you live and your family.
My family and I moved to Casino over 25 years ago and I have found it to be a friendly, caring place to live and raise a family. The countryside is stunning with beaches and rainforests at our doorstep, filled with hidden treasures to be explored and enjoyed. Since moving here the positive changes to Casino and the entire Richmond Valley such as the improvements to our libraries, the Drill Hall, retaining and improving our parks and gardens all work to give a positive lasting impression to residents and visitors alike and allow a sense of pride for our community that we call home.
If you’ve been a councillor – what are you most proud of in your previous term?
My proudest moment was being elected to council and being able to meet and visit so many interesting people and places. I think stopping the work on a development before further destruction of a koala habitat could happen and ensuring a better outcome for the development and the environment is just one example of something I am proud to have achieved.
What do you bring to the role of councillor this election?
I will bring to my role as your councillor an independent voice free from any political influence.
I will continue to meet with anyone personally who contacts me and then take your concerns back to council.
I plan to continue to work towards achieving the best outcomes for our community and for our beautiful environment to ensure we have a sustainable future that encompasses economics, development and environment so that future generations will be proud to live and work in the Richmond Valley.
What brings you joy in life?
Wow, what a question. Joy is, family.
Hanging out with my dog, spending time with my grandson and watching his excitement as he grows and learns about his world. Spending time in our natural environment like watching the sun rise, wandering through rainforests and walking barefoot on the beach.
What difficulties does your community face?
I am very concerned about the difficulties our community is facing with covid restrictions and the many changes our small and large businesses are facing as they try to operate each day.
The impact on mental health is a very real threat and fact, that many people have spoken to me about. Many of our businesses are doing it tough as are many of our residents who have lost their employment and possibly lose their homes.
As a councillor I feel we must support all those who live in our community and we need to all rally together to ensure we don’t lose any more of our businesses and one simple way to doing that is, we shop locally and extend the hand of friendship to each other.
What is your job? What do you like/dislike about it?
I have been working with students who struggle with mental health and also work in a retail business in Casino. Both jobs are extremely interesting and satisfying.
I feel very lucky to be able to say I love my work.
Dare to dream – what is your vision for your region?
My vision is one of a caring, inclusive community that respects and cares for each other and for our natural environment where what we all enjoy and love about living here in the Richmond Valley will be retained for our children and their children to continue to enjoy.
Sustainable developments, that include affordable housing for all regardless of your income, employment opportunities and protecting our agricultural land and primary industries whilst encouraging tourism to our region are possible dreams to have and to work towards.
and then