Here is what the ballot paper for Ward B will look like. Number the candidates of your choice starting with 1.
All 17 candidates running in the Kyogle Council Election have been offered free editorial on IndyNR.com to introduce themselves so you can get to know them a little better before you vote.
Because there are so many, we are presenting them by their wards. Here are the five candidates in Ward B.
More candidate profiles and election stories can be read here.
John Burley
Lives: Kyogle
John Burley has been a councillor for 12 years – three of those years was as deputy mayor.
His dedication to the community and his professionalism in the role is unquestionable.
“I’m very strongly community-focused,” John said.
He is proud of the volunteer organisations in Kyogle LGA and is still involved in sports through his grandchildren.
After the turmoil of the last term in council, John is running in the election because he can make a difference.
He wants to see important projects finished for the community. These include the Health & Wellbeing Hub aka the sports centre at the swimming pool site. He wants residents to be able to swim all year round in a heated pool.
“Our Memorial Pool area has great opportunities to be a place for families during the heat,” he said.
John also wants to see more facilities for women’s sports in Kyogle.
“What facilities do we have besides the netball courts at Anzac Park?”
The development of the Toonumbar Dam is another project John wants to see happen.
John and his wife Kathy live on acreage in Kyogle.
John has strong ties with state and federal MPs but is not biased towards any party. He believes having good council staff is essential.
Neil Summerville
Lives: Sextonville
Job: beef producer
Neil Summerville is a beef producer and longtime resident of Hiddenvale at Sextonville.
Neil decided to nominate for council because of his interest in the condition of local roads and infrastructure.
While he believed the council has done a good job on the new and repaired bridges in the shire, he believes the council needs more stability to carry through with road upgrades and repairs to ease the burden on local landholders who suffer the consequences of expensive repairs on vehicles.
Good roads and infrastructure and stability in local government will entice new industries to the area and create more business opportunities for the town of Kyogle.
“I believe the balanced make-up of the council is crucial, at this point in history to ensure Kyogle is a standout rural place to live and bring up families. We are so lucky to live in this beautiful area. Being only a few hours from Brisbane, it is easy to understand the dreams of city people who ‘discover’ our little piece of heaven’.”
“If elected I will conscientiously work towards a thriving area that considers the needs of both country and town people to ensure Kyogle is the benchmark of industry, creativity and happiness in living standards into the next 50 years.”
Glenn Robinson
Age: 62
Lives: Kyogle
I’m standing because I want to see the community gym moved out of the flood area in the showgrounds that was a temporary situation in the first place that ended up being 13 years through three floods.
I want to see the town centre beautified and fix the footpaths as they are full of trip hazards. Some need to be double-width footpaths rather than single-width as well.
I support the not for profit sector and volunteering.
I represent the township and town centre because I’m the only candidate standing for Ward B that actually lives in the Kyogle township.
A good councillor is a good listener, a good communicator and someone that works well with others. I understand being a new councillor there’ll be a lot to learn and I’m up for the challenge.
I’m here to represent the people and I realise that I have to work with other councillors to get the best results. It’s not about personal taste and personal agendas, it’s about what’s best for the community.
Rob Cullen
Age: 67
Lives: Afterlee
Job: part time teacher
I’m proud and passionate about Kyogle. It’s the best place to live and grow up.
I’m 5th generation, since 1849. I attended Afterlee Public, Kyogle High and ANU.
I became a primary school teacher.
I live on the family farm. My family have always been very active in the community, striving to improve the conditions, facilities and lives of the people.
I’m on seven volunteer community groups.
I’ve only served one short term. I would like to continue the great work achieved so far by council in this term.
I would like to deliver on improving and sealing gravel roads, prioritise causeways.
Continue improvement of the main streets, parks and gardens
Continue to improve communication between council and community.
Advocate for improved mobile and internet coverage.
Encourage and facilitate primary production.
Tourism is important. We are the Gateway to the Rainforests, more mini festivals, stages 2/3 of the Mountain Bike Track, Toonumbar Dam Retreat, agritourism.
Greater support and help for volunteer community groups.
Always shop local to support small business, local jobs and keep money in our towns and villages.
A decent road over the range to link both sides of this great shire.
Let’s move forward together and continue the momentum.
Olivia Taylor
Lives: Kyogle
Job: lawyer
I’m standing because I love and care about this town – and the people of this town.
We are at an important crossroads in our town’s history.
The incoming Council will see the town through changes that will set us up for the next 50 years.
I want to make sure our town has councillors who are up for this journey, who are going to work hard to see it through, and who have the skills and the desire to do it right.
We need the right kind of development that won’t take away from our identity as a town, but will improve the everyday lives of our people.
We need jobs, we need small businesses, we need housing. We need good roads.
I’m also standing because I’m a proud granddaughter, who loves and respects her grandparents very much, and I want to see them taken care of.
I believe I have what it takes to be a councillor of this fine town. People that know me say that I have a strong moral compass and a big heart. Not only this, I’m a trained advocator and listener. In my background as a solicitor, it was my job to listen to people, to protect them and stand up for them, at the worst moments in their lives.
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