We’ve asked all Richmond Valley Council candidates to provide a 200-word introduction about why they are running in the election.
All election related stories about Richmond Valley can be found in one place here.
Because there are 23 candidates in Richmond Valley we will be presenting them in their group tickets – A, B, C and D and one ungrouped individual.
You can choose to vote for a group (above the line) on your ballot paper or you can vote for individuals by numbering them (below the line).
Here are the introductions written by Group B.
Robert Hayes
Age: 60
Lives: Evans Head
I am an Evans Head local with family ties throughout Evans Head, Woodburn and 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 continues with funding applications for more projects and infrastructure improvements in the Mid Richmond area.
The floods in 2022 interrupted the council’s vision and planning for our area.
A new direction is being set with the pending finalisation of place plans for the entire Richmond Valley Council area.
I believe local representation is required to guide Mid Richmond and the whole of the RVC with the funding and the implementation of these plans.
Debbie McGillan
Lives: Coraki
Job: cattle farmer
Deb is a sitting councillor from Coraki and was elected on a Casino based ticket in 2021. She now has three years of experience and is doing a great job representing our area.
Debbie has lived in Coraki for seven years and is a small landholder running cattle.
When moving to Coraki, she wanted to be involved in our community and surrounds so she joined the CWA, the United Hospital Auxiliary and became 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 when Macca the radio announcer 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 to promote growth in our regions, encourage tourism and be the community’s voice.
Rachel Arthur
Lives: Evans Head
Job: small business owner
Rachel is a small business owner and lifelong local of Evans Head.
Her passion lies with her community, with the long term success for small businesses and the development of new events and initiatives that will see the Richmond Valley continue to flourish 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 the council. She will bring 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
Lives: Broadwater
Tracey has owned and run the Sunrise Caravan Park at Broadwater with her husband Craig and their family for more than 30 years.
In her spare time, she is a keen photographer, watercolour artist, soap maker and she enjoys crocheting and bushwalking.
Tracey has previously been involved with the Woodburn Wolves Football Club as treasurer for five years during the 25 years that her husband and children played football. Tracey also played touch football at Evans Head for 15 years.
Tracey was actively involved, after the 2022 flood, in having the Tinnie Memorial placed in the Broadwater Community Park to honour the local tinnie heroes.
The rebuilding of the Broadwater Public School was fully supported by the Knox family.
Tracey would like to see some major funding spent on the Broadwater and Riley’s Hill communities, with a focus on roads, fixing stormwater drainage problems, building more footpaths and cycle ways and community beautification.
If riverside properties become available because of government buybacks, she would like to see that land be used as 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.
Neale Genge
Lives: Casino
Job: Club Evans RSL chief executive
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 chief executive 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 chief executive 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 significant 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
Lives: Evans Head
Job: business owner
Daniel is a husband and father of three children.
He enjoys surfing, fishing, and spending time with his family.
He has been the owner/operator of the Rod n Reel Hotel Woodburn for the past 18 years.
For 10 years, 2011-2021, he was a councillor on Richmond Valley Council.
He is 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 river area have strong representative on the council. Daniels’s business experience coupled with his previous experience on the council places him in a unique position to be a strong advocate for the area possessing the ability to hold the council accountable for the way in which they conduct their business.
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