Dean Evers to embark on 30 meetings in a month as election campaign kicks off

Campaign well and truly up and running as hopeful schedules in ‘30 venues in 30 days’ in order to hear resident concerns

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian presented locals Dean Evers and Aunty Kerrie Burnet with Community Service Awards in Coffs Harbour.

Make no mistake, the local government election campaign is upon us and mayoral hopeful Dean Evers is aiming to get a head start on his rivals – by having coffee.

From June, the Boambee resident is hitting up “30 venues in 30 days” in an effort to gather views from a broad cross-section of people from across the local government area.

Mr Evers said the idea to sit down for a coffee with residents far and wide was all about understanding different issues they faced across the region and he wants to hear it all, the good and the bad.

“Watching comments online I learnt that the outlying areas of LGA felt they were neglected and no one listened to them so I thought why not … lock in meetings and support local businesses at the same time,” he said.

“It’s not a go out there and make promises campaign it's a go out there and listen campaign.”

The move reflects an escalation in electioneering ahead of the September 4 poll, with the local Greens member Jonathan Cassell also announcing his intention to run for Mayor with Natalie Stevens, Tim Nott and Maureen Burgess joining him on the ticket.

The Greens team for Coffs Harbour City Council elections in September are Tim Nott, Natalie Stevens, Jonathan Cassell and Maureen Burgess. Photo by Meder Photography

The Advocate also understands another prominent Coffs Coast resident will announce their candidacy imminently.

Both Mr Cassell and Mr Evers have highlighted the region’s growing homelessness crisis as a key issue that needs addressing, with Mr Cassel signalling the commissioning of a regional homelessness strategy would be a top priority.

While Mr Evers has extensive experience in the space as head of charity Hope 4 the Homeless, he said he didn’t want to “hang my hat” solely on the issue.

“(The election) is not just about the big ticket items, the issues of Ulong and Nana Glen will be different to the issues of Boambee and Sandy Beach,” he said.

“After the 30 cups of coffee we will analyse what we have heard and then come up with a platform.”