Meet the 2024 Local Government election candidates: Kyogle Council hopefuls put best foot forward
Kyogle Council candidates running in the Local Government elections have a little bit more on their mind than simply roads, rates and rubbish. Find out more about those vying for your vote.
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The 2024 Local Goverment elections are just days away, so we’ve approached Kyogle Council candidates to see what they’re all about.
Residents statewide will head to the polls on September 14. In Kyogle, there are nine spots up for grabs and 17 candidates in total – some new, some returning to or remaining in the political arena.
Candidates have told us what they believe is the single biggest issue in their patch, how they will work with colleagues and why you should vote for them.
Kyogle is separated into three wards, A, B, and C, and the mayor is elected by the council – not by the public.
WARD A
Brett McNamara
Retired Rural Fire Service (RFS) boss and former National Parks worker Brett McNamara has pitched himself as offering “fresh, renewed enthusiasm” as an advocate and voice for residents and ratepayers.
“I come to the Kyogle Council election with no baggage, no allegiances, a professional skill set, and an appreciation for good governance,” he said.
“I’m about moving forward, not dwelling in the past.”
Mr McNamara said he brings more than four decades of expertise managing large budgets, planning and “achieving the big picture”.
“As a retired RFS fire boss, teamwork was crucial,” he said.
“I have led and managed diverse teams during emergency disasters.”
Mr McNamara described Kyogle as a “caring place to connect with nature” and said he envisions the area as family friendly and host to more successful businesses.
“Serving you in local government would be a privilege,” he said.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Mr McNamara said rural families, retirees, tree-changers, and nature-lovers all call Kyogle home.
“What they are seeking is a strong voice, an advocate for better roads, creation of job opportunities, a council who cares about the environment, who cares about them and who responds to their needs,” he said.
Mr McNamara promised to be a “voice of reason and advocacy”.
Why should locals vote for you?
“I’m standing as a fully-fledged independent,” Mr McNamara said.
“I’m not part of any block. You won’t see me in a selfie with any other candidate. As an independent I stand and fall on my values, my ethics, my moral compass built around care and compassion.
“I’m offering myself as an honest, open transparent candidate.”
Mr McNamara said he would listen to “all voices” to form an “independent view” for the greater good.
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
“As a retired RFS fire boss cohesion, teamwork, unity in purpose was crucial in achieving the task at hand.
“It is these highly honed people management skills, personal attributes of collaboration, reaching consensus where there are differences, that I can bring to a revitalised, re-energised Kyogle Council.”
As a new candidate Mr McNamara said he will bring a “new beginning” to Kyogle council starting with positive leadership skills that have the flow on effect of a council that cares about its people and its communities.
Douglas Layton
“I was born and raised in Kyogle – my parents owned the drycleaners. My maternal grandparents (Felix and Agnes Darragh) came to Kyogle in 1903 and had a dairy farm at Collins Creek,” Mr Layton said.
He is a member of the Kyogle Garden Club, president of The Casino and District Orchid Society, member of the Far North Coast Australian Native Orchid Society and secretary of the Kyogle Seniors Centre. Mr Layton also helps the Show Society and Tidy Towns when they need an extra hand.
Mr Layton left Kyogle after school to take up a metallurgy traineeship with BHP Port Kembla. After 10 years, he left and worked for various refractory companies before landing in Whyalla, South Australia, where he serviced the steelworks.
Mr Layton then returned home to Kyogle for family reasons – and is now putting his hand up for council election.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Mr Layton said the council needs to “keep up the momentum of fixing our roads and bridges”.
Why should locals vote for you?
“I am an honest, placid person who always listens and tries to help wherever I can,” he said.
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
“That is up to all the elected councillors – if they are honest in saying they are there for all the council wards then they and I need to put any disagreements aside and work for the benefit of all,” Mr Layton said.
Naomi Worrall
Ms Worrall moved to the area in ‘86 and raised her children here. She studied Arts/Law at SCU before working nearly 20 years in the community sector.
“I worked in social housing; from front line service provision to working with governments to roll out statewide public housing reforms and was an industrial representative across the community sector, disability, community legal, youth, community transport, mental health, environment, Aboriginal services, women’s services and employment,” she said.
The new candidate also volunteered on management committees and campaigns, from the local to the national level.
A keen gardener and baker, she turned these passions into a business making cakes and growing cottage garden flowers.
Ms Worrall brings experience in the mechanics of sound governance, consultation and transparency essential for good outcomes.
“I also understand the importance of natural and cultural heritage, arts, community activities and programs, sustainable practices in business and agriculture.”
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
While voted in by constituents of a certain WARD, Ms Worrall said it is important to understand councillors will represent the whole LGA.
She said the biggest issue immediately facing the new council will be repairing community confidence.
“If elected, I will be proposing council take steps to make council decision-making more accessible to the public (looking at times, venue, streaming meetings etc) as well as providing more support for structures to increase community engagement and consultation through committees and other public access initiatives.
“The hiring of a permanent General Manager will be the priority for an incoming council.”
Why should locals vote for you?
“Because the people of Kyogle come from many different backgrounds and our ties to the area are many and varied,” Ms Worrall said.
“We are united by our love of Kyogle, but we’re not a monoculture nor should our council be.”
Robust local government requires the broadest possible representation in terms of skill and experience, as well as what connects us to this region. Council should be a reflection of the communities it represents.
“I believe my experience working within the community sector, my understanding of how to build strong democratic structures within communities combined with a passion to foster our natural and cultural heritage, affords me with a unique skill set to bring to the table.”
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
I believe the following principles go a long way to working collaboratively with people who hold disparate opinions:
1. Respect for process: policies, procedures and Codes of Conduct ensure debate remains in a constructive framework. A healthy council should represent a robust spectrum of opinion and these guardrails ensure functionality in a forum where continuous consensus is indicative narrow interests.
2. Transparency and Consultation: the greater the input into the decision-making process by those the decisions will impact, the better the outcomes.
3. Negotiation over ideological rigidity: looking beyond a particular course of action in contention to understand what outcomes each party wants from that course of action, and exploring other means to achieve those outcomes.
Understanding these principles, and the fact people who put up their hand for local government are there to serve their community, will help all councillors work collaboratively for our region.
*Editor’s note: Candidates Kieran Somerville and Janet Wilson did not comment by deadline.
WARD B
Robert Cullen
A fifth generation Kyogle beef and dairy producer, Mr Cullen lives on his family farm at Afterlee.
“I am very proud and passionate about the Kyogle area. It’s a great place to grow up and live. I want to keep it that way,” he said.
Elected to Kyogle council in 2021, Mr Cullen served a short term where he gained a “lot of experience” and said he wants to carry the baton into the next term.
After graduating from ANU as a primary teacher, Mr Cullen has lived in both regional and metropolitan areas.
Mr Cullen said he understood rural and regional life along with urban issues, and that he was a regular at the Kyogle Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
“I am also a very good listener,” Mr Cullen said.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Mr Cullen pointed to infrastructure, roads, ongoing maintenance, internet connectivity, and mobile phone coverage as key issues.
“We need to work to obtain grants to improve and seal gravel roads, upgrade/improve causeways and ensure a good road over the Richmond Range to link the west and east of our shire,” he said.
He wants to improve community engagement with the council, encourage and facilitate primary production and tourism – and provide more support for volunteer groups.
“Always shop local to support small business and jobs,” Mr Cullen said.
Why should locals vote for you?
Mr Cullen said he was proud of his role in improving the culture of Kyogle Council. He also said he was proud of the efforts of all involved in the recovery after the 2022 floods.
“I am experienced and would like one more term,” he said.
“There is more to do – I have many ideas I’d like to achieve.”
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
If elected, Mr Cullen said he will work respectfully as a team player.
“I’ll listen to all sides of a debate and consider the information and what is best for the whole shire,” he said.
“Although I am a councillor for Ward B, I feel I am a councillor for the whole LGA. I care about the entire Council area.”
Glenn Robinson
A newcomer to local government, Mr Robinson said he wants a council that is “open and transparent” and “in touch” with the community.
He envisions a council where everyone knows what is going on and trusts their councillors.
“A good councillor is a good listener, a good communicator and someone that works well with others,” Mr Robinson said.
“I realise being a new councillor there is a lot to learn but I am up to the challenge. I’m here to represent the people and I understand 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.”
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Mr Robinson said getting the community gym out of flood zone to a safer accessible location was on his radar.
“The gym is used by all and has memberships from people across the whole LGA, all wards,” he said.
“It will be great when the town centre is refreshed and we all have decent footpaths with no trip hazards.”
Why should locals vote for you?
“I’m focusing on a united council,” Mr Robinson said.
“Getting the job done. People feeling involved and connected – plus I’m the only candidate for ward B that actually lives in Kyogle.”
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
“Moving forward as a new council and getting trust back from the people,” he said.
“It’s the future that interests me.”
Neil Summerville
Mr Summerville said: “I go to a lot of cattle sales and if I don’t wear my hat people don’t know who I am.”
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
“It’s an 86 kilometre round trip for us to get to town so roads are a major issue always, especially ones with potholes,” Mr Summerville said.
“When you get into town, I think employment for young people – I think there is too much red tape being put in front of businesses and farmers which is making it difficult to be in business and difficult to employ people. Opportunities for young people are an issue.
Why should locals vote for you?
“I am a genuine farmer who knows the issues. The issues that affect farmers affect businesses in town,” Mr Summerville said.
“I think I’ve got a proven track record. For 25 years or so I’ve been on various boards covering all sorts of issues from animal health right through to the board of the Northern Co-operative Meat Company – (I’ve) been chairman and deputy chair of these boards and dealt with the public.
“I’ve also got a good handle on how to read financials.”
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
“I’m hoping we’ll get some change on council, because I think council has worked itself into a situation where they’re no longer willing to co-operate with one another,” Mr Summerville said.
“I think change and then get some consensus happening.”
Editor’s note: Candidates John Burley and Olivia Taylor did not comment by deadline
WARD C
Robin Harley
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
“The major issue we had with the current council was the complete disintegration of our councillors relationships,” Mr Harley said.
“The removing of the general manager from his position in November 2023 was the catalyst for the disintegration of the council into two parts. Never the twain shall meet.
“We need to work together and act on fact, not ill feeling.”
Why should locals vote for you?
Mr Harley said as a lifetime local living in Ward C, working in rural industry would be enough reason for locals to vote for him.
He said he could claim some competency in administration and involvement with sports associations, alongside other community endeavours.
“I believe I could bring to the position some new enthusiasm and zest to the role,” Mr Harley said.
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
“Obviously, the election of the councillors to council is something that is up to the voting of the community,” Mr Harley said.
If elected, Mr Harley said he would have a strong commitment to the “highest standards” possible for a councillor.
“Strict adherence to the procedures and protocols expected by Local Government rules with a strong attitude to inclusion and communication, and an open mind to the communities' questions should see trust returned to the councillors,” he said.
Simon Dejoux
“I have a lifetime of skills, knowledge and experience representing people who live in rural and remote areas and working with all levels of government, the private sector and the not-for-profit sectors – representing people just like those across our ward,” Mr Dejoux said.
“I know I can make a significant contribution to key issues because I’ve fought these kinds of battles with the bureaucracy
before.
He values integrity, openness, transparency, and respect for all points of view.
“I’ve worked in diverse areas such as air transport, aeromedical and air rescue operations, rural and remote education, community engagement, drought and exceptional circumstances, biosecurity, networking the nation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, regional development in rural and remote areas, regional service delivery, farm debt mediation and growing tourism and quite a few more.
As a policy manager for a specialised unit that worked with rural and remote areas, he has honed a wide range of skills and expertise on rural matters, including the ability to effectively represent people, where he served as a State’s representative on the National Research Network – part of the Commonwealth Government’s former Standing Committee for Regional Development.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
“For Ward C it almost always is infrastructure, i.e. roads and bridges. Connectivity for people is critical to growth and sustainability now and into the future.
“We’ve seen this especially during emergency situations where lives can be at stake if people can’t freely move around the area and we see it every day if kids can’t get to school, residents can’t get to work and producers can’t get their produce to market,” Mr Dejoux said.
He said due to C Ward’s size, low population density and rate base the best way to address infrastructure is through “targeted, assertive and focused lobbying and advocacy”.
“That’s a skill that I’m very familiar with because I know how the system works and how to get meaningful results for people.”
Why should locals vote for you?
“I bring a unique set of skills in combination with a lifetimes wealth of experience directly relevant to the local government sector. I know how government at all levels work, I have an extensive range of contacts and I understand the issues that are confronting our council now and into the future.
“I want to make a real, positive difference for people. I have the skills and experience to see Kyogle lead the Northern Rivers as it once did and not be its poor forgotten cousin.”
Mr Dejoux said Kyogle council needs to rebuild its profile and reputation with the decision makers in Canberra and Sydney, so they’ll want to invest in our communities.
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
Well publicised feuds and disharmony in council showed it had “lost its way”, becoming too focused on personal agendas rather than working for the best outcomes for the Kyogle LGA.
Multiple “code of conduct breaches” by some exacerbated levels of “disdain and disrespect” to the established processes and the LGA’s residents and ratepayers
Mr Dejoux wants this to change and be part of a new council that puts the residents and ratepayers first, is truly open, honest, transparent, respectful, and effective.
“A council that knows how to work together as a team for the good of our communities, works with other levels of government to ensure our needs are heard, understood, and addressed, and honours the past, celebrates the present but is ready for the challenges of the future.”
Ian Murrell
“I have lived in Cougal for eight years with my partner, Eija. I was a cabinet-maker, and a Clinical Nurse who worked in the area haemato-oncology in Australia and overseas,” Mr Murrell said.
“I have been on the board of a body Corporate in Brisbane, and on the board of a food co-operative.”
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
“I want the people of Kyogle to tell me what their needs are to accomplish this after I’m elected,” Mr Murrell said.
Why should locals vote for you?
Mr Murrell said he has “no plans” for Kyogle beyond making it an “appealing place to live, work, and visit”.
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
“Hopefully the other councillors have a desire to serve the community along with me and we can co-operate,” Mr Murrell said.
Earle Grundy
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Mr Grundy has a total of 20 years' experience on two councils including five years on Kyogle Council, until 2021 when he left due to family commitments.
“I now again have time to give back to the community and I want to finish some of the projects that were started,” he said.
He said he wants to see through the current bridge work and the Clarence Way project.
“Since I left there seems to be a total disconnect within Council and elsewhere. I want to see Kyogle LGA go ahead and not be mired in disharmony.
“I would endeavour to bring my considerable 20 years of councillorship to the table as a steadying element.”
Why should locals vote for you?
Mr Grundy said Ward C often feels forgotten as the largest and most sparsely populated area of the Kyogle LGA.
“I worked hard to bring projects to Ward C and will continue to do so. Most people in Kyogle Ward C know me and would remember that those five years of collaboration on Council was a golden age of funding for much needed projects in my Ward as well as the whole of the Kyogle LGA.”
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
“Many people knew I was a conciliatory influence on Council and worked diligently for my community. I am a voice of reason and common sense,” Mr Grundy said.
Thomas Cooper
Former Ward C councillor and resident dairy farmer, Mr Cooper is throwing his hat back in the election ring.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
“Our biggest issue is roads. We’ve secured $50 million for Clarence Way that is 40 per cent done but there is still a large backlog.
We need to get our roads, dirt and gravel, fixed.”
Why should locals vote for you?
“Because I’m local. I’ve been here 28 years, been a director of Norco, I still run a dairy farm at Bonalbo that my son is taking over,” Mr Cooper said.
He has been deputy Mayor of Kyogle Council and also spent two terms on the Local Lands Services board.
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
“I’ve always accepted the democratic process and the outcome of such.”
Danielle Mulholland
Current councillor and former mayor of Kyogle, Danielle Mulholland has spoken at length about her campaign publicly, particularly on her political Facebook page.
Ms Mulholland described herself as a “fixer” who wants to see projects underway and the area flourishing.
Fellow candidate Simon Dejoux is Ms Mulholland’s partner, as she has made apparent during campaigning.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Ms Mulholland wants to see the now-funded Clarence Way project delivered following a promise when she was elected in 2012.
“I want to see it actually happen,” she said.
“I think we need to reinvest more strongly in our villages. We need to look at improving their internal roads and bringing their standard of living up to a similar standard to those that live in Kyogle enjoy.
Ms Mulholland said she wants to see a strong focus on economic development and social inclusion in the villages.
“Community engagements are a top priority for me,” she said.
Why should locals vote for you?
“Most people know I am a very vocal representative for our council area and the issues that matter to our communities. I’m committed, polite, fair, and completely independent. I can’t be bought, I don’t make false promises,” Ms Mulholland said.
“I give this job 110 per cent of my time, which has paid off previously in terms of securing funding and building Kyogle council’s reputation as one of a ‘can do’ council.
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
“It was no real secret we were a divided council and I think we need councillors who will put the residents and ratepayers first,” Ms Mulholland said.
She said the council needs to be open, honest, transparent, respectful of others and effective.
Ms Mulholland said team building exercises could help the council figure out the current situation, what the council has been doing, and where council will end up. It could also assist when considering key documents like community strategic plans and long term financial plans.
“It’s only when we come together as a cohesive team that we’re going to be effectively working with other levels of government to get that funding we need,” Ms Mulholland said.
“We need a council that has strong leadership and will work together cooperatively and collaboratively for the best outcomes for the communities we ‘serve’ being the operative word.”
JamesMurray
A current Kyogle councillor, primary producer and tree-logger, self-proclaimed “Bill from the bush” James Murray has thrown his hat back in the ring.
Mr Murray said he wants to take the troubled council forward without past baggage.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
“Roads are a top priority because C Ward is a rural ward and it’s all about distance,” Mr Murray said.
He said councillors were not receiving answers from council staff up until February when things began to improve regarding maintenance.
Mr Murray said a new infrastructure manager “pulled the whip” to deliver “good new materials” and stop some questionable operators benefiting from flood recovery grant funding.
He said the election would provide a “clean slate” and help foster a new culture in the local government area.
“Starting with or new maintenance agreements, where the council is going to look to do more to look after our villages and towns instead of the villages looking after them – simple things like that,” Mr Murray said.
Why should locals vote for you?
“It’s up to them I suppose. But honesty, trying to do well – Tom (Cooper), Robert (Cullen), and I haven’t even done a full term as council,” Mr Murray said.
“We’ve had a tough two and a half years but I’d rather be blunt and honest rather than talk like a politician with a forked tongue.”
Mr Murray said he wants to see more efficiency in council operations and to see depots at Bonalbo and Woodenbong reinvigorated to their former glory, with more staff on deck.
“I’m just a bush fellow, that’s all I am but I’ll say it as it is – as a council all we can do is ask questions,” he said.
“Grieves Crossing (bridge) at The Risk Public School – they were going to put a bridge beside the old one a metre higher still with the big bad ‘S’ bend and a climb out of it – awful thing.
“I put up a motion for betterment funding and we got an extra $2.5 million so now it’ll be a straight line from bank to bank out of flood reach. Much better outcome.”
What are your thoughts on how you will form a council that will work together for the greater good of all wards in the Kyogle LGA?
“When you get someone who thinks they’re bigger than the institution they’re working for, the institution breaks down. When you get two of them working in cahoots it’s just not going to work at all.
“The biggest thing is whoever gets elected into Kyogle council and especially the new councillors, I will reach out to them and whatever side they’re on make sure they don’t get treated the way our three new councillors got treated – because there was a weaponisation of the code of conduct – we’d ask a question, next minute we’d have a code of conduct on us, and it just couldn’t go on.”
Mr Murray said there is the community, the councillors, and the general manager – that’s how it works.
“We’re there for the community but there must be respect between councillors.”
He said despite the previous “bitterness” and “divisiveness” that created a “toxic atmosphere” not ever seen before he hopes the positive “cultural change” emerging in Kyogle council will continue.
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