Dubbo Regional Council: Meet the candidates battling for positions
From local farmers to village advocates, here are the candidates running for this year’s council election. Read about them here.
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A field of community advocates, small business owners and multi-generational farmers are among the locals putting their hands up for a spot on Dubbo Regional Council.
Seven current councillors have put their names in the draw for re-election so there could might be a blend of old and new faces in the chambers within the next month.
On September 14, voters across NSW will decide. Meet the candidates here.
UNGROUPED CANDIDATES
Mathew Dickerson – Independent
With more than 15 years’ experience in council, current mayor Mathew Dickerson has put his hand up for re-election.
Mr Dickerson said it was always best to consider the community requirements rather than his priorities, such as strategic documents informed by the community’s goals outlined in the ‘Towards 2040’ Community Strategic Plan.
“Key issues include enhancing infrastructure, improving water security, and promoting sustainable growth,” Mr Dickerson said.
“The community has also identified road safety and maintaining Dubbo’s unique environment.
“Dubbo is a beautiful location to live, and we want to maintain that while we grow sustainably.”
He added when councillors work as a team, the community benefits.
“Once again, my objectives are to achieve what the community wants to achieve as we work towards the vision set out in the ‘Towards 2040’ plan,” he said.
“That will involve delivering improved infrastructure, supporting sustainable development, and ensuring all residents benefit from Dubbo’s growth.”
When asked about his stance on high-density housing, Mr Dickerson clarified he supported higher-density housing as the cost-of-living pressures had increased and there has been a trend in smaller lot sizes.
“As we move forward and strategically plan new housing developments, those developments will have a mix of different densities of housing developments,” he said.
“One particular example is the North-West Precinct which has been planned during this term of council.
“Areas like this will be vital for addressing housing shortages and offering affordable options.
“However, this must be done thoughtfully, with proper infrastructure, transport, and green spaces to preserve Dubbo’s character and liveability.”
Shibli Chowdhury – Independent
Moving to Dubbo in 2012, current councillor Shibli Chowdhury has been an “integral part” of the community with years of volunteering for various community organisations.
“In this current term, I have committed to being a true representative of the local communities, focusing on advocacy, engagement, and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard in council decisions,” Mr Chowdhury said.
“I am deeply grateful to the local communities for the love and respect they have shown me and my family.
“Now, it’s my turn to give back and serve the community that has supported us so generously.”
Mr Chowdhury said his focus would be to support the growth of the Dubbo region, reduce crime and support small businesses.
“I will work to improve roads, rubbish, and essential services while advocating for smart, sustainable urban and rural development that balances progress with environmental protection,” he said.
“I will support efforts to reduce crime through community-based initiatives, youth engagement programs, and close collaboration with law enforcement and other agencies.
“I also believe in fostering a strong local economy by supporting small businesses, attracting new industries, and creating job opportunities. With Dubbo LGA’s rich potential in agriculture, tourism, and innovation, I will work to ensure that economic growth benefits everyone in our community.”
Mr Chowdhury reassured the Dubbo community that their voice would be heard and addressed in council meetings.
“My goal is to build trust through transparency, open dialogue, and regular engagement with residents, making sure the council’s decisions reflect the will of the community,” he said.
Instead of supporting high-density housing for the region, Mr Chowdhury said he would take a more balanced approach with mixed housing opportunities to support a great variety of people living in the space.
“Currently, Dubbo Regional Council is already working toward this goal, particularly with the new Northwest developments,” he said.
“These plans aim to offer diverse housing options while maintaining open spaces and ensuring infrastructure can support the growing population.
“By focusing on mixed housing, we can achieve sustainable growth that complements our community’s values and ensures a higher quality of life for all residents.”
Jen Cowley OAM – Independent
Born and raised in the Tooraweenah region, Jen Cowley has been involved in many sectors of the community, organisations and regional media as a journalist and editor.
Living in Dubbo for the past 35 years, Ms Cowley was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal for her service to regional communities in 2019.
“This region is one of my greatest loves – second only to my family, which is everything to me,” Ms Cowley said.
“This love for both is why I have worked so hard over the past 35 years to make the kind of place where we all want to live, work and play – where we all have a voice and a sense of belonging.
“I believe you only get the community you are prepared to help build – and running for council is a natural progression for me to build on the 35 years I’ve already devoted to helping make my community a better, kinder, more inclusive and liveable place.”
Her priorities would be to ensure everyone is heard and there is support for creative and cultural sectors and social infrastructure.
“Support for creative and cultural sectors, and extending our social infrastructure and capital is also vital if we are to have the most liveable region possible – for example, our library, our Western Plains Cultural Centre, the Dubbo Regional Theatre Convention Centre, the Shoyoen Japanese Gardens precinct, our walking trails, activity on the river, the Old Dubbo Gaol and the Wellington Caves, our sporting facilities – the list goes on,” Ms Cowley said.
“Establishing a tip shop; extending and expanding leash-free areas for the many dog owners in the region.
“So many things that would make our community progressive and attractive.
“But I will be looking to the residents themselves to engage through me as to what they want me to do.”
She said, if elected, she would like to see the appointment of a “duty councillor” for villages, the appointment of one-on-one mentors for the youth committee and investigate the possibility of council terms for an individual capped at three.
“I am in favour of council doing all it can to contribute positively to a solution to the current housing crisis,” Ms Cowley said.
“If we are not able to house people, not only is there a negative social impact, but we will not be able to grow our workforce to sustain our growth.
“The cost-benefit analysis, the return on investment, the reputational risk, and the social and environmental impact of higher density housing must all be considered.
“But am I in favour of carte-blanche development of huge clusters of high-rise unit blocks? Of course not.”
Richard Ivy – Independent
Current deputy mayor Richard Ivy has operated a chartered accounting and business consulting practice in the Wellington region for many years and has demonstrated his passion for the community.
Mr Ivy said that as a council, we needed to ensure economic opportunities were not wasted.
“We need to ensure those benefits flow through to our whole community, particularly the youth,” he said.
“By better targeting youth we will help redress the anti-social behavioural problems which exist in our region.
“Increased economic benefits must flow to our region from the move into renewables.
“The shift to renewables is being driven by state and federal governments.
“It is vital that we as a council work to ensure our community receives substantial and equitable benefits from this shift.”
Mr Ivy said there was a “definite shift in demand toward smaller lot sizes in new developments” with a place for controlled, high-standard and high-density housing in parts of the Dubbo area.
He added he would work hard toward ensuring the council was cohesive and effective to produce the best results for the region.
Sophia Johnson – Independent
New candidate Sophia Johnson said the main priorities she would like to tackle in the council are community accessibility and inclusivity, transparency, attracting workers and championing diversity.
“I am dedicated to transforming our public spaces into areas that everyone can enjoy — regardless of age or ability. Our parks, paths, and public places need to welcome every Dubbo resident,” Ms Johnson said.
“I am committed to making council decisions open and understandable, rooting out corruption, and ensuring that our leadership is accountable to you, the people of Dubbo.
“You deserve to know how your money is spent.
“I want to encourage the development of targeted initiatives to attract and retain essential professionals like healthcare providers, educators, and business leaders, enhancing Dubbo’s services and community growth.”
Ms Johnson said if she had a seat on the next council, she would ensure transparency and freedom from corruption.
“In terms of community accessibility, I would like to leave a legacy through the improvement of outdoor spaces,” she said.
“I’d like to see our outdoor sporting grounds updated and expanded to suit our community’s needs … something Dubbo can be proud of when we have travelling sporting teams, festivals and schools visit our town.
“One example would be to connect more local amenities with footpaths and pave more walking paths, like The Regand Park Trail, which is close to Dubbo’s CDB but under utilised as a local walking and cycling trail.”
Ms Johnson said the growing community needed more housing with a mix of low, medium and high-density.
“High-density housing offers a more efficient use of land, supports public transport solutions, and could be attractive to professionals considering a move to the Dubbo region,” she said.
“We would, however, need to ensure any future expansions are well-planned and that our local community are consulted before any decisions are made.
“I understand some residents might view high-density housing as a threat to the charm of rural and regional areas and the low-density living that defines many regional towns.
“This is something that would need to be considered in the planning and consultation stages.
“We need to ensure that development plans align with the long-term vision of the community.”
Rod Fardell – Independent
Growing up in a housing commission home, Rod Fardell said he developed a “strong connection” to the community which has further enriched his involvement in sports and other community events.
Born and raised in Dubbo, Mr Fardell returned to the town after he trained as a police officer where he raised his family, ran his businesses and founded the Titan Macquarie Mud Run.
“My primary focus is on the development of Dubbo’s recreational spaces to foster a healthier, more active, and harmonious community,” Mr Fardell said.
“I also see the development of housing, and cultural spaces, including acquiring the Dubbo City Bowling Club area, significant events, and the airport as essential priorities.
“Ensuring Dubbo’s infrastructure continues to grow, especially within the CBD and surrounding areas, is crucial.
“I aim to listen to and identify other priorities that are important to the residents of Dubbo, ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon.”
Mr Fardell said he would support both medium and high-density carefully planned housing options for the region.
“If elected, I would be proud to represent the needs of the community and work to create a positive connection between the residents of Dubbo and those making decisions for the city’s betterment,” he said.
Mary Kovac – Independent
Living in Dubbo for the past three decades, Mary Kovac recently retired from the Department of Primary Industries and has a strong interest in agriculture and the environment.
Ms Kovac said her main priorities would be to ensure the council is open with the community, and maintenance of local roads and land use in the area.
“Local government is the closest to the people so is plays a role in advocating for our community interests at the state and federal levels of decision making and projects that can deal with our community,” she said.
“We have a limited budget but gaining other funding will make our funds extend further.”
Ms Kovac said she would like to see Dubbo as “a leader” in providing for its residents through infrastructure, water supply and green space.
“Other achievements to include well located and safe footpaths to encourage community interaction and exercise, well maintained road networks in our rural areas are essential to supporting agriculture and the people who live there, increase recycling and reuse of resources to become more environmentally responsible, innovation in the use of our green space to cater for increasing demands of sport and other recreational activities,” she said.
“[I want to] continue to see Dubbo as an increasingly important centre to western NSW and beyond and to increase our attraction to tourists through supporting our iconic and lesser-known treasures, promote the historical importance of our buildings, cultural features and broader history and support community projects and activities.”
Ms Kovac has expressed her support toward high-density housing if it is planned appropriately to accommodate green space, playgrounds, public transport facilities and walking accessibility to shops and businesses.
“This type of higher density living, which may include medium density development compacts the footprint of the city and can reinvigorate our changing central area and neighbourhoods with people living closer to this area and using existing facilities,” she said.
Trevor Jones – Independent
Former mayor of Boulia Shire Council in Queensland, Trevor Jones has lived in Dubbo for the past three years.
His main goals are roads, rates, rubbish, housing and youth.
Before he moved to Dubbo, Mr Jones was a grazier in far west Queensland for 42 years and has owned two hotels within his local community.
He said if he became elected, he would lobby for more youth services and support in Dubbo.
“Without looking after our youth, there is no future,” he said.
Mr Jones said he would enjoy being part of a team leading and promoting the region, especially the smaller villages and towns surrounding Dubbo.
“I do believe high density housing can be part of the solution to the housing problem,” he said.
He also supports a mix of units and family-style living.
Peter Gibbs – Independent
Peter Gibbs, who founded Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD), has lived in Dubbo for the past 24 years and expressed he is “deeply grateful” for the opportunities within the community.
“This gratitude fuels my desire to contribute to our local government and serve the people of Dubbo,” Mr Gibbs said.
“With extensive experience in administrative and public service roles, I have honed my skills in leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.
“My background includes working on various community projects, where I have successfully managed resources, co-ordinated events, and fostered strong relationships with local organisations.
“I have actively participated in and supported local sports teams, understanding the vital role they play in bringing our community together.
“I am committed to working collaboratively with Team Dubbo to address the needs and aspirations of our community, together, we can build a future that honours our past, embraces diversity, and fosters growth and prosperity for all.”
He said his primary focus is on improving local infrastructure, enhancing public safety and supporting small businesses, while supporting road maintenance, healthcare accessibility and youth engagement.
“During my term, I aspire to foster transparent governance, promote sustainable development, and enhance community services,” Mr Gibbs said.
“My goal is to create a more connected and resilient Dubbo, where every resident feels safe, heard and valued.
“I support high-density housing in strategic areas to address the growing demand for affordable housing.
“It’s essential to balance development with preserving Dubbo’s unique character and ensuring adequate infrastructure and services.”
Mr Gibbs said he is committed to working with stakeholders to “build a vibrant and sustainable future” for Dubbo.
“I believe in creating more opportunities for young people to have a voice in local decision-making processes,” he said.
“This includes strengthening our youth councils, supporting youth-led initiatives, and providing platforms for young people to share their ideas and concerns.
“Additionally, I aim to enhance educational and recreational programs, ensuring that our youth have access to quality resources and activities that promote their personal and professional development.
“By investing in our young people, we not only empower them but also ensure the long-term prosperity and resilience of Dubbo.”
Matthew Wright and Jessica Gough are also running.
GROUP A – SHOOTERS, FISHERS AND FARMERS
Kate Richardson
Candidate Kate Richardson’s main goal if she is elected is “total transparency” and community consultation before any major financial decision is made.
“Councillors should be totally honest with their spending of ratepayers money,” Ms Richardson said.
“The current council voted against public disclosure of their expenses and claims – this needs to stop.
“I would like to have a council that is there to work for the ratepayers and to achieve the best outcomes for them.
“I would like council to focus on roads, rates and rubbish like they are elected to do and stop getting involved in political agendas.”
Ms Richardson supports high-density housing, but more information needs to be gathered before any financial decisions are made.
“I love this town,” she said.
“I have history across Dubbo and Wellington and all I wish for is for the electorate to thrive without the need for personal agendas interfering in the whole process.”
John Richardson
Local business owner John Richardson told The Dubbo News the main issues he would like to tackle if he is elected are the roads and transparency in council.
“I wish to achieve the trust of the ratepayers, knowing that their councillors are going to listen to them at forums and council meeting and not silence [ratepayers],” Mr Richardson said.
“They [ratepayers] have the right to ask questions and get the truth.
“I am very happy that I live here and can offer a service to all the ratepayers.”
Michael Adams
Born and bred in Dubbo, Michael Adams told this publication he would “only want the best” for his hometown.
His main priorities coming into the election are council finances, crime and tourism advertisement.
“Crime and personal safety need to be addressed by council, plus offering rewards leading to conviction of offenders,” Mr Adams said.
He said he would consult the community before any discussion of high-density housing would take place.
Phillip Toynton, Jeremy Birchall and Sarah Holler are also running.
GROUP B
Pete Rothwell
A multi-generational farmer who has lived in the region since 1987, Pete Rothwell ran for last year’s federal election and has since been “advocating for individuals and groups” across the state.
“I have a strong belief that as a country, we are becoming over governed and personal responsibility is being whittled away,” Mr Rothwell said.
“Governments, in general, stifle innovation and waste taxpayers hard earned dollars.
“I want to see an infinite speed economy where people have the ability to start with nothing and through hard work and innovation follow their dreams and be successful.
“The best way for governments to do this is to get out of the way as much as possible, reduce red tape and reduce taxation. This used to form part of the Australian dream.
“Sadly, we have lost sight of this, and we must turn it around.”
He said his main priorities were to tackle crime, stop wasteful spending, focus on local government’s core responsibilities and put a halt to the “increasing red and green tape”.
Mr Rothwell said the amalgamation of Dubbo and Wellington councils had created a “large and economically diverse” local government area (LGA).
“Having a vibrant and successful Dubbo is immensely important to not only our immediate area but also a large portion of the Central West and Western Plains,” Mr Rothwell said.
“This, however, must not come at the expense of the vast array of amazing communities that form our LGA, locations such as Wellington, Geurie, Stuart Town, Mumbil, Eumungerie and Ballimore contribute greatly to the success of our region.
“With this in mind, we need councillors which can see the big picture and represent the entire LGA.”
Mr Rothwell said it was both “exciting and humbling” to be the lead candidate of the group.
“While each of us come from vastly different walks of life, we all have a shared desire to stand up and make real change in our local communities,” he said.
“We understand that being a councillor is a position of responsibility.
“We have the responsibility to listen, to acknowledge issues and to represent the community with a positive, can-do attitude while encapsulating transparency and integrity.”
Matthew Rendell, Samantha Morse, Jai Silkman, Megan Adler and Ricky Jackson are also running.
GROUP C – THE GREENS
Mitchael Augee, Matthew Parmeter, Ruby Davies, Patrick Emblen, Stephen Houston and Peter Duggan are running.
GROUP D – LABOR
Joshua Black
Current councillor Joshua Black said he has been on the “right side of nearly every major decision,” in the past term.
Mr Black said the main issues he would want to address were crime, housing, financial stability, traffic flow and planting more trees around the local area.
“Crime and council’s role in pressuring the State and Federal Governments for the resources needed to make our town safe,” he said.
“Dubbo to host a crime summit to facilitate local solutions to the crime problems, particularly youth crime, that continue to plague our city.
“We need to ensure the adequate provision of affordable housing.
“Part of this is higher density living in new subdivisions.”
Mr Black said in his next term, if elected, he would like to see the “end of secret spending”, the end of privatisations and a crime summit.
“I’ll again be moving that all councillor spending on travel, accommodation, meals and conference fees is reported each month,” he said.
Mr Black also added rate rises needed to be kept “to a minimum” by seeking better value for money with building projects such as toilet blocks.
Pamella Wells, Adam Ryan, Roy Elder, Jodie Benton, Kirsty Hayden and Gregory Hough are also running.
GROUP E
Kellie Jennar
Candidate Kellie Jennar told The Dubbo News her main priorities for the election would be to tackle housing, increase community services, build support for community and volunteer groups, improve healthcare services and transparency.
“I would like to improve the transparency of decision-making processes and genuine inclusion of the community in those processes,” Ms Jennar said.
“Councillors are elected to represent residents, which is why listening and understanding community concerns and ideas are a core value of mine.
“An economically successful and inclusive community needs to have diverse housing options.
“High density housing should be considered as part of a thoughtful planning process which needs to include genuine community consultation.
“Any developments need to consider the big picture of our area in creating liveable, inclusive communities. hey need to consider the needs of current community
members, as well as the evolving needs of residents and our region.
“For high density housing to be successful creative thinking is needed to create safe and quality dwellings, multifunctional public spaces, recreational areas, vertical gardens, and green spaces, so high density housing has a positive effect on our community and residents.”
She said her aim was to “service the community” and “serve” their best interests.
Sharon Quill, Judith Morrell, Marcello Davis, Bronwyn Powell and Diana Clifford are running.
GROUP F
Lukas Butler
Small business owner Lukas Butler said he believed in traditional values of hard work, family and free enterprise.
“Wellington and Dubbo are places where we can enjoy the simple things in life, natural beauty, and rich relationships, and it provides so many opportunities to benefit our neighbours and ourselves,” Mr Butler said.
“I believe in common people, common sense.”
He said the main issues he would like to tackle are community safety, housing, understanding renewable energy and tourism.
During his term, Mr Butler would lobby for a 24-hour police station in Wellington, a more streamlined process for development applications, extra amenities, additional tree plantings in Wellington, a mural painting on the Wellington Silo and power bill reductions in exchange for hosting renewable energy projects.
“Generally, I support low density housing to maintain our attraction as a ‘tree change’ destination, but there is a place for high density in relation to first home ownership,” he said.
David King
Living in Wellington since 2014, David King is a full-time carer for his wife and son.
He previously worked in corporate governance and information management for the government.
Mr King’s main priorities are to improve medical services, improve disability support and improve policing for regional areas outside of Dubbo.
“Medical services in Dubbo and the regional towns are currently stretched to breaking point,” Mr King said.
“The waiting time to see a pediatrician in Dubbo, for example, is currently around 18 months.
“I would seek to shorten waiting lists and reduce the backlog.”
Mr King said he will lobby the government to ensure police services in towns like Wellington have an all-night presence.
“I want to enable people in the Dubbo region to have better representation on issues of concern and participation in community working groups and advisory bodies to Dubbo Council,” he said.
“I believe that the views, knowledge and experience of ordinary people in our community are not being included in reports and data collected by the council.
“This is having a negative impact on transparency, accountability, and the provision of appropriate services to our community.
“A lack of community feedback on how well services are meeting targets also limits the ability of Dubbo Council to apply for funding and grants from State government.
“I want to return the daily running of Dubbo council to ordinary people in the community, ensure that people have a fair voice in how their rates is being spent and make sure that services are designed to meet the needs of the community, based on the use of evidence and feedback.”
He added his support for high density housing where appropriate.
“There needs to be a proper process of community consultation to ensure that different needs can be met for different groups in our community,” he said.
Rebecca Pearson
Born and bred in Warren, Rebecca Pearson moved to Dubbo in 2011 with her two children to continue her nursing career.
The main issues Ms Pearson would like to tackle are community safety, housing, environment, tourism and representation.
“There are huge opportunities for improved community engagement across various community demographics and these need to be investigated and engaged, along with greater accountability and advocacy,” Ms Pearson said.
“It’s time to seek creative ways to tackle crime through collaborative partnerships, advocacy at higher levels of government and application for relevant buckets of funding.
“I support high density housing in moderation. I think there is a place for high density housing, however, I would like the ‘country’ feel of Dubbo maintained.
“I support a range of housing options for the Dubbo region including high, medium and low density. I also think that housing needs to address specific community needs.”
Ms Pearson told The Dubbo News she was “concerned” about the conversion of farming land to renewable energy zones.
“I support any inquiry into renewable energy and the impact these zones have on the environment,” she said.
“We need to weigh the costs and benefits in a rational and honest way.
“I’d also like to see our shade canopy in all our towns improved, as well as access to our riverside and reserves.”
Ms Pearson said she would like to improve consultation with the community regarding major council decisions.
“I’d like to achieve a council that rests on some foundational values principles of common sense and representation of the common people; a council that serves the people and not the corporations; a council that values its people,” she said.
Robert Osborne
Robert Osborne has lived in Dubbo and its surrounding villages for nearly 25 years and is an “enthusiastic supporter” of sporting activates and young people.
“I believe in common people, common sense,” Mr Osborne said.
The main concerns he would like to tackle are a 24-hour police station in Wellington, another toilet block in Cameron Park, an additional pedestrian crossing at Nanima Cres and Warne St, and another one near Wellington’s library.
During his term as councillor he would like to “project a positive image of Wellington as an attractive place for business and tourism” and reduce the amount of closed shops in the town.
“I would like to keep the country feel of our area and not have it feel like Parramatta, however, I do see a need to develop low-income housing options for people,” he said. “High density should still maintain our country vibe.”
Rachelle Jane
Rachelle Jane has lived in Dubbo for most of her life, volunteers within the community and is “passionate” about transparency and accountability within government.
Ms Jane’s main issues she would like to prioritise are common sense and real representation, crime, housing, more trees and tourism.
“I’d like to achieve a council that rests on the foundational principles of common sense and representation of the common people – a council that serves the people and not the corporations,” Ms Jane said.
“A council that is transparent and accountable.”
Ms Jane said she does not support high-density housing.
“However, I see a need to housing and think we need to look at all options, and how these options are carried out,” she said.
Angela Brooke is also running.
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