Wagga Wagga Council 2021 election lead candidates
Wagga residents will soon elect a new council, with 41 candidates vying for votes. Read our comprehensive guide to the candidates contesting the election.
The Wagga News
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On December 4, there will be 41 candidates vying for a seat at the Wagga Wagga City Council table after an almost year-and-a-half election delay.
There are eight groups to vote for as well as ungrouped candidates this election.
Current sitting councillors Greg Conkey, KerryPascoe and Yvonne Braid will not be standing for re-election, while the remaining incumbents hope for another term on the council.
The Wagga News asked all lead candidates and ungrouped candidates to submit a 100-word bio about why they are contesting the election, their backgrounds and priorities.
Not all candidates who were contacted responded and some responses have been edited for style and size reasons.
Here are the groups running this election:
Where to Vote?
To cast your ballot, you can vote here.
Group A (Greens)
Lead Candidate: Jenny McKinnon
Jenny McKinnon is the lead candidate for The Greens for Wagga City Council.
Ms McKinnon is standing because she absolutely loves living in Wagga but believes there is lots about Wagga that could be better.
“The Greens team has plenty of great ideas, and one of them is to establish a koala sanctuary in Wagga, this will be good for koalas, good for tourism, and good for Wagga,” Ms McKinnon said.
“We also want to cool our city and villages by having shade on all playgrounds and along streets and pathways.
“It’s time to focus on the real three R’s – regeneration, renewables, and resilience, this way we can be sure of a bright future for generations to come.”
Sarah Pollard-Williams
Sarah Pollard-Williams is a veterinary surgeon with many years experience in clinical practice and teaching in regional Australia, she has raised her kids in Wagga.
“I’m standing for the Greens because I’m very aware that Wagga as a growing city, with the Special Activation Precinct planned for Bomen, needs to ensure that infrastructure and services meet the expanding demands for roads, power and water,” Ms Pollard-Williams said.
“I’d love to see a shuttle bus to the airport, and solar on schools as well as footpaths in new developments, tree islands and a slightly increased city centre density.”
George Benedvka
Born and bred in Wagga, George Benedvka went to school here. He was also involved from a young age in the Scouting movement and went on to be awarded the highest honours of Queens Scout and the Baden Powell award.
Mr Benedvka has retired from work following a career as a project designer with the roads authority and is the past president of the Wagga chapter of the National Trust, and collaborated with the council to establish the Conservation Area in Central Wagga.
“I have been involved in a number of other community groups, and was a foundation member of both the Ladysmith United Football Club and the Wagga Wilderness Walkers,” Mr Benedvka said.
“I am a trained mentor and have many years experience as a mentor for high school students.
“As a father and grandfather, I would like to be on Wagga Wagga City Council to help make it an even better place for future generations,” Mr Benedvka said.
Emma Rush
From Melbourne originally, Emma Rush moved to Wagga in 2009 to take up her “dream job” lecturing at Charles Sturt University and loved the friendliness of the regional community.
“As a Greens councillor, I would advocate for collective, structural solutions to the climate crisis that make it easier for families to participate in creating a safer and more sustainable future,” Ms Rush said.
Eric Kaiser
Eric Kaiser grew up in the Northern Rivers region of NSW and is now self employed as a builder in Wagga.
If elected, Mr Kaiser wants to ensure the longevity of the natural environment in Wagga and surrounds.
“I am passionate about the environment and taking action against climate change, the greatest challenge humanity faces, which is exacerbating many other environmental issues,” Mr Kaiser said.
“I hope to help care for the natural environment in the Wagga area by working on Wagga City Council.”
Group B (Labor)
Lead Candidate: Dan Hayes
Current Wagga Wagga City councillor, father and psychologist Dan Hayes said: “the most important part of being a councillor is that you turn up and fight for opportunities for all and not just a select few.
“My record shows while others act as handbrakes, I am moving Wagga forward including supporting over $100 million of development to create jobs for our community; increasing the footpath network; improving safety of our roads at our schools; and delivering better services to our suburbs and villages,” Mr Hayes said.
Amelia Parkins
Having trained as a heritage architect, Amelia Parkins said she knows Wagga can achieve the balance between growing our city and treasuring its past.
“With my experience working in local government for many years I know our city can develop opportunities for greater accessibility and sustainability,” Ms Parkins said.
“As a mother of a young son I know how important it is to ensure Wagga provides a safe and supportive place for all children no matter where in Wagga they are raised.”
Vanessa Keenan
Vanessa Keenan has been a Wagga Wagga City councillor for the past five years.
Ms Keenan is a small-business owner with a background of more than 20 years working both in and with local government.
“In my five years as a Wagga City councillor I’ve brought solutions and opportunities to the table for issues ranging from local action on climate change through to introducing the Outback Lifesavers river safety program for our local kids,” Ms Keenan said.
Mark Jeffreson
Mark Jeffreson is a financial services professional who has worked for large corporations and in small businesses.
Mr Jeffreson said he knows the importance of ensuring Wagga’s economy is strong.
“Wagga offers the best of country and city living, and its continued prosperity depends on providing an environment that encourages big and small business as well as industry setting up here,” Mr Jeffreson said.
“A strong economy will help Wagga be a strong community so long as we can ensure everybody has the opportunity to be a part of the city’s prosperity.
“We need to look at the future of Wagga’s economy with the development of a Tech Hub to complement our existing industries like health, education and defence,” Mr Jeffreson said.
Sophie Kurylowicz
A proud mother and business owner, Sophie Kurylowicz is invested in making sure this place delivers amazing opportunities for our kids.
“I am a mother and small business owner and I am passionate about creating jobs and opportunities that contribute to a growing and vibrant community and economy,” Ms Kurylowicz said.
“We need a council that represents real people, that is invested in unlocking the opportunities of the future for everyone.
“That means we need to work harder to make our city more accessible, inclusive and sustainable.”
Group C
Lead Candidate: Dallas Tout
Dallas Tout, has been serving as a Wagga Wagga City councillor since 2012.
Married for 38 years, he shares three children with his wife and is a very passionate about families in the community.
“My passion for serving the community, assisting individuals, community organisations and businesses began long before I was elected to Gundagai Shire Council in 1996 at the age of 34,” Mr Tout said.
“In my time on council it has been crucial for me to address every single issue on its merits in a balanced and transparent manner and is what drives me to serve my community as the best councillor I can be.
“Putting the community first is my prime motivation and I look forward to the opportunity to get our message out and the possibility of serving the Wagga Wagga LGA for another term,” Mr Tout said.
Maddison Smith
Wagga born and raised, Maddison Smith is working as manager of the bookkeeping division at RSM Wagga.
The 28-year-old is passionate about Wagga and said she loved being involved in the community.
Ms Smith said there was a need for a ‘louder voice for women and young people’ on the council.
“My aim is for an inclusive, collaborative council, sharing perspectives from all walks of life,” Ms Smith said.
“I have been involved in my community since I was 16, on the committee for Cancer Council’s Wagga Relay for Life, receiving a Rotary Youth Leadership Award, and being crowned the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Community Princess in 2018.
“I have represented Wagga at charity and formal events throughout our city, as well as our Sister City of Leavenworth, USA and in 2020 I also joined the board for Caravan Wagga Inc. as their treasurer.”
Michael Small
Michael Small has been a Wagga local for more than 30 years and works as the fundraising/events manager for local charity, Country Hope.
Mr Small said he was very family driven, and while he doesn’t have political ties yet, he has a ‘huge passion for helping others in the community.’
“I’ve always been regularly involved with local sporting clubs and had heavy involvement with local charities through fundraisers with Ronald McDonald House, Make A Wish, Wagga Wagga Takes 2 and my current role at Country Hope,” Mr Small said.
“I am running for council because I believe in giving a voice to those in our communities that otherwise go unheard.
“I am a clear thinker who is not influenced by the opinions or beliefs of others, I make decisions based on the facts that are presented.
“My passion isn’t just for Wagga, I believe our whole LGA needs someone who takes the time to listen to the requirements of others and takes action where possible.”
Susan Thomas
Sue Thomas has lived in the rural village of Oura, 15km from Wagga, for the past eight years and has been both president and treasurer of the Oura Progress Association for nearly 15 years.
Ms Thomas said she was committed to ensuring the voices of residents in outlying rural villages are heard and are considered along with the residents of major centres.
“Rural villages need services and activities available for all age groups to access but we need to ensure there are facilities and activities for our young people,” Ms Thomas said.
“During my time on the Progress Association, we have upgraded both the hall and tennis courts following the 2012 floods and we also restored the old Presbyterian church building to use as a community centre and flood evacuation centre for Oura residents.”
Ms Thoams is an advocate for neurodiverse adults and young people and works with children and teens impacted by trauma, abuse, neglect, mental health issues and autism.
Other candidates: Phong Tiwangce
Other candidates: Phong Tiwangce
Group D
Celebrating Diversity
Rod Kendall
Rod Kendall grew up in Wagga and has worked in the Riverina since 1985 as a structural engineer.
Mr Kendall is a family man who has raised four children with his wife Robyn, and the couple are also long-term continuing foster parents having given care to over 60 children.
Having served as a councillor for 17 years, including four years as mayor, Cr Kendall said he wanted to support diversity and change the way things are done.
“In this election I am taking a stand to Support Diversity in the representatives elected to council,” he said.
“The decisions made by local councils are intended for the good of the whole community first and foremost and in order to do this we must have a diverse group of councillors,” Cr Kendall said.
“Supporting Diversity means supporting representatives from our whole community and supporting differences in opinion, background, religion, sex, age and country of birth.
“By Supporting Diversity, you will embrace everything that unites our shared values, I want all of our residents to have the opportunities many of us take for granted.”
Rory Mckenzie
Rory McKenzie is a Wagga local who has previously undertaken a walk from Lockhart to Bourke (a distance over 700km) to raise money for the Fred Hollows Foundation.
He has previous experience as a volunteer for St John Ambulance NSW, the SES, and spent five years in the Army Reserve as a combat medical attendant.
He is a proud indigenous man with ancestral connections to Cowra, and owns the Wagga First Aid Training business while raising his two children. He has involvement in the Wagga NAIDOC committee, the Local Health Advisory Committee, and Albury to Illabo Advisory Committee.
Mr McKenzie was the baton bearer for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2017, has trekked the Kokoda Trail and sailed on the Young Endeavour.
Mr Mckenzie is involved in a range of committees including the Local Health Advisory Committee, Wagga Wagga NAIDOC Committee and Albury to Illabo Advisory Commitee.
“I believe it’s time to change the status quo in local government, ignite a genuine desire for change and social inclusion and provide a positive role model within our community,” Mr McKenzie said.
Razia Shaik
Dr Razia Shaik was born in Vijayawada, India, and studied a PhD in Agriculture from CSU, Wagga Wagga. She has lived in Wagga for more than 11 years with two daughters that are 12 and 8.
She said she aimed to focus on providing development opportunities for young people, improving wmen’s safety, addressing climate change, improving access to affordable housing and multicultural inclusiveness.
Dr Shaik has worked within the research and teaching sectors over a number of years and has published several research articles in highly regarded scientific journals, receiving a number of awards and nominations.
She is a member of the Wagga Local Health Advisory Committee and has served as communications officer since 2020, and hopes to bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and abilities to the nomination.
If elected Ms Shaik said: ‘I will strive to improve the wellbeing and capabilities of our teenagers and youngsters, women’s safety, addressing climate change, affordable housing and multicultural inclusiveness.”
Samuel Avo
Samuel Avo was born in Cote d’Ivoire on the west coast of Africa. After coming to Australia, he lived and worked in Sydney before becoming a member of the Wagga community in 2001.
He is the first of his family of 13 siblings to have the opportunity of pursuing tertiary education and is currently employed by the educations sector.
He volunteers with the Wagga African Association and assists with the running of their community orientated projects and is the current chairman of Wafrica.
He is standing in the election to add a diverse voice to the council that is representative of Wagga’s changing diversity as its population begins to increase.
If elected, Mr Avo said it would set a great example for the African community that everything is possible and to serve your community in any capacity.
“It is important to me that girls and boys from my community see themselves reflected in everything I do, and understand that everything is possible, including serving your community in any capacity, if you are prepared to have a fair dinkum go and work hard,” Mr Avo said.
Fetzy Mathew
Fetzy Mathew has worked as a registered nurse at Calvary Hospital and Wagga Base Hospital for the past nine years.
Ms Mathew said she believed more women need to be elected and she had developed a great connection with Wagga’s diverse and vibrant community.
“Given an opportunity, I will bring my professional attitude of dedication and focus to the position of Councillor, where I can use my experience and abilities to make better decisions for our city,” Ms Mathew said.
“I believe more women need to be elected to the council, being a multicultural woman, I wish to be the voice of the community at the council level and ensure that the needs of multicultural Australians are met.”
Group E (independent)
Getting It Done
Lead candidate: Georgie Davies
Lead candidate for the independent Getting It Done group, Georgie Davies can be described as positive, honest, proactive and collaborative. She wants to ensure the region’s growing population is housed in a way which is attractive, sustainable and functional in the many years to come.
As one of only two female lead candidates in groups above the line, Ms Davies insisted Wagga needs a gender-diverse council.
She was born and raised in Wagga, completing her schooling at South Wagga Public School and The Riverina Anglican College.
Ms Davies lives in Wagga with her husband Hugh and young son Lachie, and is extremely passionate about the Riverina and focused on creating a region which will retain future generations, and, supporting opportunities to attract visitors.
With a functional city on her mind, if elected, one of Ms Davies’s first priorities would be tackoing the region’s pothole problem.
“My approach is two-pronged: sourcing better quality repair materials and adopting new technology to stay on top of the issue,” Ms Davies said.
Karen Butts
Karen Butts has been part of the Wagga community for 30 years, while raising her two sons, her work career has included administration in state government, not-for-profit and tertiary education organisations.
She is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work at Charles Sturt University.
Ms Butts has been involved in community volunteering over the past three decades and assisted in the formation of Caravan and in recent years Ms Butts has worked to reduce the stigma and generate greater education in the community around mental health, drugs and alcohol.
She is committed to ensuring sound governance across the council, the judicious use of rate payers’ money and more vibrant progress for the Wagga community.
Ms Butts said she was also focused on ensuring unique villages were given the same opportunities to help them thrive.
Charlie Cull
Charlie Cull moved to Wagga with his wife Zoe in 2019 to take up a job with Riverina Fresh.
Since arriving, Mr Cull has thrown himself into all this city has to offer. He and Zoe are members of St Aiden‘s Presbetryian Church, and he has played cricket with The RSL, football with Henwood Park, and has occasionally rolled up to the South Wagga Wagga Tennis Club and Road Runners.
Mr Cull grew up in Armidale, and survived a 13-year stopover in Sydney where he studied economics, politics and history at Sydney University before working for NSW Farmers and, as an adviser to the NSW Minister Trade and Industry.
He is excited about contributing to a thriving future for this region.
Mr Cull and his wife have bought a house in Wagga, and with their first child, Georgie, now on the scene, they plan to stay.
He wants to install shade sails at all playgrounds in our region if Group E is elected in December.
Steve Taylor
Wagga has been home for Steve Taylor for most of his life.
After graduating from Charles Sturt University with accounting qualifications, Steve joined the leading accounting firm, Bush & Campbell Accountants.
As a director, Mr Taylor developed lasting empathies with many local issues including sustainable agriculture, robust transport infrastructure, a diverse and multi-tiered education sector and abundant employment opportunities for all walks of life.
He enjoys being outdoors and is regularly seen, lycra-clad, roaming the city’s roads and paths.
As an active volunteer in recent years for BlazeAid, Australian Volunteers for International Development and Ronald McDonald House Wagga Wagga, Mr Taylor recognises the huge contribution made by volunteers in the continuing success of Wagga’s extensive not-for-profit organisations.
As a Lake Albert local, his priority for Group E is to deepen Lake Albert and ensure the proposed Pipeline gets built so that we have a constant water source for our Lake.
Duncan Farquhar
Duncan Farquhar is a strategic leader in regional development and natural resource management.
Hailing from Tasmania, Mr Farquhar completed his agricultural science degree, MBA and served in The Royal Tasmania Regiment.
He came to Wagga in 2007 and has recently launched a new biodiversity-focused start-up called ‘Eco-connections’.
Mr Farquhar said he would bring an eye for ecological functionality to the council and wanted to ensure the region continues to support businesses, a critical driving force for jobs and the economy.
As a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and studying Public Policy Analysis through The London School of Economics and Political science, Mr Farquhar is confident with trust and communication, great things can emerge.
“If Group E is elected in December, I have a plan to boost business tourism by building a state-of-the-art conference centre in Central Wagga,” Mr Farquhar said.
Group F
Fiona Ziff
New independent Fi Ziff is from Tumut, her father Mick and grandfather Jimmy were the local chemists.
Ms Ziff said if elected, she would use the campaign to ‘help voters secure new leadership.’
“My passion for connecting with people and serving the community came from working with them in the pharmacy,” Ms Ziff said.
“Over six years at Thorne St cafe in Wagga, thousands of residents told me Wagga needs new leadership from people who put community first.
“In council, my most important role will be to advocate for genuine transparency and real two-way deliberation with our diverse community to drive impressive, inspirational decision making with social justice at the heart.
Rupinder Kaur
Rupinder Kaur was born in Griffith to migrant settlers from Punjab India.
Ms Kaur holds strong connections with her Indian heritage and said her multicultural background would be an asset on the council.
“I work in the social housing sector, have close links to Wagga’s multicultural community and run a family-owned small business,” Ms Kaur said.
“I believe Wagga City Council should encourage equal opportunities around gender and disabilities, offer complete transparency, and have a strong multicultural and indigenous presence to reflect our diverse community.
“While embracing my passion for connecting with people, I shall advocate for more housing; age specific youth support; opportunities for skilled migrants; state funding for Wagga‘s roads; and support for multicultural values.”
Group G
Michael Henderson
Richard Foley
Paul Funnel
Chris Ingram
Graham (Bear) Falconer
Candidates were contacted for comment but were unable to provide.
Group H
Alexandra Cesnik
Alexandra (Lexi) Cesnik was born and raised in the Wagga Wagga Shire.
Ms Cesnik and her family run a merino, cattle and commercial thoroughbred farm at Tarcutta.
After Year 12, she attended Charles Sturt University where she completed a Bachelor of Agriculture, and is now a senior wool and livestock specialist for Moses & Son Woolbroking based in Wagga.
Ms Cesnik is passionate about her community and has been an active member of the Tarcutta and District Progress Association since 2018.
Other candidates: Tim Koschel, Katharine Graham, David Wilkes, Sophie Mason
Candidates were contacted for comment but were unable to provide.
Ungrouped
Rosina Gordon
Ms Gordon has previously worked in the telecommunications, media, film and television production industry for years.
Ms Gordon has been married for seventeen years and have six children, she believes that families are a number one priority.
“I believe families are the most important element of our community in Wagga, making the greatest contribution by building and providing our future.”
“I am passionate about ensuring the needs of families are always a leading consideration in council deliberations,” Mr Gordon said.
Richard Salcole
Richard Salcole is an independent candidate running for Wagga Wagga City Council and is the only resident and candidate standing from Forest Hill.
Mr Salcole is now semi-retired after 30 years of service in the Australian Defence Force, of which 15 years were served at RAAF Base Wagga.
Mr Salcoles wants to see changes in five key areas, community, affordable housing, roads, youth and veterans.
“Community engagement is my primary consideration, providing safe community areas for social activities, play and community activities.
“The anti-social behaviour of a small minority and illegal practices, of drugs, theft, and vandalism in our community to live in fear or isolation in their own neighbourhood, and this needs to change,” Mr Salcole said.
Mr Salcole is also very passionate about service veterans and their needs within the community.
“Council have previously elected to host parties and functions is the memorial gardens, let‘s show some respect and think about the purpose of the park when allocating it for functions,” he said.
Other candidates: Robert Sinclair, Daniel Vieira, Robin Dennis
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