These profiles have been provided to the Courier-Sun by the candidates.

We are still awaiting some information from some candidates. 

This article will be updated as soon as practicable.

For the last four years I've held the position of councillor with the Bellingen Shire Council.

I was nominated to five portfolios – local roads and traffic authority committee; rural fire liaison committee; weight of loads committee; community wellbeing committee; arts and culture committee (excluding the last six months).

I'm currently a board member of Club Urunga and hold the position of men's bowls president.

I'm a qualified accountant by trade and over the last 20 years in the workforce hell senior management positions.

Worked in federal government department for 20 years. Together with partner Reg run their local trucking business in Sydney while working in the age care industry before retiring to Urunga.

Jenni holds a AIN qualification in age care. And is currently a member of Urunga Book Club.

Worked in the banking sector for over 30 years and held the position of bank manager.

He retired from banking sector to take up a role as director of a successful retail business.

Athol hSMAas also served in the armed forces in Vietnam and a returned member of the RSL.

His passion for lawn bowls has taken him to district and state level.

Is currently employed as a legal secretary in Coffs Harbour. Kate is a director of North Beach Recreation and Bowling Club in Mylestom. Kate is also an active member of Bellingen North Beach surf life saving club.

As a team we all have one goal that we bring to council. Commitment, communication and dedication. Our commitment to make myself available to the community on the first Thursday of each month at Urunga Community Centre which I've done for the past four years will still apply.

We will hold council responsible for their actions. We demand better roads and bridges in our shire. We will support growth in the housing sector and support our local business and industries. Most of all we dedicated to the completion of the sea lido as a priority and work with council to build a multi-purpose indoor stadium in Urunga. And to pursue a cycle way from the old pacific highway at Raleigh through to Mylestom. What we won't do is vote for rate increases .

The team is a truly independent team. 

My objectives once elected are:

►To be an active and honest Mayor who represents the Shire from the plateau to the seaboard with integrity and commitment

►To ensure: that the level of Community Consultation is increased so constituents can be involved and contribute to decision making.

►that all grants available be actively pursued to enable the construction of the Urunga Indoor Stadium, the combined cycle/walkways from Dorrigo to Dangar Falls and the Rainforest Centre, (as outlined in Council Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan (PAMP), the Gleniffer Master Plan and the “Sea Lido" at Urunga, plus more projects, become a reality. All of these projects will attract more visitors to our Shire and be a boost to the economy.

►that the Roads and Bridges in the Shire continually be repaired and replaced

►to fully investigate the logistics to enable council meetings to held in the evenings, or some at least, and the possibility of holding them in the towns across the shire.

►to support the investigations into more land release for both housing, and importantly, industrial sites. More jobs would be created and we would all benefit.

►to continue the progress the current council have made into being Fit for the Future

►to encourage our youth and young adults to have a voice and become involved in the Council activities

More issues could be added to this list, but this is enough for today.

As residents of the Shire I encourage you all, when possible, to become involved in this process.

As I am no longer working, I have time on my side and my commitment is to actively be involved with the community, listening and, where possible, assisting with issues that arise. I am passionate about the Bellingen Shire, and most importantly, the people who live here.

Bruce is the son of Allan and Sue Doust, well known produce/potato merchants, cattle and sheep farmers, formerly from Dorrigo.

He was born in Dorrigo and completed his higher school certificate at Dorrigo High School.

Bruce has a strong business acumen which includes running his own café, partnering in setting up a non-profit organisation and working with over 250 rural primary schools in Thailand.

In recent times he has been a business owner and Managing Director of a highway construction company with 30 employees. After travelling extensively Bruce still calls all corners of the Shire home.

Bruce lives in Mylestom with his partner and young son.

Paul Young was born and raised in the local shire. He attended Dorrigo Primary and Dorrigo High School during his schooling years before becoming an aged care nurse and working in  Bellingen.

He moved to Brisbane to study hairdressing, before coming back to the shire and working in Dorrigo for 6 years. After 6 years, Paul started his own business in Bellingen where he currently runs his hairdressing studio. While starting his own business Paul furthered his studies and became a specialist   colour technician for the mid-north coast region, regularly travelling throughout the shire and beyond when he isn’t running his studio.

During his first term on Council, Dominic has gained valuable insight into the workings, challenges and issues facing residents and the Council as an organisation. The role has enabled him to experience first-hand how local government functions and operates on a legislative and economic basis. He is chair of the Council Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee and also sat on the Bushfire Management Committee, the Committee for the Koala Plan of Management, and The Youth Hub Management Committee.

Over the last four years Dominic has focused on building relationships from Dorrigo to Urunga and everywhere in between He has supported a wide range of stakeholders, protecting the rights of residents with his consistent, honest and informed voice, working tirelessly to seek new opportunities and ways of thinking that will benefit the majority, and introducing motions that protect our amazing biodiversity, environment and way of life.

In addition to his contribution as the sitting Greens councillor on Bellingen Shire Council, Dominic also works as a geography/ careers teacher at Bowraville Central School. In the past he has worked in a number of different jobs including 14 years in the building industry. He also played 200 Grade games for Parramatta Rugby Union and was Club Captain from 1996 to 1998. His educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Resource Environmental Management, a Graduate Diploma of Education (Geography) and a Tradesman’s Certificate Randwick TAFE.

Dominic lives in Kalang with his family.

Jennie is a scientist, disability advocate, parent, carer, student, masseuse, and a very active part of the community. This year she was awarded the BSC Community Service Citizen of the Year for her contributions to Bello Bellonging (as founder of the grassroots social inclusion project), Northbank Community Garden (President), Bellingen River Festival (Environmental Coordinator), the Council Wellbeing Committee (Promoting wellbeing issues and actions, such as disability access), and the NSW Government’s Living Life My Way Program (as an Ambassador), writing and speaking to share empowering stories about disability.

In 2014 she received a NSW Carers Award. In 2013 she delivered a powerful TEDxBellingen talk, titled ‘Inclusion, belonging and the disability revolution’, which has been viewed by over 38,000 people internationally.

Jennie’s community work in the Shire follows an 18 year career in the NSW Public Service, focussing on river and land management issues and waste management. She has qualifications in Environmental Biology and Bush Regeneration and is currently working on a Master of Teaching.

In the past Jennie has worked on youth leadership program Youth Leading the World, the Bellofoodbox team (a local food scheme) and is a former President of Dawnsong Children’s Centre. At the community-run childcare centre in North Bellingen, she championed disability access issues, obtaining and managing funding to significantly upgrade the Council-owned grounds.

I am 62 years old, the mother of eight children in a blended family, with 6 grandchildren, and 40 years experience in education. I believe the core Greens principles of environmental sustainability, social equity and economic justice, grassroots democracy, and peace and nonviolence will support policies and actions in local government to create and sustain the economic, social and environmental health of our community into the future.

My focus as a councilor for the Bellingen Shire would be building an inclusive, caring community, with a thriving local economy. This can be achieved through balanced, sustainable local development, valuing and fostering locally generated renewable energy, local food production using organic and biodynamic farming practices, and quality local health and education services.

I believe Bellingen Shire Council should be more accessible and responsive, listening to the people who live across our shire. This includes respect for and willingness to learn from the local Gumbaynggirr peoples, past and present, recognising and valuing their care for this land for thousands of years.

I am proud to be part of the Green team for Bellingen Shire, supporting Dominic King to become the first Green major in Bellingen Shire.

I moved from Redfern to Repton nine years ago after my partner and I spent several years looking for the perfect place for a change of lifestyle and to move closer to our families.

I am a registered nurse , and I have worked in mental health and alcohol and other drugs for the past 40 years. I currently work in the Local Health District based at Coffs Harbour.

In addition to my nursing qualifications, I have a Masters in Management from University of Technology Sydney. Over many years I have been active as board member for a variety of community organisations, including non-government mental health support agencies, peak professional nursing body, and community housing providers.

I joined the Greens two years ago. I was convinced by a policy that is community centred, evidence based, and with a focus on the future rather than the status quo. We have fallen for the Bellinger Valley; its natural beauty is a valued asset to be protected, and its community diversity to be cherished. Bringing these together to build a sustainable future is important to me. As a local government representative, I will bring management skills, and a strong commitment to community and the environment.

Moved to the Bellingen Shire in 1997 with his wife Lisa and family. Together they founded a small business “Klips Dips” the first business in Australia to sell certified organic dips from the Sunshine Coast all the way to Melbourne. For the last 12 years Steve has been employed as the Business Manager for Chrysalis Steiner School.

In 2012 Steve was elected as a councillor for the Bellingen Shire as a representative of our community. He brings experience, a listening ear to the differing voices in the community, understanding of every- day council matters and supports a civil and stable local council.

Steve is committed to work hard to support our home the Bellingen Shire for the next term of local government as Mayor.

We will foster mature engaged community consultation because it builds trust. How will we do this ?

►Revamping the advisory committee framework to de- velop a better understanding between councillors and community advocates.

►Having council meetings in the evenings

►Holding regular forums in the three localities

We will continue to support community endeavours because they bring people together. How will we do this?

►Bellingen Shire Youth Hub is vital to our community from the youth and beyond

►Explore the actualising of the swimming facility and feasibility study of a indoor stadium in Urunga

►Continue to fulfil the Dangar Falls Master Plan

►Support the extension of the Pedestrian and Mobility Plan (PAMP)

We will work with our neighbouring councils in the new Joint Organisations (JO) because cooperation will bring reduced costs and economies of scale to deliver more services. How will we do this?

►By being constructive participants in the JO and seizing oppor- tunity from new structures

►By being fierce advocates for the uniqueness of the Bellingen Shire within the larger North Coast environment.

We will encourage small business to fulfil their potential. How will we do this?

►Encouraging a smarter business environment with council liai- son staff particularly in the emerging areas of tourism and arts and cultural endeavours

►By working with stakeholders to develop the over 800 house blocks of land in the shire

►Supporting sustainable agriculture and markets

We will be stewards of our community and the natural environment and keep an eye on the future. How will we do this?

►We will execute our civic responsibility with civility and listen

►We will consider how our decisions will affect the future folk and the environment of the Bellingen Shire.

►We will work for a balanced future which is more sustainable for people, the natural environment and places.

Diana Christian was born and raised in the Bellingen Shire by hard working community-minded parents Phil and Jean Kelly. Currently Diana has four generations living locally in the shire, her mother Jean, daughter Rina and grandchildren, Zara, Hugh and Bree, providing a widespan of community knowledge and interests. Diana’s husband, James was also born in the shire as was his mother Jean and grandfather Archie, the Gordons from Gordonville.

After completing her schooling, Diana had a desire to travel and explore this beautiful country we call home; Australia, by working in the manufacturing and hospitality industries for several years throughout Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia. These early years reinforced and strengthened Diana’s resolve to achieve results, through knowing her own mind, building confidence, understanding desired outcomes and setting goals to achieve required results.

On returning to the Bellingen Shire, Diana met and married local James Christian and began their life of adventure together, raising their four children and managing their small business for over 20 years. After they sold the business, Diana gained employment with a financial institution beginning her role as a customer service officer before quickly being appointed as Branch Manager working in the Macksville and Bowraville area before transferring to Urunga. Diana remained in this field for over 10 years and has undertaken numerous professional training during that time which includes: management, lending, sales, training staff and all relevant financial certifications.

Previous groups and committee’s Diana has been involved in are; Bellinger Valley Hockey Association as a player, coach and committee member, Coffs Harbour & District Hockey Association competition convenor, representative coach and player, Bellinger River Sailing Club and Manly Junior Sailing State and National committee.

Diana is currently retired from paid employment and devotes her time to numerous voluntary positions which includes, the Rotary Club of Bellingen Board member Director, Rotary District 9650 management committee Youth Director, Bellingen Men’s Shed founding member and now Executive committee, Open Arms Care Inc Committee Vice President and community member of the Australia Day committee.

Just 12 months ago Diana was awarded the Australian Government's Volunteer Award.

Has lived in Dorrigo since 1999. Owns Dorrigo wholefoods, cafe and bulk food store with his wife Monique. Kenton adores the diversity of the shire geographically and socially.

Kenton supports opportunities to grow, develop & integrate with open minded direction.

Has lived and worked in Urunga for over four years. Jo and her husband Peter own and operate the Washing Well Laundromat in the heart of the business centre in Urunga.

Jo is member of the Urunga, Mylestom Chamber of Commerce coordinating the breakfast meetings every two months and was instrumental in reforming the Urunga Lions Club. Jo is at your service and supports a progressive approach to growth and job creation.

A resident of the Bellingen Shire for 19 years having lived in Kalang and now at Raleigh for the past nine years. I head up the Community Independent team. Originally from the Sutherland Shire, two of my six sons live in the area.

My business acumen includes owning a Retravision store for six years and working part time in family Real Estate office.

I was on the Sutherland Council subcommittee for Women and Children. Attended Armidale University, studying Health Administration.

For six years as Nursing Manager of a Paediatric Unit I was responsible for thirty four staff, the financial budget and Accreditation. Established a Family Support Unit and an Adolescent Unit.

In Bellingen I managed The Old Church Homewares and Nursery. Other achievements include Committee member of the Bellingen Health Action Group, Bellingen Hospital Reference Group and Coffs Clarence Health Participation Forum. Youth to Adult (Y2A), helping to establish the first Youth Hub behind the Bellingen Post Office.

I have been on the Bellingen Council subcommittee for social planning. Currently on the Raleigh Community Hall Committee.

Until recently I was guide coordinator at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden, organised tours and ran workshops. A committee member of the “Friends of the Botanic Garden.”

We aim to provide mechanisms for local communities to decide on local policies and development, taking responsibility for the management of their local area so that the decision making process is inclusive upon the rich history of councils who practice inclusive decision making so that the people determine where their rates are directed.

Our team passionately believes in Sustainability covering all areas of Ecology… We must work towards renewable engery. Culture… preserve our history and values. Economics…ensuring all residents have their needs acknowledged. Politics…to be transparent. Tourism and business must be encouraged to flourish and expand without undue regulations. Housing and accommodation will need to be increased for the expansion which will come in the near future for all three areas. We have a Shire here which is the envy of many…a jewel in the crown.

Two areas to mention…the homeless and the youth. We need more crisis accommodation for the homeless and the needy. The Youth Hub and associated agencies are achieving awesome outcomes.

We want to see clear and transparent consultation, negotiation and good governance. There is a case for change; we have a fragmented system with complex filtering of information and little accountability. We need decentralisation and the ability to work together.

We want inclusion not exclusion. After all as councillors we are public servants. As a community we are stakeholders and as such we need  “to claim our role.”

We will listen. Your decisions are our policies.

I have decided to put my name up for our shire elections. I have lived in Bellingen shire most of my life spending some years in Coffs in business before returning to Bellingen. We need to look after all ratepayers and fair rate return to all areas of the shire. This includes Kalang Brierfield Thora Valery Hydes Creek Gleniffer Repton Raleigh Urunga Mylestom Dorrigo North Dorrigo Hernani Tyringham Briggsvale Cascade Megan Deervale Fernbrook etc etc sorry if I missed you but you are definitely included.

We need a shake up of staff in the council offices like Coffs has just done saving their ratepayers $30 million per year as reported on the radio. We need to get the whole shire booming again by encouraging businesses that require numerous staff to carry out their business or light manufacturing.This will allow our young people and not so young and unemployed people and school leavers more employment chances or apprenticeships making a happier and more prosperous shire for all.

We need an alternative road from Dorrigo toto Megan to Coffs so when the mountain is closed Dorrigo can continue to carry out their business. I have seen the shire in good times when Coffs came to our shire for their shopping and other supplies our shire was ahead of Coffs. Bellingen hospital was one of the best training hospitals employing many from here and other areas. This shire has been allowed to fade into the background as far as progress is concerned and we need to do thing to revitalise the whole shire making it better for everyone for the future.

I returned from Coffs to look after my mother who suffered a massive stroke. I cared for mum for eight years so I understand the disabled and elderly problems and their requirements. I helped my dad with farm work and growing vegetables organically to supply local shops in the shire and other areas. I have supplied Kombu IGA Bello greengrocers and Sue Kelly etc. I have an understanding of caring for the environment without damaging it or the animals that live there through years of practice. Without sensible farming we have no food. You can ring me with your suggestions and concerns or to just have discussions ring me on 66552514. Would appreciate your support on election day hoping  I can support you in the future council's needs.

I belong to the Community Independent Team of Kaye Foran, Andrew Stockley and Julian Kingsley King - all have lived in the shire for many years.

I am a resident of Urunga running for the Council. I am educated in geology, environmental science, and have a MA in Development Studies.

Our policies are focused on delivering upon the needs and concerns of the various communities who live in the Bellingen Shire. Given our diverse environment and lifestyles, I believe no one group of policies fits all people.

With that in mind, the Community Independent Team aims to provide mechanisms for local communities to determine local policies and development initiatives so that the decision making process is inclusive. Our Team will draw upon the rich history of councils who practice inclusive decision making so that the people determine where their rates are directed, rather than the seven members who make up the Council or the public servants employed by Council.

Transparency is a key concern of our Team and with this in mind all Council meetings will be open to the public without prior booking, all meetings will be recorded and available on the Council website, and Council meetings (daytime, evening, or weekend) will be held at times convenient to the public. Meetings will be held in the regional centres so as to encourage as many members of the public as possible.

The details of the Council's overheads, expenditure, and income will be available for scrutiny on the Council website with monthly updates.

Minimizing Council overheads and expenditure is another key policy so that the community’s rates are utilised in an efficient manner while aiming to deliver quality and sustainable services.

Funding for community initiated projects will be determined on a per capita basis so that all ratepayers benefit as fairly as possible. Local communities sharing the same area/ catchment will be encouraged and assisted to participate in the decision making process of that particular sub-region of the Shire.

Councillors and mayor's stipends (currently totaling over $100,000) will be waived with the proceeds allocated to assist the community.

Hoping to facilitate a better future.

I'm a resident of North Bellingen. I've lived in the shire for over 22 years. Three of my 4 children were born here. Over the years I've worked in hospitality, farming, and industry. I have a broad range of experiences of people from the upwardly mobile to the down-at-the-heel and disenfranchised.

I worked alongside the Rainbow Alliance and the Catholic Workers up until the corrupt government in Queensland was replaced.

I have overcome the effects of chronic illness in the past ten years which has taught me the value of humility. I was blessed with the support from people within my community and would be privileged to serve this community.

I believe our Council needs to create a way of engaging a larger range of residents, create transparency, and diminish the cynicism that people seem to have towards Council. For far too long business interests seem to have had the most input at the expense of the elderly, and people younger than the voting age. For instance I would like to see a Children's Forum created to inform the Community on a larger range of needs.

I've been made aware of inefficiencies regarding the purchase of Council plant and equipment and procedures that look good on paper but are costly in reality due to apparent arrogance of the bureaucracy.

I believe there needs to be a better consultation process before the Community's money is spent.

I share the concerns of many residents about challenges that will affect all human life and believe, as they do, that now is the time to build resilient communities. This calls for inspiration and innovation and that requires ideas to be listened to and implemented.

I wish to facilitate far improved engagement between the local communities within the Shire and the Council, so that the concerns of the residents are properly addressed. It is my belief to put principles before personalities and to remain aware that my opinions have no effect on the truth.

I find it necessary in the interest of honesty, to correct an error on our flyer: I was never a boilermaker but an ironworker who worked in the boiler building industry.

I believe a person's greatness cannot be measured by what is carved into stone but by what is left in people's hearts. At your service.

Les Wells was born in the Hastings Valley and raised in a strong family who instilled in him the values of hard work and community service.

Now living in Repton with his family, he believes passionately in the future of the Bellinger Valley and isn't afraid to put up a fight on behalf of his community.

From a young age Les began working in his family's small business and worked his way from the bottom up. Joining a big box retailer at age 15 he worked his way from casual all the way to senior manager. Since then, he has worked for a number of large businesses including Swedish home furnishing giant IKEA where he was responsible for over 200 co-workers on a daily basis.

Les is passionate about the potential of our Shire and helping farmers, small business and innovators drive growth and make our Shire a better place to live, work and play.

Our plan:

►Be open, transparent and inclusive

►Explore options to hold Council meetings at more convenient times

►Hold at least one Community Meeting in Urunga, Bellingen and Dorrigo per year

►Work with local committies to upgrade and improve Community Halls such as Raleigh, Mylestom, Deervale, Thora, Dorrigo and Brierfield

​Fix our Rural Roads. We will:

►Focus on maintaining and improving our Rural Roads

►Review the Council Works Program

►Prioritise Rural Roads like Summervilles Road, South Arm Road and Coramba Road

►Enhance the safety and capacity of important freight roads

​​Provide better sporting, leisure and tourism facilities. We will:

►Build the Urunga Indoor Stadium

►Provide better cycling and walking trails from Dorrigo to Dangar Falls and the Rainforest Centre

►Enhance playgrounds and water activities around the Mylestom and Urunga foreshore

►Work with our local Showground Committies to improve facilities, grounds and capacity

►Work with State and Federal Governments to secure funding for the Urunga Lido

​​Support small business and grow our local economy. We will:

►Support Small Business by tackling the unique challenges in each of our communities

►Support agribusiness through local initiatives such as a Bellinger Valley Food Bowl

►Secure water and sewer connections in Urunga, Raleigh, Repton and Mylestom to improve environmental outcomes and residential housing opportunities

►Explore opportunities to provide more employment lands at Raleigh

►Deliver the Bellingen Main Street Master Plan. 

►Explore opportunities with local Chambers of Commerce for more festivals and events focused on Urunga and Dorrigo

►Work with State and Federal Governments to secure funding to upgrade the Dorrigo Sale Yards

​​Support sustainable eco-tourism. We will:

►Encourage eco-tourist operators to expand or establish things like action-adventure, wellness and 4WD adventure centres

►Working within the new Joint Organisations, expand and develop greater links with regional transport operators such as Coffs Coast Airport, NSW Trainlink and private coach networks

►Work with State and Federal tourism agencies to expand advertising initiatives across Australia and the World

David is passionate about our community and dedicates most of his time to helping our Shire thrive. David has served as a Bellingen Shire Councillor for the past 12 ½ years.

He moved to the Bellingen Shire with wife Gail purchasing a small farm in Megan in 1983. He and his wife moved 12 years ago to a larger farm in Dorrigo where we operate a beef farm.

David brings to the team the skills and experience which he has gained over the many years serving our community.

David's background is in Engineering and workshop manager. After moving to Dorrigo he worked for many years in a local engineering workshop. After a brief stint in the USA he has for the past 15 years have been working as the Asia Sales Manager.

David has always been very community focused and served on the Dorrigo Hospital Board, Mid North Coast Area Health Board, Mid North Coast Hospital Advisory, Police Community Liaison and Dorrigo Catchment Advisory.

David's vision is a Shire that keeps its Village feel as it is very special place made up of three main towns and many villages and hamlets. We are lucky to live in such a wonderful region and it is up to council and the community to leave it in a better place economically and environmentally.

For many years Coralie has worked tirelessly in helping small business & community groups achieve their outcomes.

With 35 yrs experience across many industries including agribusiness, construction, hospitality, finance, retail & most recently pharmacy Coralie has a wealth of knowledge and skills. She has had many roles over the years such as Finance Officer, Change Manager, Operational Manager, WHS Management, Human Resource Management & training & assessment management.

Coralie's passion for the community has seen her develop and  coordinate youth programs working with key stake holders such as Police, Ambulance, Headspace, Council and Department of Health.

She has also served previously as President of the Hastings Liquor Accord with 52 licensees, Madam chair of Point Zero, a member of Rotary and the local Chamber of Commerce for many years.

Coralie moved to the Bellingen shire area to help five pharmacies through their industry transition. She now looks to dedicate time to the community as well as small business.

Carl is a local through and through! He was born in Dorrigo and grew up there, attending Dorrigo primary and high before heading off to University at UNE in Armidale.

After completing a Bachelor or Science he returned to Dorrigo and assisted in running the family farm for 10 years. In 2000 he opened Dorrigo Computer Services and spent the next 10 years as a small business owner. During this time he was an active member of the community and served on the Dorrigo chamber of commerce as vice president.

2010 saw a move to the seaboard when he moved to Mylestom, where he currently works as a refrigeration and electrical contractor. Carlhas again become an active community member as Club Captain of the North Beach SLSC and a member of the Mylestom RFS.

With broad experience in a range of industries, Carl brings to the team knowledge and skills of agriculture, owning a small business and the energy and commitment of a dedicated community volunteer. Carl is a fitness enthusiast and is currently finishing his Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

Senior Sergeant Steve Jenkins is retiring to Dorrigo, following a diverse and distinguished 34-year career with Queensland Police, due to reaching their mandatory retirement age (60) and has nominated for Bellingen Shire Mayor and Councillor at the 10 September elections. Steve believes there is no role in Local Government for “party politics”.

Steve has extensive officer-in-charge managerial experience and in excess of five years in Inspector roles. He holds a Detective appointment, is a qualified and experienced search and rescue coordinator, forensic crash investigator (advanced), and disaster management officer.  Recently, Steve has been performing reform project and organisational change duties.

Steve is a decorated officer who proudly wears the National Emergency Medal (Queensland Floods 2010-11 and Cyclone Yasi), National Police Service Medal, National Medal, and Queensland Police Service Medal (for Diligent and Ethical Service).  

Steve holds numerous formal qualifications including: five Masters Degrees (Business Administration; Project Management; Police Management; Community Development; Risk Management), Bachelor of Social Science (Emergency Management), and five Diplomas, including Diploma in Sustainability. He is currently completing a Doctorate of Business Administration. 

Steve is National President of the Australian Institute of Emergency Services, the Institute’s representative on the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department’s Australian Emergency Management Volunteers Forum, and presents at national/international conferences.

Steve is involved with the local community, and acquainted himself with issues affecting the Shire.  He is a volunteer fire-fighter with NSW Rural Fire Service (Megan Brigade), and member of the Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce and RSL Sub-Branch. 

Steve Jenkins’ team have the necessary qualifications, skills and demonstrated experience to deliver and/or achieve the following Plan for all:

Strong corporate governance and supportive leadership

Social inclusion, equality, cultural awareness and sensitivity

Shire-wide services and Infrastructure delivered equitably and responsibly

Safe and secure community