Ballina Shire meet your candidates continued

As a dedicated councillor, I believe there should be no politics in council, just community commitment.

I love my community and am passionate about the community we call home.

Living and working here in Ballina Shire for 27 years, I bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to my role.

I am committed to making a positive impact toward addressing the issues that are close to your hearts.

My background is in public services both federal and NSW, administration and project management.

Community Health has also given me a deep understanding of local issues.

Throughout my term I have striven to represent the interests and needs of my constituents effectively, and will continue if re-elected.

I believe in transparent governance, active listening, and collaborative problemsolving to address the challenges facing our community.

My focus areas include policing, jobs, housing, improving local infrastructure, enhancing educational opportunities and sport, along with sustainable environmental and development opportunities.

I am accessible and approachable, always ready to hear concerns and work towards practical solutions.

My approach is rooted in inclusivity, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

By fostering strong community relationships and advocating for responsible policies, I aim to contribute to a thriving, equitable, and vibrant community for all.

I hope to shape our future together – because your voice counts.

Alexander Sharkey

I’m running because I care deeply about the future of this place we all love.

I’m not entering politics with personal agendas; I’m stepping forward guided by values—values I believe we all share.

Our stunning coastline and hinterland are treasures that need to be protected, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

It’s vital we work together to provide ample housing and rental opportunities so our local businesses thrive and our community members can live and work here comfortably.

As a small business owner, a renter for eight years, and now a frsttime home buyer, I can relate to many people’s circumstances.

I’ve experienced the uncertainty of the rental market and the challenges of saving enough to buy a place of my own.

I understand the struggles our local businesses face fnding and keeping staff, along with the astronomical costs of running a business.

I feel lately in politics, both here and worldwide, there’s too much fngerpointing, blaming, and talking at each other.

What we really need is to start talking with each other.

We live in a democratic society, and shouldn’t expect to agree on everything. But simple conversations can go a long way.

I don’t have all the answers. But what I can promise is that if I’m elected, I will engage in the conversations we need to have to fnd solutions.

I’ll listen to our community, and I’ll let my values guide me as we work towards a brighter, more sustainable future for Ballina Shire.

Ward C Therese Crollick

I am a retired medical scientist who now works casually as a swimming instructor and owns a small freight and storage business in north west NSW, I have lived in the Northern Rivers for 40 years the last 10 in Alstonville.

I have been involved in various service clubs, community groups, music and sporting organisations, at all levels, since I was 14 and see local government as a community service more than anything else.

C Ward of Ballina Council has for too long been put down the bottom of the list for improvements to our communities.

We shouldn’t have to fght so hard to get funds allocated for essential infrastructure like footpaths and street lighting.

The parking areas and accessibility are way below standard at sporting felds in Alstonville and some in Wollongbar and we need a 24/7 police presence on the Plateau.

Wardell, which has been through so much, needs continued support to improve their town and shouldn’t have to beg for that.

My aim if elected will be to improve all these things by getting more funding for C Ward projects and moving us up the list so that it starts to happen in the next 1-2 years not 4-5 years time as is the current plan. I say we need a better deal.

Simon Kinny

I am a former resident of Alstonville for some years, and more recently a resident of Lennox Head.

I ran a successful orthopaedic surgical practice in Lismore for some 28 years, before I retired 18 months ago. My four children all attended Alstonville High School, and two still live in the local area. In the past, I was a volunteer medical crewman serving on the Westpac Lifesaving Rescue Helicopter. Having run a small business, and now since being retired, I have both the experience and the time to give back to the Ballina Shire Community in the role for which I am now putting himself forward, a councillor in C Ward. I am keen to see local infrastructure improved, within the wise and effcient use of council’s limited fnancial resources. Projects should not be done piece-meal, which is fnancially ineffcient. Wardell and Newrybar should not remain ‘forgotten villages’.

The Dunoon Dam should go ahead, for food mitigation as much as for future water supply needs.

Council is more than ‘roads, rates and rubbish’, although these should remain its focus, it is also footpaths, cycle-ways, parks and green space amongst other things.

But it is not about single-handedly fxing planetary climate change, solving overseas conficts, or correcting historical wrongs.

Simon Chate

My name is Simon Chate and I am running for Ward C.

I am a musician and music teacher at Alstonville High School, choir director and Ballina Shire Ward C councillor since 2021.

I have lived with my family in Alstonville and Wollongbar (Ward C) since 2001.

I have run choirs in the Ballina Shire since 1999, including Voices in the Roar (1999 – 2004) and Alstonville’s current community choir, Awesome Voices (2011 –present).

Along with one other person, I have run the Rous Unplugged monthly community performance nights in Rous Mill Hall since May 2012.

During this time, we have provided a friendly performance venue for hundreds of local performance of all types and have raised more than $40,000 for local charities and causes.

I am an active member of the Alstonville High School P & C committee.

During my time on council, I have offered monthly Listening Posts in Alstonville Plaza and have worked tirelessly to provide resolution for residents with council related issues.

I originally decided to run for council to take a seat at the council table on behalf of the environment.

I am a member of the NSW Greens party and locally, of Ballina Greens and have chosen to run my candidacy as a member of the Greens party.

The Ballina Greens have a limited campaign budget, supplemented through a number of local community fundraising activities such as trivia nights, movie nights and unplugged performance events.

I see three main issues within Ballina Shire as affordable housing, protecting our environment and community consultation.

The Greens have an idea to bring affordable rental housing to Ballina Shire through the development of purposebuilt housing stock on council owned land in Lennox Head and then rented out to local key workers at a specifed, affordable rate.

Ballina Shire has recently passed its new Biodiversity Strategy. An excellent vision document but lacking in “teeth” due to lack of funds.

I am keen to explore options, seek grants etc. to fnd ways to strengthen our strategy through sourcing additional funding.

Lois Cook Not submitted. Shona Barrett Not submitted.

By Jeff Gibbs