INTRODUCTION: My team is made up of people with experience that are committed to Bathurst. They want to be on council and have the skills to represent and lead Bathurst into the future.
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Nick Packham: I was born and raised in Bathurst. I worked at the Bathurst Olympic Pool for 6 years while I was at school and attending CSU. I graduated with a Bachelor degree in Recreation with a major in welfare. I have worked in the disability sector for 34 years, 29 years in the NSW public sector. I have a post graduate qualification in Public Sector Administration from Flinders University as well as study in Government Investigation & Compliance. I have been the CEO of Vivability Limited for the last 5 years. I'm committed to good governance, the creation of employment opportunities and attracting business and investment to Bathurst. I have a record of being able to progress major projects including construction projects and I work with Bathurst's small business owners every day. I understand how to promote business and our city. If elected I will deliver on the infrastructure improvements that Bathurst needs to grow, to promote prosperity and good services for our community. I will bring exience, commitment and skill to Bathurst Regional Council.
Sharon Sewell: Sharon Sewell was born and raised in Bathurst and her family has a long history in the region. She attended school in Bathurst before graduating with a Bachelor of Social Science from CSU. Sharon has been involved in many community organisations, school parent committees and sporting administration roles including Vice President of Bathurst Junior Girls Hockey Association. A keen sports person Sharon has played hockey, netball, basketball and tennis in local competitions. In 2020 Sharon completed a Masters of Business Administration at CSU.
Sharon is currently the Vice President of the United Services Union and is a Director of Unity (Reliance) Bank. Sharon will bring experience and skill to Bathurst Regional Council.
Kevin Walker: Grew up in Albion Park. He moved to the Central West in 2010 to attend university and graduated from CSU with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Kevin relocated to Bathurst in 2014 to work for the NSW Government providing Physiotherapy services to people with disabilities. Kevin is a talented sportsman, playing in local soccer, AFL, baseball, tennis & golf competitions and is a former President of the Bathurst Giants AFL Club. Kevin is passionate about ensuring that Bathurst people have access to good services. He understands the importance of good governance and ethical decision-making. He is raising a young family with his wife Grace and is committed to ensuring that Bathurst kids have great career opportunities. Kevin currently manages Viva Clinical services. He will bring great skills and youth to Bathurst Regional Council.
Tina Mitchell: Grew up in Sydney's lower north shore. She has a background working for the federal Attorney-General's Department in law enforcement including work in the Diplomatic and Consular protection group and Counter Terrorism First Response Team. In the Public Relations arena Tina has been involved in music promotion of international artists.Tina relocated to Bathurst in 2002. She owns and operates a small business and is interested in working with Bathurst business owners as part of the promotion of the city. Tina has completed a Bachelor of Business Management at Charles Sturt University with a joint study in Organisational Communication and Public Relations. She understands the importance of the relationship between business and communications, and how these two elements connect and build a stronger community. Tina will bring a wealth of experience and skill to Bathurst Regional Council.
Kieran O'Dwyer: Born and raised in Gosford on the Central Coast. In 2010 he moved to Bathurst for University and completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science. Kieran has built an impressive resume in the exercise space, working with clients from elite athletes to those in rehabilitation. In 2017 Kieran founded Bathurst Strength and Conditioning with some close friends to prioritise the need for science based group exercise interventions and individual coaching in Bathurst. He is currently in the process of establishing another facility in Orange. Kieran's heart and passion lies in educating the masses on how to take care of their health with a focus on results. Kieran is skilled in business and promotion, he will bring great passion and energy to Bathurst Regional Council.
PRIORITIES:
We are determined to find a solution to the Hereford /Trinity congestion.
This election is about competency & reputation. We need councillors that have the skills to promote Bathurst and send a clear message that Bathurst is a great place to live, raise your family & do business. Our team has the skills to rebuild our reputation and to position Bathurst for the future. We need to be seen as a can do Council that welcomes business, progress and innovation
To improve facilities and access for people with disabilities.
BIMC: My team is supportive of the proposed Integrated Medical Centre. I understand the concerns about the height of this building however I believe that all proposals need to be judged on the merits of the particular proposal rather than a blanket rule. I believe it's a great opportunity to secure improved medical services and investment for the Bathurst region. The Medical centre will attract specialist services for both the new facility as well as the Bathurst Base Hospital, as specialists typically have operating and visiting rights for both the private & public systems. The Medical Centre will invigorate economic activity in the CBD and the parking component of the proposal will be a boost for local business. New opportunities for employment growth and the ability to provide placements for medical and allied health students will be fantastic.
WATER SECURITY: We need to progress water harvesting and recycling. A pipeline from Chifley Dam should be included as the long term strategy.
RIVER CROSSING: Yes I think the river crossing should be further west of Hereford street and direct traffic heading to Sofala, Laffing Waters and Eleven Mile drive away from the congestion at Trinity Heights.
AMBULANCE STATION: Bathurst was gifted the Ambulance Station for community use. I would like the Ambulance Station to be redeveloped as the Central West Epicurean Centre, showcasing our fine food and drink producers. The Bathurst Epicurean festival could be held in early Autumn and would boost tourist during a tourist "flat spot". Our local producers could take up small tenancies to promote their business in a centralised location.
GO-KART TRACK: I understand that the drive in site has been ruled out by the EPA based on noise concerns. A go-kart track should be incorporated into the second track proposal. The karting club does need a facility and I believe that they have been disadvantaged due to the poor decision making around the previous proposal.
RATES CAP: No I wouldn't support rate rises above the cap. Council needs to lobby State & Federal government for funds using a strong evidence based framework to progress the infrastructure projects that have been left for far too long.
BUSINESS COMMUNITY: Council needs to consult with the Bathurst business community and provide a forum for consultation and feedback. Council needs to to attract business and investment to Bathurst, however it needs the right councillors with the skills to instill confidence to ensure that projects are able to progress. A strong strategic plan around investment is needed to ensure that Bathurst progresses as the business hub for Central West NSW.
WOMEN'S VOICE: I am hoping that there is some balance on the new council with both male and female councillors. There are some impressive female councillors on teams not necessarily as lead candidates. I hope people look carefully at these excellent candidates.
COUNCIL DIVISIONS: I am able to work with any combination of councillors. Councillors need to work together as part of a team, it's fine to have a difference in opinion, to have lively debate but then to move on. The council needs to present a united team and to be respectful of each other.
FUNDING: My team has not accepted any donations and is completely self funded.