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0402 404 606

debrah4clarence@gmail.com

LEAD

Why I Am Standing for Re-election in 2024

I am proud to announce my candidacy for re-election as a Clarence Valley Councillor in 2024. My decision to seek a third term in office is driven by a deep commitment to amplifying the collective voice of our community on matters vital to our future.


Securing Our Future

In these challenging times, it is more critical than ever that we stand strong on key issues such as water and food security, farming, community, young people, small businesses, and the environment. Our actions today will shape the future for generations to come, and I am dedicated to leading the way in addressing these pressing concerns.


Diverse Challenges, Experienced Leadership

The Clarence Valley faces a multitude of issues that are both diverse and complex. From the trials of drought and bushfires to the disruptions caused by the pandemic and recent floods, our community needs elected Councillors who not only understand the intricacies of a Council Chamber but also demonstrate a profound care for the well-being and interests of every member of our community.


A Voice for All

I am committed to being the voice of the community, ensuring that your concerns are heard, understood, and acted upon. The challenges we face are shared, and the solutions we seek should reflect the values and aspirations of our residents. I have a proven track record of championing your interests, and I am determined to continue doing so in the years to come.


Your Partner in Progress

I believe that the strength of our community lies in our ability to work together towards a brighter future. With your support, I will continue to engage in meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and lead by example. Together, we can overcome adversity and build a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Clarence Valley for generations to come.


Your Concerns, My Commitment

Your concerns are my concerns, and together, we can address the issues that matter most to our community. I am dedicated to being a tireless advocate for the well-being and prosperity of our region. As we look to the future, I am eager to listen to your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations to ensure that our community's voice remains strong and vibrant.


Join Me in Shaping Our Future

I invite you to join me on this journey to secure a promising future for the Clarence Valley. Together, we can stand strong and address the challenges before us, forging a path that leads to a thriving, sustainable, and vibrant community.


Together, we can make a difference.


Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you once again in 2024.


If you have any matters you would like to raise with me please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss.


I have lived, worked and played in the Clarence Valley for 40 years.

EMPOWER

As an elected civic leader, I am here to guide you in understanding how our local government operates and your vital role in upholding the strength and transparency of our local democracy.


I want to emphasize that I am proudly independent, unaligned with any political party or foreign-owned company. My sole allegiance is to the residents of the Clarence Valley, and my mission is to serve you to the best of my ability.


With over 25 years of dedicated advocacy for our community, I bring to the table a strong, ethical, calm, creative, passionate, and measured voice. These qualities are the cornerstones of my commitment to the betterment of our region.


Rest assured, with my hand on my heart, I stand for accountability and transparency to the residents of the Clarence Valley electorate.


Your trust is the foundation of my service, and I pledge to honor it every step of the way.


The Office of Local Government (OLG) explains the role of an elected Councillor in a simplified way as follows:


Leadership: Being a good leader in our local community involves setting a clear vision and direction for our area. It means working well with other Councillors to make decisions that benefit everyone, both now and in the future. It's also about building positive relationships within and outside our community.


Accountability: As a Councillor, you need to be responsible for understanding and meeting the needs of our community. This includes talking to our community and handling our council's money and assets wisely. We should think about the long-term effects of our decisions and make sure we follow certain rules for planning and reporting.


Learning: It's our job to keep learning and improving. We should try to learn the skills we need for our role and take part in programs that help us get better. We should always look for opportunities to learn more and share what we know to help local government as a whole.


Open decision-making: To be effective in council work, we need to make informed decisions by preparing well and getting involved. We should follow the rules for meetings and use the information and help the general manager provides us to make choices.


Conduct: We should act in a way that makes our council and local government look good. This means following the law, being honest, and treating others with respect. We need to be careful and do our jobs properly, and our relationships with other Councillors, the general manager, and staff should be based on trust and respect, following any agreed-upon guidelines.


In simple terms, being an elected Councillor is about leading, being responsible, learning and improving, making good decisions, and acting in a way that's honest and respectful to make our community better.



The Clarence Valley LGA 

is over 10,000 square kms big,

home to 54,000 people and

has 60 towns and villages.

RENEW

I am an experienced Clarence Valley Councillor seeking re-election for my third term in 2024.


With a background spanning 25 years, I've been a dedicated advocate for our community's needs, particularly in areas such as water and food security, farming, young people, small businesses, and the environment.


I believe in the power of local government to make a meaningful difference, and my leadership is marked by a commitment to collaborative solutions.


I bring a diverse skill set and a proven track record, and I am determined to continue amplifying the collective voice of our community for a brighter and more prosperous future."



WHEN

We are in the countdown to the 2024 NSW Local Government Election which will be held on the 14th September.


Our Council will go into caretaker mode from the 16th August 2024.




ADVOCATE

Over the past 25 years, I have been your community advocate, tirelessly working on matters of significance to our community.


My commitment to the Clarence Valley is unwavering, and some of the key areas I have championed include:



Sports: Supporting local sports initiatives to promote health and community cohesion.


Cold Cases: Seeking justice and closure for unresolved cases in our region.

Small Business: Fostering an environment where our local businesses can thrive and create jobs.


Performing Arts: Nurturing the arts and cultural diversity in our community.


Domestic Violence: Advocating for the safety and well-being of our residents.


Primary Producers: Supporting our hardworking farmers and agricultural industries.


Bush Fires and Floods: Preparedness and relief efforts during times of crisis.


Food and Water Security: Ensuring our community has access to essential resources.


Mental Health and Well-being: Addressing the mental health needs of our residents.


I am highly motivated and firmly believe in collaborative leadership.


Leading by example, I am committed to working alongside you so that our community can flourish and prosper together.


Beyond my professional life, my interests include farming, road trips, local history, cooking, freshwater fishing, kayaking, native food plants, bees, politics, social justice, and research.


As a proud mother of three young adults who were born, raised, and educated here in the Clarence Valley, I have instilled the value of community service in my children.


They are serving the community in various capacities, and it is a value that I don't just profess but live every day.


If you have any matters you'd like to discuss or issues you'd like to raise, please don't hesitate to contact me.


I am here to serve you and our community. Together, we can continue to make the Clarence Valley a better place for all.


Thank you for your support, and I look forward to continuing our journey of progress and growth.


If you have any matters you would like to raise with me please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss.




We are all custodians

of this great and diverse area.



If ELECTED I WILL CONTINUE ADVOCATING FOR:


  1. Social and Affordable housing
  2. Council policies that ensure transparency and accountability
  3. Funding for Community and Business natural disaster plans
  4. Minimising small business red tape
  5. Local Emergency Management volunteer training
  6. Food and water security
  7. Funding for the Townsend Community Precinct
  8. Funding for the Hawthorne Park upgrade
  9. Funding for Stage 2 Grafton Foreshore Precinct
  10. Funding for a trail bike Master Plan for Yamba, Maclean, Iluka
  11. Buy back mining leases in the Clarence water catchment
  12. Funding for a Clarence Valley Water filtration plant
  13. Funding for Grafton Regional Saleyards upgrade
  14. Funding for Harwood Cultural Precinct
  15. Funding for a Clarence Valley Light Horse trail
  16. Regional Airport Emergency food triage centre (human and livestock)






FAQ

  1. Can you really make a difference being an elected Councillor?
  2. Is it worthwhile being an elected Councillor?
  3. What skills do you bring to the table?
  4. Is being an elected Councillor a full time job?
  5. What is the difference between Local, State and Federal politics?
  6. Do you get on with everyone in the chamber?
  7. What has been the best thing about being on Clarence Valley Council?
  8. What has been the scariest thing you have done while on Council?
  9. How do you handle all the negative FB posts directed at you?
  10. Can Local Government really make a difference?
  11. Do you have to like everyone in the Council Chamber?
  12. Why does Council take so long to respond to my phone calls and emails?
  13. How can I complain about Council?
  14. What has been the most important lessons you have learned so far?
  15. Do you get paid to be an elected Clarence Valley Councillor?
  16. Is there much travelling to do as an elected Councillor?
  17. What frameworks are in place to protect you from being bullied?
  18. Can you tell us some of your achievments as an elected Councillor?
  19. Can you tell us some of your personal/business achievements?
  20. Can you tell us about some of your community advocacy achievements?


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