Approachability, long-term vision and fresh blood are attributes crucial of those selected to represent the Wellington Ward, according to candidate Adam Ryan.
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The high school teacher from Wellington has thrown his hat in the ring alongside five other candidates ahead of the September Local Government Election.
The father of three said if successful in the election he is eager to work with the amalgamated council to bring Wellington to its full potential.
“Since we’ve amalgamated we’re getting a lot of things done,” he said. “I just hope it’s not a honeymoon period, I want to keep getting things done,” he said.
“They’ve got their wards in Dubbo, we have ours, and I’m looking forward to it if I’m elected.
“We’re fresh and going in a new direction.”
Mr Ryan said he is particularly excited about council’s 2040 Strategic Plan. He said the town’s growth will depend on a holistic approach, like that of improved roads, the quality of water and bin services, to make Wellington a more attractive place to live.
“We’ve got all these great things – the caves, the dam, the golf course, the Arboretum – we’ve got all these things but they’re not being used to their full potential,” he said.
“We should be putting the vote to Wellington because the rate payers should be getting to make decisions.
“I want to make it a better place and grow – times are changing and we need to change with them otherwise we’ll be left behind.”
The community man who is heavily involved in community groups – vice president of the Wellington Cowboys Rugby League Club, secretary of WACHS and president of Aboriginal Education Consultative Group – said he isn’t intimidated by his fellow candidates who boast years of council experience.
He said the former Wellington council were “doing what they had to do, but nothing in excess” and if elected he will make it his mission to be a representative the community can talk to.
“The only thing I’d say is it’s good to have council experience but not one of them have experience in an amalgamated council, so I’m not behind the eight ball,” he said.
“I haven’t learnt any bad tricks.
“It’s time to have people on council that all the people of Wellington can talk to.
“It’s not about wearing suits, it’s about being a voice for the whole community, that’s what I want to be.”
The Local Government Election will be held on September 9.