Barwon Candidate: Owen Whyman, Independent

Profession outside of politics: As a cultural man I have had many years experience on the Mutawintji Board of Management and Land Council. I have served as President of the Wilcannia Golf Club and the Barkindji Men's Dance and Cultural Group. All of which have given me experience in meetings and negotiations for the betterment of the organisation and community. I have previously worked for Western NSW Aboriginal Legal service and hold a Diploma in Primary Health. I am in the process of establishing a Barkindji Tourism network highlighting Indigenous and European history within my local community.

Why are you running for the seat of Barwon? Barwon is my district, I have family connections throughout it. I have spent the majority of my life living, working and travelling around it. I feel passionate about the impact decisions made by governments have on individuals and the community and feel this is my opportunity to contribute.

Why should people vote for the party you stand for? I am not a major party. As an Independent I can either challenge or support the major parties regarding any policies or implementation that directly impact on the Barwon electoral region. I stand to give others an opportunity to have their voices and concerns heard. As an Independent I am more able to aspire and align to the aspirations and needs of the community.

What are the top three issues in the electorate? The top issues affecting residents in the Barwon Electorate are I believe restoring the health of the river system ensuring adequate environmental flows, sustaining the quality/quantity of water in the whole system to support fish and plant life and wellbeing of all the people living along the river and those using it as a source of irrigation for agricultural purposes. I support alternative education opportunities other than the mainstream system for disadvantaged school aged children either due to suspension, expulsion or literacy and numeracy deficiencies. such as the government attempting the initiate CSG exploration in the Pilliga region.

Why should people vote for you? I represent a minority and am in a position to demonstrate that everyone has a voice and it should be allowed to be heard. The major political parties may have access and control over funding and policies but do they really consider what may be best for or what will work for communities on an individual basis. That is who I want to represent. My elders taught me to respect myself, others and my land so when I speak I speak from the heart. I can work with local councils facilitating community strategic plan and give the communities the opportunity to have their say and contribute to the future of their towns.

How do you propose to bring more jobs to the electorate? I would strongly advocate for agencies delivering services from abroad outsource jobs for delivering the programmes to the local community to be run by the local people. I believe in facilitating community empowerment whereby issues affecting people who live within their communities have equal input/consultation into programs.

What do you feel is the biggest issue affecting people in Nyngan? The renovation, reconstruction or demolition of the Palais theatre; keeping up a good standard of road maintenance; the provision of adequate housing for seniors; and improvement to parks and gardens within the township.

How do you propose to help with this should you be elected? I would like to assist local council seek better deals from the state government ensuring there is adequate financial contribution towards the drought policy, transport, health and planning. I would also ensure that the NSW State government remains on-track in satisfying all aspects of the communities strategic plan.

What is your favourite book/hobby/activity? I am a sports man and enjoy playing and watching Rugby. I also enjoy spending time with my family camping along the banks of the Baaka.