The Leader has asked each election candidate it profiles to bring an item that means something to them; whether it be personal, symbolic or representative of a professional achievement, and give the public an explanation why.
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IT'S time to get back to basics.
Tamworth Regional Council's focus on the big picture has brought with it the benefit of rapid development, but election candidate Russell Webb said when it comes to community engagement the wheels have fallen off.
"We've been really focused on growth and prosperity for the region, but I think now we need to take a breath and attend to some of the smaller issues that have been let go," he said.
"One of the things we need to focus more heavily on is liveability, a lot of our smaller communities feel they haven't done as well as they could have.
"I want them to feel a lot more a part of the region."
Cr Webb has been involved in a number of community organisations and helped charities, he's on the board of Oxley Community Transport and Local Land Services.
Aside from the desperate need for water security, Cr Webb wants to turn his attention to bringing community groups and volunteers back together to work for better outcomes for the whole region.
"We wouldn't be the community, the state or the nation we are if we didn't have the volunteers we have doing the work they do," he said.
"I think we have probably dropped the ball a bit there in that support - we have some volunteer groups that have fallen by the wayside and we've allowed that to happen.
"We need policies and strategies that focus on supporting and helping them rather than giving them too much work to do or red tape."
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A member of the local National Party, Cr Webb said when it comes to local government issues he acts independently.
"I bring quite a lot of experience to the table, I have a very good understanding of where we've been and where we're going, as well as the shortfalls in the past," he said.
Asked to bring an item of significance along with him, he chose his best mate Pat.
"My dog is one of my best mates, he's with me everyday and apart from being a great companion who is there for me all the time, he's a very good working animal and absolutely I'd be lost without him," he said.
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Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
