NSW Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has unveiled it’s new executive team elected at it’s AGM held on Friday 11 March with Cr Ken Keith OAM (Mayor of Parkes Shire) returned as Chairman, and Councillor Jamie Chaffey (Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council) elected Deputy Chair.
Eight Country Mayors were also elected to the Executive, including Cr Craig Davies (Narromine Shire Council), Cr Rick Firman OAM (Temora Shire Council), Cr Russel Fitzpatrick (Bega Valley Shire Council), Cr John Medcalf OAM (Lachlan Shire Council), Cr Phyllis Miller OAM (Forbes Shire Council), Cr Sue Moore (Singleton Council), Cr Kylie Thomas (Kyogle Council), and Cr Russell Webb, (Tamworth Regional Council).
Mr Kent Boyd PSM, General Manager Parkes Shire Council, was elected Secretary/Public Officer.
Chairman Ken Keith OAM, paid tribute to the outgoing executive members, Cr Michael Pearce, (Uralla Shire Council), Cr Liz Campbell, (Kempsey Shire Council), Cr Peter Petty, (Tenterfield Shire Council) and Cr Kathy Sajowitz, (Oberon Shire Council).
Councillor Keith also welcomed the new and returning members, acknowledging the new executive was exceptionally well equipped to continue to drive the business of the CMA, which is so important to the constituents of Country Councils.
Priority areas for the CMA include working with the State Government to close the gap between health services in the regions compared with those of metropolitan area, ensuring towns have sustainable water supplies and to ensure the financial sustainability of local government. A whole of government approach to disaster planning, skills and education, and regional housing will also be prioritised.
