Committee for Echuca Moama hosted a public forum for the Murray River Council candidates at Rich River Golf Club on Wednesday, September 4.
The event was attended by nominees from the Greater Murray and Moama wards, with all but two candidates presenting to the crowd.
From the Greater Murray ward, Joy Allan, Norman Berger, Kylie Berryman and Kron Nicholas were in attendance. Geoff Wise and Thomas Weyrich were not present.
In the Moama ward, Chris Bilkey, Graeme Blow, Gen Campbell, Francis Crawley, John Harvie, Bianca Hurn and Michael Ludeman joined, accounting for all nominees.
Each candidate had five minutes to present, and were introduced in alphabetical order by surname, beginning with the Greater Murray ward. A question-and-answer opportunity was also available.
One quote from each candidate has been selected from the forum.
“I’m committed to a balanced and fair voice in council for all, and I’m very interested in standing up for people in outlying areas,” Joy Lorraine Allan.
“I believe strongly in this area here, and it goes without saying, I’m sure everyone who’s standing here believes in transparency as well with councils,” Norman Berger said.
“I’m hoping to make a difference, we can’t always promise the world ... but we’re here to make a difference,” Kylie Berryman said.
“I’ve been on council for two years now, and I think it’s rather enjoyable actually, the things that are happening at the moment are quite unique,” Kronrod Nicholas said.
“We must learn to listen more to understand what the community wants before we go ahead and make decisions on their behalf,” Christopher Bilkey said.
“Success moving forward to me looks like council finances in order with services being maintained and improved,” Graeme Blow said.
“Our strength is our unique country lifestyle, that really requires investment in basic infrastructure,” Gen Campbell said.
“We have done a lot of really good work in this current council that’s going to hold us in good stead going forward,” Francis Crawley said.
“My focus will always be on what’s best for our community and also what’s fair for our community,” John Harvie said.
“Seeing your town and community thrive is obviously what you want as a local,” Bianca Hurn said.
“That’s what I’d do, not change, but to serve, and through good service, perhaps we may be changed,” Michael John Ludeman said.
Every candidate from the Greater Murray and Moama wards has been featured in the Riv’s Murray River Council candidate series. Below is a link to every profile.
The 2024 NSW Local Government elections are on Saturday, September 14. Pre-polling begins on Saturday, September 7.
To view the full list of candidates and see your closest polling place, head to https://elections.nsw.gov.au/elections/find-my-electorate/councils/murray-river
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