Approachability, long-term vision and fresh blood are attributes crucial of those selected to represent the Wellington Ward, says candidate Adam Ryan.
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The high school teacher was the sixth Wellington ward candidate to step up by Tuesday for the September 9 Local Government election.
The father of three said, if successful, he is eager to work with the amalgamated Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) 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 the DRC’s 2040 Strategic Plan. He said Wellington’s growth will depend on a holistic approach including improved roads, the quality of water and bin services to make it 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.”
“We should be putting the vote to Wellington because the ratepayers 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.”
Mr Ryan is heavily involved in community groups as vice president of the Wellington Cowboys Rugby League Club, secretary of the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service and president of the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.
He said he isn’t intimidated by fellow candidates with years of council experience.
He said the former Wellington council was “doing what they had to do, but nothing in excess” and if elected he will make it his mission to be a representative to whom the community can talk.
“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. 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.”