For Shibli Chowdhury, being elected to Dubbo Regional Council is a way for him to give back to a city that's given so much to his family.
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Mr Chowdhury was born and raised in Bangladesh before moving to Australia in 2009. He now lives in Dubbo with his wife Urmi and three children.
"I believe council should reflect its community, and Dubbo is home to a growing number of people from a multicultural background," Mr Chowdhury said.
"I hope by running I can be a voice for people whose stories are the same as mine and are assimilating into this community. And also, council needs more new faces and diversity."
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Mr Chowdhury is standing in the south ward at the upcoming election, because he wants to represent his neighbours.
"The issues that matter to a lot of the people of south ward are the same as the issues that matter to me. South ward is a big ward geographically and it provides an opportunity to be a representative for a good cross-section of the community, from farmers right through to young families and singles looking to crack into the housing market," he said.
The council candidate works in financial services but spends a lot of time involved in the community through multicultural groups, Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie, Clean Up Australia Day and Dubbo Health Council.
In 2018 he received a Dubbo Day Award for volunteering and was nominated for the 2020 NSW Volunteer Award.
Mr Chowdhury is calling for a bridge to be built to the south of the LH Ford Bridge. He said the issue had been handled poorly by council so far and residents were confused.
"I believe it is of great benefit to the entire south ward but will also be good for the whole city," he said.
"It's important that we forget about happened previously and get it back on the agenda, with all options considered, and the route that best serves the community is the result.
"I also think council needs to play a role in helping with the housing situation that has resulted in low supply and heavily-inflated prices for sales and rentals."
The local government elections will be held on September 4. Residents in the Dubbo local government area will elect two representatives from each of the five wards.
Are you standing in the Dubbo Regional Council election? Get in touch via orlander.ruming@dailyliberal.com.au.