"I'm the bird for you."
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That's council candidate Helen Swan's message for the Wellington community ahead of the Dubbo Regional Council election.
Ms Swan is standing in the Wellington ward as a Country Labor candidate.
For almost 20 years she has worked in Wellington, most recently as the chief executive officer of Wellington Information Neighbourhood and Services Community Centre.
Ms Swan has also been employed at the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, Barnardos, Little River Landcare and the Lake Burrendong Sport and Recreation Centre.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
"I'm a proud Labor party member and I'm very excited about the opportunity to represent my community because I do think Wellington has missed out a lot," she said.
Ms Swan said there were a lot of "marginalised voices" and those of low socio-economic status who were missing out, as were the smaller villages.
"We need more services and I think council has a role in advocating with the state government for more services, for health and mental health, for youth services," she said.
The council candidate said the roles had given her a knowledge and understanding of the complex social and economic issues that had historically caused a lack of social cohesion and unequal access to opportunities in the Wellington region.
Ms Swan said it also allowed her to see the great possibilities the exist for Wellington if it had the right leadership and investment.
"During my time at Wellington WINS Community Centre I really saw a much much different side to Wellington that I love. That's how I know there a lot of people who don't have a voice."
Ms Swan said she was also passionate about the drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility that's going to be constructed by the NSW government in Dubbo.
She said she really wanted to ensure the Wellington community, particularly the Wellington Aboriginal community, was included in the consultation for the facility and that it was culturally appropriate.
Now that she's semi-retired, Ms Swan said she had the time, passion and commitment to be a councillor.
"We've always had Wellington people on council who are passionate but I think it's time for a different voice. And I do think I could be that voice," she said.
Are you running in the upcoming Dubbo Regional Council election? Get in touch via orlander.ruming@dailyliberal.com.au.