N the lead-up to this year’s council election outgoing Cabonne mayor Bob Dowling says it’s an exciting time to live in the region.
Cr Dowling, who will not be seeking re-election in next month’s poll, said there were a number of candidates who will do “an excellent job” helping to run the region.
Of the 21 candidates seeking election, three are women including current councillors Janelle Culverson and Sharon Wilcox and newcomer Marlene Nash.
“I hope all three get on council, I think they’ll all make great contributions,” he said.
“I think women offer a different perspective to what men do.”
Cr Dowling said there were no key election issues facing the Cabonne electorate however he hoped the newly elected councillors would each offer “something different to council”.
“I think the mix is important when you’re trying to get a balanced council,” he said.
Cr Dowling said while he deliberated over his decision to retire from local government he wanted to concentrate on his farming interests and spend more time with his family.
He has been on council for four years, the past two as mayor.
“I’m not prepared to represent the people of Cabonne unless I can devote 100 per cent to the job,” he said.
Cr Dowling admits he’ll miss council life “enormously”.
He said teamwork among councillors, council staff and the community had been one of the outstanding achievements of the current council.
“My personal highlight, however, was meeting and talking to the people of Cabonne,” he said.
The complete list of candidates for the Cabonne local government elections: Barry Burn, Ralph Chrystall, Janelle Culverson, Ian Davison, Geoff Dean, Anthony Durkin, Ian Gosper, Michael Hayes, Gerald Ingham, Derek Johnson, Jamie Jones, Lachlan MacSmith, Paul Mullins, Marlene Nash, Lenny Punch, Graham Smith, Greg Treavors, Kevin Walker, Tom Ward, Sharon Wilcox, Colin Young.