Candidates for the vacant position on Forbes Shire Council are Grant Clifton, Jenny Webb, Robyn Miller and John Berger and their names will appear in this order on the ballot paper on Saturday, May 9.

The by-election is being conducted by Forbes Shire Council, under the direction of independent returning officer Alan McCormack, who has served as general manager of Parkes, Lachlan and Forbes shire councils over the last 30 years.

Forbes Business Chamber hosted a candidates forum last Thursday but in the interests of informing the electorate, the Advocate asked each of the four a series of questions about their background and the issues that concern them. Their responses are published below and will be repeated in Thursday’s Advocate.

GRANT CLIFTON:

What is your background? I was born in Condobolin, grew up in Tullamore from a farming family, and went to school at Red Bend Catholic College as a boarder. Two of my sons were also educated there. Most of my life has been dedicated to farming and associated businesses, when the farm was sold we moved to Sydney for a few years in which I gained an insight and knowledge of the hospitality industry then moved back to the country and bought the Vandenberg Hotel.

Why do you want to run for the councillor position? Because I am a proud member of the Forbes community and I would like to play a part in its continued support and development, whether it be with business, the many volunteer organisations, sporting groups, youth and the aged of Forbes. I would like to encourage more economic support to the local businesses in the shire to keep Forbes businesses and community competitive.

What do you feel are the three important issues for the Forbes community?

* Growth

* Economic sustainability

* Employment and business development

What’s your vision or hope for the future of Forbes? For Forbes to not only be the gateway to the outback but to be a model for economic sustainability for other rural communities. To continue to provide good services and support for the whole community of the Forbes Shire.

Any other comments: I am a proud member of the Forbes community. In the business of hospitality you get to associate with all ages and walks of life, my aim is to listen and to represent the whole community to make sure Forbes continues to grow, move forward and prosper well into the future.

JENNY WEBB:

What is your background? Radiographer / farmer / mother. Born and raised on a farm at Condobolin. Moved to Bedgerabong in 1990 where Tim and I bought our first farm. I have three beautiful children, who have all attended local schools. Have a Bachelor of Applied Science (Radiography), and Diploma of Business Management. I currently manage Forbes and three other Central West Medical Imaging departments. I have experience in finance and budgets, tenders and contracts, have lobbied state members and have successfully applied for funding for imaging equipment. 

Why do you want to run for the councillor position? I would like to have some fresh influence on issues that affect Forbes and believe through my perspective as a radiographer, farmer and mother I can contribute to the future direction of Forbes and its communities.  I believe my diverse skills and independent thinking would add another dimension to the council.  We need a council that is pro active and future orientated.

What do you feel are the three important issues for the Forbes community? Health and aged care: We must maintain and improve all our health services, so as to ensure that Forbes community always has access to the highest quality health care. In an aging population, aged care must be put on our priority list.

Employment and rural businesses: We need to look after our local businesses, and ensure we have a strong growing small business base. Need to encourage new business and services, there must be both short range and long range strategies in place for employment

Policing and crime prevention: With crime on the rise in rural towns, we as Forbes need to stay vigilant and on top of this.  

What’s your vision or hope for the future of Forbes? I’m proud of our town. I meet locum doctors, uni students and travelling visitors all the time, and they always comment on how pretty the town looks with its lake and heritage buildings, and how genuine the Forbes people are. I would like to build on this, and believe growth comes from within. We must ensure that we have the best health facilities, that all our communities and local businesses are looked after, and to encourage prospective new businesses and services so as to ensure a vibrant local economy. It would be nice to think that the future of Forbes sees plentiful job opportunities for our young people.

ROBYN MILLER:

What is your background? I was born in Forbes into a farming family. I am a registered general nurse and midwife with 43 years experience. I worked at Forbes Hospital for 30 years until I retired in September 2014. I have also gained valuable sales and marketing experience working for Abbott Australasia as a rep in three different medical divisions of the company.

Why do you want to run for the councillor position? It is 16 months until the next full council election in September 2016. As I was an elected councillor from 1999 to 2012 I believe I have the ability to maintain the momentum of this current council. Since retiring I now have the time and the desire to commit to working for the Forbes community again.

What do you feel are the three important issues for the Forbes community?

* Economic development to secure the future of Forbes by way of assisting and encouraging new businesses to Forbes. Ideally I would like to see an abattoir again to provide local jobs and inject dollars into the community which in turn would secure existing businesses who also need to be supported.

* Continued growth of cultural and festive events to provide interest and entertainment at a local level. Events such as the rodeo, Camel Races, VanFest, Ben Hall Festival, Opera in the Park would also attract tourists to Forbes, hence more dollars injected into local businesses.

* The most important issue I see is the provision of TAFE courses and apprenticeships for our young people. Our young people are the future and as such need to be given the opportunity to gain further education and hence employment in Forbes. Council could continue to lobby various government departments to gain these opportunities for Forbes.

What’s your vision or hope for the future of Forbes? My vision and hope is for a safe future for Forbes. A safe environment, job opportunities for our youth, attractive town and surrounds and an inviting place to live.

Any other comments: What’s on in Forbes and services available has always been difficult information to filter through to residents. My dream would be a large digital events and information board either outside Council or in a prominent town position that becomes a central information point. The information could be updated on a daily basis and include upcoming events eg. Kalari Arts Festival, VanFest and to provide information of services available eg. doctors, dentists, chemists, Yoorana Gunya, churches, childcare centres, Home and Community Services and contacts for Lifeline, Beyond Blue etc. 

Your number ONE vote for me on Saturday May 9th is a vote for honesty and integrity. I promise to be a hard working, independant and free thinking member of the Council team.

JOHN BERGER:

What is your background? I have nine years’ experience as a Forbes Shire councillor and three years as the deputy mayor. I was chairman of Works, Crime Prevention and Environmental Advisory committees. I spent over 16 years managing Woolworths Petrol and BP and overseeing 10 other sites. I am vice president of Valley FM community radio and committee member of Forbes Badminton.

Why do you want to run for the councillor position? I feel that council needs an experienced person to fill the vacancy. I have the experience as a previous councillor to represent Forbes.  I have the skills and the passion to be an effective councillor and represent all residents of Forbes. I want to continue the work of the late Ron Penny. 

What do you feel are the three important issues for the Forbes community? The three most important issues to the Forbes community are consistent economic and business development, affordable and available housing and crime. 

Forbes residents want new business employing people to come to Forbes. Forbes residents are concerned about the availability of affordable housing for existing and new residents. With an increase in break and enters, Forbes residents are nervous about policing.

What’s your vision or hope for the future of Forbes? My vision for Forbes is a place where people want to come to and live, where there is employment for our young people so they don’t have to leave Forbes, where people feel safe in the streets and their homes. A town that is “on the map in NSW” as a place to live.

Any other comments: I have nine years’ experience as a councillor. When I was previously a councillor I made myself available to all residents of Forbes and would help anyone. I pledge to be available to all residents if I am elected on May 9th. I have the passion for the Forbes Community and want Forbes to be the best town on the Lachlan River. I will represent Forbes Shire Council with honour and integrity and be a councillor that the residents can be proud of.