It's only a couple of years since Emma Henderson moved home from Queensland with her young daughter, but her passion for this community has grown exponentially in that time.
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Growing up in Forbes, Emma left after graduating from Forbes High to pursue higher education and career opportunities, but she has always considered Forbes to be home.
"My family have been here our whole lives and I'm grateful to be back," she said.
Emma has been involved in running large businesses since her early twenties, from running pubs and clubs, to a very successful career in automotive sales, real estate and new home construction, winning awards for her achievements.
"I believe my experience and the knowledge gained though working in corporate and the years of owning and running my own businesses will assist me greatly in working on council," she said.
Settled now, she would love to be part of building a community where her eight-year-old daughter Amelia has more opportunities right here in her hometown.
With that in mind, Emma has decided to run for a seat on local council in the upcoming elections on December 4.
"The largest demographic in town now is young families," Emma said, "I have the drive and passion to invest the time and energy to ensure we have more representation on council."
Working as part of a team, to ensure the voices of the whole community are heard and their desired outcomes are achieved is also vital.
"More diversity on council will provide a stronger and more objective council," Emma said.
Community engagement and communication, she feels, are of utmost importance. Listening to what residents want, keeping the community informed and more involved in shaping our town and future.
"Ensuring we stay true to our history and our heritage as well," she added.
"Forbes has a rich history, and we should work to those strengths with new ideas and vision."
Emma is the creator of the Forbes Community Facebook page and the Forbes Mums Group, both set up to provide the community with a space to meet, ask questions, seek support, recommendations, and connect. These groups have membership of over 1,700 and 300 respectively.
Emma sees herself as someone who can focus on listening to the community on issues that impact day-to-day, being receptive to a wide variety of ideas, arguments and information.
"I have a deep respect for the Forbes community, and I plan to work together with all people to improve our area now and into the future," she said.
"Growing up here I always felt safe, like the community was there for me, and I wanted to raise Amelia in a town that had that sense of community where I know people will be there for her."