I’ve put together a team that’s community focused, that has clear ideas and purpose, that works well together and wants to listen. A team that seeks to understand the issues we face in Bathurst and the villages and deliver informed, long term solutions ie: How do we balance water security with the pressure of an increasing population? How do we reactivate the CBD so our businesses survive and thrive? How do we shape Bathurst so our children have a bright and hopeful future here and a reason to stay?  And underpinning that, is our commitment to manage council’s finances transparently and fairly.

I came to Bathurst to study journalism and fell in love with a young farmer from Oberon. I headed to Sydney to work in advertising and with Channel 10 but then returned to the central west working at Prime TV in Orange and 2BS as their Creative Director.  Over the years I’ve worked as a journalist, copywriter and graphic designer – for the last 17 years with my own business, Red Moon Creative. I’ve spent my entire working life listening and finding creative solutions at state and local government level and with large and small businesses.    

As a successful business woman, a mum and wife and someone who’s lived quietly in Bathurst for 40 years I’ve increasingly felt the time was right to give something back to the city and region that’s been so good to us. I am humbled to be joined by Gerarda, Ash, Kalmadyne and Dave. They are serious community champions of Bathurst and I would be proud to have all four on council with me. 

Born in a small, rural, NSW town to Dutch migrants who proudly made Australia their home, I moved to Bathurst in 1982 and have loved being a part of the community here. Coming from a migrant background I believe has helped me understand and appreciate the beautiful diversity of language, culture and customs.

As a business woman with strong community networks, I’ve volunteered with Red Cross, the RFS, local sports and charities, Landcare, business and even council by taking positions on the tourism and heritage reference groups for many years.

My working life has focused on entrepreneurship and business start-ups. With experience in tourism enterprises and real estate I’ve built a reputation as a well respected mentor and consultant within my business networks.

I believe we have a formidable team that will work with the community to propel Bathurst into a bright future, a future underpinned by sustainability and that balances the needs of our economy, environment, health and lifestyle.

I’ve spent a lot of my life in positions of leadership, from being school Captain at Kirkconnell Public School and Kelso High, to senior management positions in various organisations along with a range of community groups and professional networks.

I was taught that if there is a job to be done, and you’re there, and you can do it, then you should just step up and get on with it! In Bathurst we have a lot of important jobs to get on with, and Council is central to most of them.

I am very familiar with the workings of local government and understand the wonderful things that can be achieved at a local level, working directly with community. That’s why, when I established Constructive Energy, I specifically targeted councils to help them take advantage of the renewable energy transition. We are currently helping over 12 councils around the state to create their own energy, benefiting their communities through reduced costs and increased renewable energy.

As an alumni of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, I also know that listening is critical – especially to people you don’t agree with. Asking the right questions is critical. Values and ethics really do matter.

Finally, having had the fortune to travel and work all over Australia and the world, I realise what a truly wonderful place Bathurst is to live and raise a family. It excites me to think of how amazing it would be with a bit of visionary leadership!

My Wiradyuri name is Kalmadyne Goombrydge, but I’m known in the community as Jim Beale. I’ve been in Bathurst since 1976.

From coaching junior rugby league for 16 years, junior intergroup league for six, junior cricket for four and junior basketball for two you can see I care deeply about our young ones. These days I help look after my two beautiful great grand daughters. I hope that when they grow up they’ll be proud of what I’ve done and what I’m doing.

I hope they’ll be able to say “You know my great grandad? He was the first man to identify as an Aboriginal candidate and run for Bathurst Council.” 

In 2017 I was honoured to be included as one of Bathurst’s first 200 Living Legends.

I was involved in that beautiful River Dreaming Festival back in 2007 and with the Men’s group who organised our Sorry Day in 2012. What a day that was!

It’s time we all came together, it’s time we all move forward – black and white – so our kids and our community thrive as they should.

I moved here in 2013 to be with my now wife Cath, and to be a dad to her two kids, Pearl and Caiden. Cath and I established Bathurst City Life shortly after moving to town and it was one of the best experiences of our life.

I love this place.

And I believe in Marg. 

She is a well-respected businesswoman here in Bathurst, has lived here most of her life, has brought up children in town and knows Bathurst like the back of her hand.

Moreover, she is educated, articulate, a fabulous communicator and has a passion for her community. She will be a breath of fresh air on Council.

In the words of my old footy coach – get around her Bathurst!