COUNCILLORS

 COOTAMUNDRA-GUNDAGAI REGIONAL COUNCIL – COUNCILLORS

The new CGRC Council was sworn in at an Extraordinary Meeting of Council held in Cootamundra on Tuesday 15 October 2024. Pictured left to right: Councillor Les Cooper, Danyal Syed, Ethan Ryan, Gil Kelly, Abb McAlister (Mayor), David Graham, Logan Collins.

Deputy Mayor Rosalind Wight and Councillor Penny Nicholson at front.

Councillor Abb McAlister – Mayor

Councillor Abb McAlister has been elected as Mayor for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council. This is Councillor McAlister’s second term as mayor for the Council. First representing CGRC after the merger of the two former Gundagai and Cootamundra Shire Councils. Councillor McAlister is a seasoned local government representative serving his local community, for many years.

Councillor McAlister is also a fierce supporter of community organisations and the work they do in their respective communities. Residing in Gundagai Councillor McAlister is admired and well respected by his peers and community alike.

Councillor McAlister has a strong voice and is passionate about his community. A retired stock and station agent and local government advocate, Councillor McAlister has a wide network and can communicate at all levels.

Councillor McAlister brings to the table experience, passion, and a can-do attitude and represents the community to which he serves with enthusiasm and zest. Councillor McAlister has pledged that he will endeavour to bring unity and respect within the Council chamber and foster a team environment for the benefit of all the communities the council represents.

Councillor Rosalind Wight – Deputy Mayor

Elected to the position of Deputy Mayor, Councillor Wight brings a wealth of experience to Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC). Formally serving on the Cootamundra Shire Council and the first term of merged Councils (Cootamundra and Gundagai). Councillor Wight has 6 years’ experience as a Councillor and advocate for her local community.

Councillor Wight has been a Cootamundra local for over 25 years. a farmer with a keen interest in history and decorative arts. Councillor Wight has been a staunch supporter of the Cootamundra Heritage Centre. During her time at Cootamundra Shire Council Councillor Wight initiated and drew up plans for the picturesque Rose Garden in Cootamundra’s Albert Park and the refurbishment of the memorial gardens at the Cootamundra Cenotaph.

Experience, unity, working cohesively and fiscal responsibility are the attributes Councillor Wight hopes to bring to Council.

Councillor Gil Kelly

Councillor Gil Kelly has served four terms on Council and has acquired a lot of experience in local government over this time. Elected to the position of Mayor in July 2024, Councillor Kelly proudly took on the top job until the 2024 Local Government elections. Serving as Deputy Mayor previously, Councillor Kelly was born in Cootamundra and is a campaigner for community service and volunteering, he is the deputy captain for the local Rural Fire Service, Vice President of the Cootamundra Ex-Services Club as well as serving on several Council sub-committees.

Employed as an Area Manager with a market leading international supply company. Councillor Kelly understands the need to build and foster relationships. With an honest and transparent nature, Councillor Kelly is known to be loud and proud about his community and has pledged his advocacy for all residents within the LGA.

Councillor Kelly believes that tough decisions need to made, some won’t be popular however decisions will be made to achieve the long-term viability of our Council. Promoting the region as a prosperous and liveable environment, where businesses flourish, residents are getting the services needed and growth is adding value are principles Councillor Kelly wants to achieve.

Councillor Penny Nicholson

Councillor Nicholson is a passionate Gundagai resident and recognised for being approachable, honest and a strong advocate for the communities she represents .

Serving her third term,  Councillor Nicholson will continue in her endeavours to seek opportunities to drive business, tourism and facilities within the region.

As a former small business owner Councillor Nicholson understands the challenges business owners face and the rewards that can be achieved when communities support local business and create initiatives to drive success.

Councillor Nicholson will bring experience and enthusiasm to council encouraging and fostering a culture of integrity and transparency within the chamber.

Councillor Logan Collins

Councillor Logan Collins is serving his second term with CGRC, elected as the youngest Councillor in NSW he brings a youthful perspective to local government and is committed to seeing his community prosper.

Councillor Collins acknowledges that decisions council has to make aren’t always easy and can draw conflict. He believes deliberation, discussion and unity are the best way forward to achieving the most desirable outcomes for the communities he represents.

Councillor Collins is passionate about emergency management, road safety, rural health, regional employment, housing and youth and serves on a number of Council Committees that reflect his interests and commitment to community development and maintenance of services.

Councillor David Graham

Councillor Ethan Ryan

Councillor Ryan is serving his first term on Council and is one of the younger members of the chamber he considers that being a councillor is about more than just roads, rates and rubbish. Councils make decisions that affect daily lives, and believes being a councillor is about shaping the future of our towns and enhancing community life.

Councillor Ryan has gained valuable experience working with institutions such as the Australian War Memorial and National Gallery of Australia before pursuing a career in the Defence Industry / Government Security space, he is a firm believer that Council should and can seize opportunities that benefit every corner of the communities he represents.

Councillor Ryan has experience in his professional roles where  tough decisions were made, strategic thinking was needed and the ability manage complex challenges. These are skills Councillor Ryan believes he can bring to the Council chamber that will assist with the navigation of the challenges the community faces.

Councillor Les Cooper

Councillor Les Cooper is serving his first term as a Councillor and is a committed Cootamundra local who will lead local community solutions.

Semi-retired Councillor Cooper has life-experience and careers in public service that include the NSW Police Force, Army Reserve, the transport industry, and IT. Councillor Cooper feels he now has the time to give back to his community and make a difference.

Councillor Cooper is an ardent supporter of “local” and maintaining local services, cutting back on red tape that confines development and growth, streamlining services and tackling environmental issues.

Councillor Cooper will stand and fight for the best possible outcomes for our LGA, for every rate payer and resident.

Councillor Danyal Syed