Team Central Coast has announced two changes in its 15-person ticket to contest the September 14 Council election.
Lawrie McKinna and Pat Farmer will now be joined by George Paterson in running for East Gosford ward following the withdrawal of Matt Simon.
Paterson has lived on the Central Coast for 20 years and is an IT professional for a global technology company with 10 years’ experience in a senior customer service leadership role.
A qualified private pilot and aviation enthusiast, he has served on the board of the Central Coast Aero Club at Warnervale as vice president for eight years.
“I am passionate about keeping it real,” he said.
“It’s time to move the Central Coast beyond party politics and focus on community issues that affect our everyday lives.”
And in The Entrance, Sharryn Brownlee will join Skaie Hull and Kalvin Smith in running after Mark Ella withdrew.
Brownlee is known for her work with the Parents & Citizens Association supporting many school communities, and has represented the Central Coast on numerous boards and committees such as Central Coast Campuses Board and the University of Newcastle Council.
She was appointed to the inaugural NSW ILGA (Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority) for eight years and has volunteered her time and expertise on several committees of Central Coast Council.
Brownlee has worked collaboratively with all political parties at state and federal government levels, and said she would continue to do so to help ensure much-needed resources and infrastructure were directed to the Central Coast.
“I understand the importance of genuine respectful relationships with the non-government sector; they are key to success for any community to thrive,” she said.
“I am a passionate advocate for young people and their families, recognising much more needs to be done to address local youth issues.”
Brownlee said she was solution-focused, a key supporter of revitalising areas, and she would advocate for the under-resourced northern growth corridor, as well as ensuring financial decisions were made in the best interest of ratepayers while ensuring sustainability.
“Council has an important role to play for local families as well as bringing in tourism,” she said.
“A balance of expenditure and transparent decision-making is required.
“Regular cleaning and clearing of easements and waterways must be prioritised for quality of life as well as sustainable development.
“The shores of the lakes need regular weed removal.”
Brownlee said she was keen to be part of a “fresh new start” for Central Coast Council.
Already some instability within the Team Central Coast developer financed ticket.
What is their position on the Central Coast Referendum on reducing the amount of councillors and wards? everyone else has released their position.