Council aspirations

While not their primary reasons for standing, both women said female representation on the currently all male council was a contributing factor to their decisions.

Mrs Bonat said there is a lack of female representation across local government areas.

Statewide, only 31 per cent of councillors are women, despite women making up half the population.

‘‘I decided to run for council because I feel we need a better representation of the community as a whole,’’ Mrs Bonat said.

‘‘There are 128 councils in New South Wales. Four of those are all male councils, and ours is one of them. 

‘‘I’d like to change that.’’

Both women also feel like it is time for a change in Berrigan Shire.

Mrs Bonat says that if elected, she will not be afraid to speak truth to power, and advocate for towns across the shire. 

‘‘People often have one agenda when running for council and sadly once they deal with that agenda they become fence sitters and forget that they are there to advocate for the people,’’ she said. 

‘‘You are elected for four years — or three years in this particular election — and you need to be prepared to be active for the whole term, in my opinion.

‘‘I am open to debate, I embrace change and relish new challenges. 

‘‘I am not afraid to speak up when required and I look forward to working with a mix of both returning and new councillors who aim to represent the people across the Berrigan Shire.’’

Mrs Paine specifically wants to prioritise marginalised youth and farmers throughout the community.

‘‘I want to be an advocate for the community,’’ she said.

‘‘I would like to see a council supported program for supporting youth in skilled traineeships for those not active in schools or other higher education — focusing on those kids on the harder edge of life to give opportunities for those who might otherwise slip through the cracks.

‘‘We also have a such a high feral cat population within the area which is damaging to our native wildlife; I would like to see a council supported desexing program in the shire.

‘‘I feel better programs need to be implemented for struggling farmers who make up such a large part of our community.

‘‘It could be better weed management programs, water programs and even roadside cropping to help minimise the spread of obnoxious weeds, and possibly to allow for spare fodder for those effected by drought or even the current issue of mice destroying large quantities of feeds stocks.’’

Mrs Paine’s political inspiration is also based on a sense that her fellow community members’ voices aren’t being heard.

‘‘For years I have spoken with community members about local issues where they have felt their voices and opinions have been left out. I feel its time to change this.’’

Nominations for local government elections close on August 4.

For more information about running for council, go to https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/about-councils/become-a-councillor/