ROB TABER WELL KNOWN BUSINESSMAN AND LOCAL RERSIDENT IS LEADING COMMUNITY FIRST INDEPENDENTS VISIONARY TEAM FOR ARMIDALE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Group E

Group E above the line in ballot paper consists of 5 candidates with decades of lived experience in the Local Government area who are able to bring wide experience from education, business and community service to the council. They recognise the importance of establishing an effective, responsive and forward-thinking council to support region’s development, prosperity and overall well-being of the community.
The group is led by Rob Taber who is a well-known local and has been a business owner for many decades. He has been the chairperson of Jobs Australia for a considerable time. The second candidate is Rob Richardson, another local, who has served two terms on the Armidale Council previously. He brings wide experience in community service including being the station manager for 2arm. Third candidate is Siri Gamage who has lived in the area since 1990 and served University of New England as an academic staff member educating thousands of future professionals in education and professional fields. His advocacy for better public transport and connectivity for our Local Government area is well known in the community. The fourth candidate Josephine Newberry is a horticulturalist and a sustainable beef cattle producer. She went to school in Armidale’s O’Connor Catholic high school. She has been a member of the Wards Mistake Rural Fire Brigade for over 20 years and its Secretary/treasurer for 15 years. The fifth candidate Andy Berriman had a long working life as a farm worker and rigger/crane driver in the Hunter region. He has lived in Armidale for 17 years and is involved in renewable energy sector. Andy has strong interests in animal welfare. Thus, the group E brings diverse experiences and interests to the table.

The group’s vision is to make the LG area to be a sought-after region known for its liveability and that flourishes with its natural beauty, heritage, art, culture and education. It will strive to secure government funding for improved infrastructure to help our health, tourism, and core services. It aspires to a council that is more responsive to the region’s needs and attract more businesses, industry, and professionals. It wants a council that shows more transparency in decision making processes, and its resources invested wisely for the benefit of residents. Council plans for the future need to be viable, achievable and supported by the community. Accountability is paramount. A council that can win the hearts and minds of residents engendering trust is also significant. Establishing an idea bank for the future growth is a key aspiration.

The group’s focus is on transparency and consultation, water security, regional connectivity, economic development, rural roads, and CBD revitalisation.

Group E is committed to better public transport and connectivity in Armidale Regional  Council area. It wants the council to play a major advocacy role to secure government interest and funding for improving transport infrastructure.
(Authorised by Rob Taber 684 Dangarsleigh Road Armidale NSW 2350)