KELLY James says she’ll hit the ground running as the likelihood of gaining another term on council grows stronger.
James is pretty much assured of a seat in the Max Centre bunker and has welcomed to the fold tyros Wayne Tighe and Dominique Hodgkinson, who both look certain to gain seats as vote-counting continues.
James has just completed a hectic term in council. She ruffled a few feathers along the way, and rate-payers and residents across the Moree Plains want her back to ruffle a few more.
“As the dust settles on the local government election, I’m energised and humbled by the support shown to me,” James said.
“I want to thank my supporters and volunteers, and fellow candidates who have enriched Moree Plain Shire’s democratic process.
“I’m excited to see Dominique Hodgkinson high in the numbers count. Her infectious enthusiasm for everything that makes Moree stand out is heartwarming,” James said.
Hodgkinson, a real-estate agent who established her own business eight years ago, is Moree born-and-raised.
“I encouraged Dom to run and I’m so glad she did,” James said.
Kelly James is preparing for another term on Moree Plains Shire Council.
Also high on the numbers count is Wayne Tighe, a facilities co-ordinator with TAFE NSW with nine campuses across the north-west region under his watch.
He currently sits second behind Susannah Pearse on the overall vote tally.
Tighe’s seat at the table is pretty much locked in, and James has nothing but praise for the well-known local, named Moree Citizen of the Year at the 2024 Australia Day Awards for his tireless work in the community.
“I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Wayne,” James said.
“He’s an exceptional individual and fellow candidate, who I’m certain has just made Moree history as the first Aboriginal man to secure the second-highest vote count in a local election.
“Wayne’s achievement is testament to his remarkable character, integrity, and deep roots in the community,” she said.
“His success wasn’t by default or the ‘donkey vote’ of 1-2-3-4-5 across the page, either; it was earned through genuine connection, respect and voters taking the time to seek him out on the ballot paper.
“I look forward to collaborating with Wayne, Dom and other elected community leaders to drive positive change,” James said.
James, a Volunteer of the Year recipient at the 2020 Australia Day Awards, says economic growth and diversification, environmental stability, community wellbeing, infrastructure development, and transparency and accountability are priorities.
She’s passionate about the Special Activation Precinct and what it can do for the district.
“I’m committed to hitting the ground running. Post-election, my focus will be on delivering results for the Moree Plains Shire through tangible outcomes, community growth, and increased transparency across Council decisions,” James said.
“We need to work towards a brighter future for the Moree Plains Shire, built on inclusivity, transparency, and progress.
“As the vote counts trickle in, the wait to see who will take a seat at the table is nerve-wracking, to say the least,” she smiled.
“The right people, with the Moree shire at heart, need to be sitting at the table.”
