IT was an anxious few days for Fred McGrady, as he patiently waited for the official results from the local government elections to land in his inbox.
The wait is now over, and McGrady is proud to be named one of nine councillors representing the Moree Plains Shire for the next four years.
“The thrill of the chase is definitely not as rewarding as the prize,” McGrady smiled.
“I definitely won’t let the Moree community down, and want to thank everyone for the faith they have placed in me.”
Being elected has been a long time coming for the 72-year-old Moree bus driver – he unsuccessfully stood for council about 25 years ago.
“I sought election with six other colleagues on the same ticket many years ago but failed to get the numbers,” McGrady said.
Now the wait is over.
McGrady has some innovative ideas he’ll take to the table, including youth programs he hopes will help stem the rise in juvenile crime across the shire.
Fred McGrady is proud to be named one of nine councillors to represent the Moree Plains Shire for the next four years.
“We need to connect youth to positive role models and proactively provide opportunities for skill development and personal growth including vocational training, driver licensing, machine operating, arts, sports, and community service projects that engage young people constructively,” McGrady said.
“Development of early intervention and prevention programs and strategies are needed to identify at-risk youth and provide support services before issues escalate including school-based counseling, family support services, and community outreach programs.
“We also need to develop community policing and trust-building programs to foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community through community policing initiatives.”
McGrady said he will make himself available to all communities across the Moree Plains Shire and wants to see authentic change for the common good of all community members.
He says street and property beautification projects need to be established, and to create employment for Moree youths to work and be involved in those projects.
“As a council, we need to implement projects around social housing areas, for the local youths living in those areas,” he said.
“Offering youth training and employment skills in landscaping, project planning and management, building work ethics, personal confidence and growth along with opportunities to apply for MPSC and mainstream vacancies will go a long way to solving some of Moree’s social issues.
“I want to hold owners of undesirable and unsightly abandoned blocks in our town and communities accountable for the safety of our children and the health of our families,” he said.
“My focus will be to be inclusive with all communities and I want my voice to be their aspirations for a safe and prosperous Shire.”
