Profession outside of politics: I run a cattle grazing and cereal crop farm near Gilgandra. I also run a chicken growing and processing operation and we service towns from Orange to Lightning Ridge and Mudgee to Cobar and just about everywhere in between. I am a qualified teacher, however I cut my teaching career short and returned home to the family farm after about a year of teaching. My heart belongs to the farm and the bush.

Why are you running for the seat of Barwon? I'm a good listener, and I love meeting with people. Barwon is a huge area and is diverse in it's needs, problems and opportunities. I have been travelling around Barwon for the last 12 months and been learning from the people who live in our communities along the way. Our region is a great place to live and work, we must protect it, work together and take all opportunities that are in front of us.

Why should people vote for the party you stand for? The Nationals have delivered a record number of projects and initiatives in this last term to Barwon and still deliver a balanced budget. The spend on major infrastructure projects across our region, has never been seen before. These projects are the start, we need to keep the momentum going. I will make sure we get our fair share and the infrastructure projects will keep rolling out.

What are the top three issues in the electorate? This devastating drought is by far the biggest issue in the Barwon electorate. The health of the Darling river system can be enhanced by better management including more weirs, regulators and off water reservoirs. More storages along our rivers is essential going forward to give greater water security and recreational water for all communities. The drug scourge across the electorate is affecting all our communities. If elected, I will push for more police and more specifically trained police to attack this menace to society and Youth unemployment and mental health issues for our youth needs to be addressed.

Why should people vote for you? I have met with the Nyngan community and been listening to your local issues over the last 12 months. I will work with your Council and the Nyngan community to deliver projects like the Hoskins Street Crossing lights, duplicate the 700meg water storage and Colane Road sealing. I will also work hard to bring common sense back into issues that our city cousins don't understand. I will advocate for a shortening of daylight saving by a month either end, as it just doesn't work in the bush. Another issue that needs addressing is the timing of coronial post mortems. 

How do you propose to bring more jobs to the electorate? When each of the levels of government have infrastructure or social projects, the money should be staying in our towns. There is far too many dollars being spent outside our region, this money should be kept local and in that way the dollar spend will benefit our regional business and create more jobs. We are lacking essential services in many of our towns, such as police, nurses and doctors. Local economies are not only dependant on these services , but are dependant on the income that they bring to towns. Sustainability is all about people, and keeping the right mix.

What do you feel is the biggest issue affecting people in Nyngan? This ongoing and devastating drought is the biggest issue affecting Nyngan. This one is horrendous and the ongoing effects of this drought will hamper and slow down the local economy and business for years to come.

How do you propose to help with this should you be elected? The effect of this drought will continue for many years to come and we need to support local business and farmers to ensure they remain viable. Without continual support we risk closure of small business and farmers being forced off the land. Education on what is available, financially and socially, has been lacking and I will work hard to make sure everyone has access to help when needed. The application process for the government initiatives needs to be simplified. Small business turnover and profits is underestimated, small business is the life blood of communities and we need to help them.

What is your favourite book/hobby/activity? My favourite hobby is Racing. I have been the President of Gilgandra Jockey Club for over 20 years and was the Chairman of Western Racing for over 7 years. For me, going to a local race meeting with a group of mates, a few beers and a small punt is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon.