About the Thurley team

Dear Resident of Albury.

My name is David Thurley and I am standing as a candidate for Albury Council in the local government elections to be held on Saturday September 8th 2012.

Being a Councillor is a huge responsibility. Making decisions in the best interest of the community for now and the future comes with hard work, criticism and perhaps disappointment. It would be naive to think that one can please everyone.

With factual information, research, community input, robust debate and an open mind, I will be a Councillor who is approachable, methodical, a good listener, respectful and reasonable with the information before me. I seek to question and challenge and represent YOU. As a ratepayer myself, I have been at various times both disappointed and pleased with some of the decisions of Council.

I believe that Council needs to be even more open and transparent ensuring that ratepayers are consulted and fully understand the process and reasoning behind decisions, which are sometimes against the wishes of the community. The removal of mature elm trees around the CBD recently has been very topical and just one example.

It is paramount that the community feel confident to express their views without fear of insult and that their views are heard. It is important when commenting or suggesting ideas that these valid ideas are sent directly to the Councillors and Council staff and not only as a letter to The Editor.

There are many issues confronting Albury City including;

·         Good financial management as we face the challenge of rising costs

·         The sustainability of our city especially in the areas of water and energy usage, waste generation and recycling

·         The heritage values of the buildings and streetscapes of Albury

·         Promotion of the city as a favoured destination for tourists

·         The management of Albury's parks and gardens including Wonga wetlands

I have formed a group to assist me in my campaign to be elected as a Councillor. Their experience, advice and ideas will help me to better understand the issues facing our City.

During the past few years my community involvement has included

·         President of the Management Committee of Age Concern

·         President of the Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga

·         Volunteer for St Vincent de Paul and the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga for the Humanitarian Refugee Settlement Scheme

·         President of Hume Public School Parents and Citizens Group for many years.

I ask you to consider voting for me by Voting 1 in the group voting square above the line OR by voting  1 -9 below the line, placing number 1 in the square next to my name, then 2,3,4 and 5 for the rest of my team, then 6-9 for your other preferred candidates.

Look out for my “How to Vote’ flyer on Election day.

If you have any questions or comments, please give me a call on 02 6040 3704 (see other contact details below).

About Me

I am a retired Chemical Engineer and have worked for a major international company and for many years was a director of my own consulting company specialising in environmental matters. I have worked in several countries and I understand the problems facing businesses large and small as well as the concerns of individual ratepayers. I have lived in Albury since 1980 and have worked extensively in the field of environmental planning and have prepared environmental impact assessments for various developments in Victoria and NSW.

My wife Sue and I have 7 adult children. I am an amateur astronomer, a keen cyclist and work with local schools to teach science. Sue and I are assisting a Bhutanese family to settle in Albury and Sue cares for a number of Legacy widows. We are passionate about our community and I would like to work for you in Council.

About the team

Ordette Mannering        Ordette was born and raised in Albury, and spent many years living in Sydney and Europe before returning to the area 12 years ago. She stood for election with Paul Wareham in 2008 as his number 2 candidate. Since then she has remained interested and active about local issues. She is married to Paul Haberecht and they own and operate SMART Hospitality.

Celia Saw            Celia has lived in the area for 30 years, is a former Hume Shire Councillor and served as President of the NSW Local Government Women’s Association. She has been President of Age Concern. Before retiring she was Senior Lecturer at Charles Sturt University responsible for courses in gerontology and currently serves on advisory committees at the University. She is a member of Friends of Wonga Wetlands

Vic Whitten        Vic’s community involvement included being the recipient of a Rotary Youth Leadership Award while heavily involved with scouting. Vic is a qualified fitter/machinist and Production Engineer and has lived in Albury since 1990. Since living here Vic has spent 13 years working at B.T.R./DSI and is now running his own company which services the building industry.

Ken Goff`             Ken has lived in Albury since 1974. He commenced his own business in 1978 and has operated from the current premises in David Street (Kentool Industrial) since 1983. Ken was a National Serviceman and Vietnam Veteran, a Life Member of the Albury Apex Club and a founding member of the Upper Murray Steamship Company (Cumberoona). Ken also served on the St Patrick's Parish School Board and on the Albury Football Club Board.

Respect & Reason

Mobile 0418 690 142   Land-line 6040 3704   Fax 6023 3336  Email dsthurl@bigpond.net.au  

Blog www.thurleyforcouncil.blogspot.com.au 

Twitter @Thurl1947          

Find me on Facebook - David Thurley

Authorised by David Thurley PO Box 312 Lavington.