Meet the candidates

I AM the daughter of dairy farmers Peter and Patricia Ernst of Clydesdale via Singleton.

Growing up in the house that my great-grandfather built cemented my place in our community.

My school years were spent in town, graduating from St. Catherine’s Catholic College.

Married to coal miner Michael we have two adult children, Nicola and Ben.

My first job was with Singleton Council in the position of Pay Clerk, and I have been employed for the past 25 years with the Pastures Protection Board.

I have been a member of a number of committees including state-wide and regional workplace committees, and local committees (Singleton United Rugby League Football Club, 

Little Athletics Club, and Pre-School Committee).

Serving as a Justice of the Peace since 1991, I understand the importance of adhering to Acts, Regulations, Legislation and Awards.

My long-standing connection with the local area has created my strong identification with and commitment to Singleton and its people.

I now have the time, energy and enthusiasm to commit to giving back to my community in the role of Councillor.

This is my home town and I hope that in 10 years, it will be a better place for all of us to live.

I have an open mind, but I do believe we need more infrastructures and forward-thinking when it comes to planning for our future.

My biggest strengths include being logical, persistent and honest.

Also see my facebook page  - donnadonehue-councillorcampaign2013.

SUE GEORGE

MY husband Des and I have lived in Singleton for the last 28 years. Our four children, Evelyn, Naomi, Bryan  and Chris grew up in Singleton and attended local schools.

Since arriving in Singleton we have all been actively involved in many aspects of life in the community. In every sport our children played we have held committee roles, they attended Guides and Scouts and we were active in those groups in administration and leadership.

I have been a Nursing Mothers (now ABA) counsellor, a member of the Area Health Board and a member of Lifeline Upper Hunter Valley. I am currently actively involved with Singleton Pre-School, Red Cross and am a Justice of the Peace.

I feel it is important to be involved in the community in which you live, thus meeting a broad range of people and gaining from those interactions.

I retired from teaching at the end of 2012, and now have more time to commit to the community. Having lived here and watched my children grow up I have seen the benefits of living in a country town and would like to continue to enhance the many positive activities and events in Singleton.

I am interested in the people of Singleton and what they think is important. I am positive, hardworking and committed to helping to make Singleton a great place to live. Des and I have decided to remain in Singleton, following our retirement and are looking forward to continuing to work within the community.

MARK RYAN

I GREW up on a sheep farm, have been a soldier in the Australian Army, a small business owner and am now a coal miner; not to mention a husband and father helping to raise a local family.

All of these life skills have made me realise the importance of a strong and healthy community.

I have been active in leadership roles in our community and in social groups including contribution to Kids with Cancer, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and Camp Quality.

I am proud to be the secretary of our Better Future for Singleton Shire Association and to be playing a leading role in the campaign against fly in fly out workers and stopping the mining camp from destroying our community.

I am running for council because I have a proven track record in representing the community.

Protecting local employment and supporting small business will benefit our community now and in the future.

Encouraging investment in housing is also important to me.

Our sporting clubs will need support with state and federal grants.

Our youth need to have a balanced future and strong mentors available to them in local government.

I am seeking your support in the Singleton bi-election because I have the experience, skills and commitment required to best serve our community.

I understand the demands and responsibilities of serving the local community and I promise, if elected, I wont let you down.  It is time for me to repay your generosity, Singleton.

Mark Ryan - a strong voice for you on council.

DANNY THOMPSON

MY name is Danny Thompson.

I was born in Singleton and, with the exception of my time at university, have lived or worked here all my life.

I am passionate about this community, and this beautiful part of the world, where I have raised and educated my family and established close links with many people and groups in the district.

I care deeply about what happens here and have been actively involved in trying to make things better in all sorts of areas in our community.

I have been president/chairman of:

• Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter

•Singleton Arts Festival Committee

•Singleton Sports Council

•Singleton High School P&C

•St. Xavier’s P&F

•St. Patricks Early Childhood Centre board

•Singleton Hospital Social Club

•Hunter Valley AFS

I have held executive positions on:

•Singleton Bi-centennial committee

•Northern Agricultural Association

•Singleton United Rugby League

•Singleton Water Polo club

•Singleton Volleyball Club

Singleton Community College

I am currently Assistant Governor for Rotary District 9670, chairman of the District Bowelscan committee and on the National board of Rotary Bowelscan.