RDN Share
Key political leaders, policy makers and housing experts joined the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) meeting on Friday 28 August at NSW Parliament House to discuss housing challenges in remote, rural and regional Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Close to 160 members and guests were in attendance, with CMA Chairman Mayor Rick Firman OAM of Temora Shire announcing the core theme as 'housing', which is a priority concern of the CMA's 89 Member Councils.
The previous evening, keynote guest speaker Australia's Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP took centre stage at the CMA-hosted dinner function for 150 members and guests, including RDN CEO Richard Colbran, Chief - Health Access Enterprises Amy Brown and General Manager - RDN Health Nour Nazha.
Amy said, "It was a privilege to hear from the Prime Minister alongside leaders from across government and local government who each have an important role to play in the future of our regional communities.
"It was a wonderful evening, celebrating the Country Mayors Association and the extraordinary contribution of its Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM, as he approaches the end of his term. Rick’s passion for remote, rural and regional communities is infectious and is reflected in the strength and influence of the CMA today."
Nour added, "… it felt profound. We were with 89 councils representing the communities we exist to serve. Housing, workforce and health are all interconnected, and the evening reinforced the importance of building strong partnerships with the people who know their communities best".
Speaking before Friday's meeting, Mayor Firman said, "To have the Housing Minister, the Opposition Leader, the Shadow Minister, and the heads of Homes NSW, IPART and Argyle Housing all in the same room at Parliament House shows the gravity of this issue. We are not just there to talk about the problems; we are there to hear from both sides of politics, listen to and question them and encourage collaboration with our Country Mayors and their Councils".
Speakers included:
- Ms Kellie Sloane MP – NSW Opposition Leader
- The Hon Rose Jackson MLC – NSW Housing Minister
- Mr Anthony Wing – New IPART Chairman
- Ms Rebecca Pinkstone – Homes NSW CEO
- Ms Linda Scott – NSW Grants Commission Chair
- Mr Brett Whitworth – NSW Office of Local Government Deputy Secretary
- The Hon Chris Rath MLC – NSW Shadow Housing Minister
- Ms Carolyn Doherty – Argyle Housing CEO
Read more here: Country Council Leaders Focus on Housing - The Country Mayors Association of NSW Inc