Two councillors are elected for each ward, so the only election will be in D Ward where there are four candidates: Kim Rhodes, Peter Murphy, Donald Forbes and Giana Saccron.

Gianna Saccon shares what she would do for the area if elected on Council.

1. What is your vision for Tenterfield?

'I have a dream' .

That one day our shire will embrace its multitude of identities and nurture ALL its people, cultures, and industries. Where there are no second-rate citizens. A shire in which we have the same rights as city dwellers to public health services, and where those that represent us are accountable for their decisions and spending of public monies.

My dream is to establish our vast region as a forward-thinking community which offers different opportunities and incentives to attract new industries, young people, and families. I grew up here and I would like young families to enjoy the experiences that I had as a child. Fishing by our beautiful rivers, bush walking, sport, working bees and lots of BBQs, community fun days. Life where bureaucracy has its place but so does common sense and respect.

2. What do you think is the single most important issue facing the Tenterfield area?

HEALTH. Without adequate health agreements for cross border transfers there is no future for Tenterfield. I've thought long and hard about what can be done, and I've spoken to people who were on the board when Tenterfield ran its own hospital, and they suggest the solution is to negotiate an agreement with Qld Health/Stanthorpe for sharing services and this makes sense to me. Let me give you an example. A child falls at the skatepark (inevitable) and breaks a limb, his/her mates call parent or an ambulance, and the child is transported to hospital where there is no-one to do an Xray or set the limb. Transfer to Armidale is the only option. Problem? Yes, if that child is from let's say, Toowoomba, Brisbane or the Gold Coast would the parents want him transferred to Armidale? Solution? An accord for cross border transfers. When you plan sport complexes, recreational facilities, trails and industry you have to ensure your Risk Management Plan is up to it. Where would this shire be if it wasn't for the services and transfers offered by 'Live Better' and 'The Westpac Rescue Helicopter'? The council should look at the figures for internal migration and see why 512 (ABS figure) people left this shire just last year. With better health these Tourism sites could become state, national or international sites. Without better health services it's just a small town with big dreams.

3. What projects/developments do you intend to advocate for if elected as a councillor?

I will advocate for projects that put the welfare of its citizens first. NOT MINING. I would ensure there are round table discussions on all projects and developments. We need industry, be it logistics, renewables, metal industry or anything that will sustain our shire. Not everything has to be in town. As of 30.06.2020 there were 964 business in the shire, of which 59 were new businesses. Unfortunately, there were also 84 business that ceased operation. Communication is essential, but real communication, we have councillors who represent our wards and I've been back 3 years and never met the two that represent me. We have a 'Tenterfield Shire Community Participation Plan', and in it the author defines Community as:

'The community includes anyone who is affected by the planning system and includes individuals, community groups, Aboriginal communities, peak bodies representing a range of interests, businesses, local government, and State and Commonwealth government agencies.

Have you ever been contacted? If councillors represent us, why have I never been approached for my opinion. We need face to face communication, not everyone uses internet.

4. What expertise or ability do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of councillor?

I am an active listener, and diplomatic, something that I have learnt over many years working as an Interpreter, Inter-cultural communication coach and ESL teacher. I have been a coach and team member on negotiations for multi million Euro projects. I have worked with EU politicians, and on funding projects and know how important auditing is if you want credibility. I always give myself 100% to any project and always complete what I start. AND not least, I'm a country girl born and bred. As the saying goes; 'You can take the girl from the country but you can't take the country out of the girl'