Two Campbell Town business owners launch separate Northern Midlands mayoral push for 2022

Michaela Wright, owner of The Grange meeting and function centre, and Nicole Graham, founder of Emergency ID Australia, will both run for mayor in the local government election scheduled for October 2022.

Northern Midlands Council has faced numerous petitions against decisions around the Campbell Town hall and swimming pool, general discontent at the use of ratepayer funds, saving a historical precinct at the site of a well and a push for an independent inquiry into the council.

Ms Wright said petitions were only a small step, but she wanted to change the direction of council.

"It's gotten to the point where people are taking action, but petitions are only one thing," she said.

"I will strive to regain the trust of the community by promising transparency and accountability at every level and by addressing the real needs of our towns.

"It is no secret that there are presently numerous concerns with the actions and decisions made by the current council."

Ms Wright listed the sale of the Campbell Town Hall, the access road to Tunbridge and the concrete planters in Perth as decisions that had put the community offside.

She wanted to lobby for additional health services at the Campbell Town's hospital, more services and funding for people with a disability, funding for a youth centre in Campbell Town and an investigation into how council rates were being distributed and used.

Ms Wright has recently been involved in her own dispute with council, claiming that its use of the Campbell Town War Memorial Oval was harming business for The Grange after the council previously gave an assurance this would not occur.

Ms Graham announced her candidacy several months ago, and said it was vital for the Northern Midlands Council to engage with its communities to achieve better results.

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"We need to make that communication process not just freely available but openly encouraged," she said.

"Instead of re-inventing the wheel, see what has worked in similar communities nationally and internationally and replicate success rather than dawdling behind.

"I'd also like to see better financial expenditure. Reduce expenditure on consultants' fees and legal fees. The current amounts being spent in these areas is exorbitant and does not advantage the community."

Ms Graham was president of the Campbell Town Swimming Pool committee when the entire executive team resigned last year following the council's failure to make safety improvements.

Ms Graham was a NSW police officer for 13 years working in various roles including Supervising Sergeant and peer support officer. She has since founded a business in producing medical alert jewellery.

Northern Midlands mayor Mary Knowles said it was encouraging to see the level of interest in joining council so far out from an election.

"The more the merrier," she said.

"The more enthusiastic people are about supporting local government the better, and I'm more than happy for people to stand up for what they believe."

The vast majority of councillors are from the northern part of the Northern Midlands, and Cr Knowles said it was promising that people were showing interest from the south.

She disputed whether there was growing community discontent at the council.

"I don't believe there is discontent, there may be a perception of discontent from very few people," Cr Knowles said.

"Within council, we're a very cohesive team, we work well together for the better of the council."