laborbega2024.com

Leadership that Listens

Labor for Bega 2024 candidates - Helen O'Neil, Simon Daly, David Neyle and Nicky Collins

Two Labor candidates from our team for the Bega Valley Shire Council election conducted in September were elected.

Congratulations to Helen O’Neil and Simon Daly on their election to Council for the next four years.

Councillor Helen O’Neil

Helen is an experienced leader and manager of non-profit and advocacy groups in the creative industries with a background in local government issues.

She is committed to listening to residents and ratepayers and working with them on the challenges we face – addressing the housing shortage, adapting to the disastrous impact of climate change, and strengthening our community connections.

As an elected Labor Councillor since 2021 Helen has focussed on lengthy waiting times for DA approvals and the lack of smaller housing units for elderly residents; Council now tracks DA approval times. She’s worked with volunteers from community centres in towns and villages across our shire on the Halls Committee and with the independent professionals on the Audit and Risk committee to make Council more accountable. And she’s worked with Federal and State MPs to deliver local investment, including $15 million for Cuttagee Bridge.

Helen was Chair of Bega-based South-East Arts (2018-23), working with local shires to put cultural festivals and artists at the heart of community life. As senior adviser to the Federal Minister for Regional Australia, Local Government and the Arts (2010-13) she saw the vital role of Shire Councils in making Australia work – road networks, our waste and water management and in libraries, arts centres and sports venues.

She was Chair of PAC Australia (2018-2022), representing local government theatres and producers in regional and outer metropolitan centres, and is Chair of the ACT’s Cultural Facilities Corporation. Trained as a journalist including at the ABC, she has a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School.

She lives near Bermagui with her husband, where restoration of their old farmhouse may never be finished and has two adult children. 

Follow Helen on Facebook

Councillor Simon Daly

Simon lives in Pambula Beach with his family, having moved to the Bega Valley over seven years ago. He has a background working in project and risk management, financial management and quality assurance, working on community development programs that support vulnerable people. Simon holds a Bachelors Degree in Management and Masters in International Relations.

Simon’s skills and qualifications are valuable attributes that will help address the complex issues facing Council including overseeing council rates and grants, financial analysis, addressing DA challenges, and managing council assets.

“I’ve lived with my family in the Bega Valley for seven years. I love our community and am passionate about addressing the housing crisis in our region. I am enthusiastic about looking after our natural environment and the need to manage our natural assets to sustainably create jobs and preserve biodiversity in the region. I am also driven to make sure Council is more transparent, consultative and accountable to rate payers and residents.”

Simon is an RFS volunteer with his local brigade and is on the board of Far South Coast Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme.

“In my role as a councillor I’m looking forward to hearing from the community and discussing the issues – big and small – that matter most to you.”

Follow Simon on Facebook

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