Caring for the community: The Country Labor-endorsed team - Colleen Carmody, Fred Lips, Jim Hutcheon and Peter Alley - prepare contest the September 8 council election.
THE first political party has announced a team to contest the council election 100 days before the poll.
Country Labor has endorsed a four-strong team, headed by mayoral hopeful and councillor candidate Peter Alley.
The team also brings together retired TAFE teacher and program manager Colleen Carmody, anaesthetist and macadamia farmer Fred Lips and trade unionist Jim Hutcheon.
This is the first time Country Labor has endorsed a team to run for Port-Macquarie Hastings Council election.
Voters will restore democratic representation at a council level when they go to the polls here on September 8.
Port Macquarie Branch of Country Labor president Narelle Rich said it was important Country Labor made it known it would field a team.
It was vital voters were aware of the political affiliations of all candidates. Mr Alley echoed those sentiments.
"We believe the local government area wants all the candidates to be transparent and we challenge all other candidates to declare their political background and allegiance," he said.
Mr Alley contested the seat of Port Macquarie in the last state election.
His background is in information technology, finance and banking.
The Camden Haven resident is a member of the NSW State Emergency Service, Camden Haven Anglican Church Parish Council and Toastmasters.
Mr Alley believes he has the skill set needed for the top job from his professional life.
"We need strong leadership in this area," he said.
He said the team would be listening to the community and raising people's issues.
Colleen Carmody has decades of experience in the education field at TAFE, including high-level decision making.
She also has been a Little Athletics committee member and worked in a school canteen and in the Parents & Citizens’.
More women were needed in local government, she said.
"We need diversity to truly reflect the community we live in," Mrs Carmody said.
She is interested in working with our area's most disadvantaged.
The Camden Haven Branch of Country Labor president, Dr Fred Lips, said he would work for all residents, but particularly for the Camden Haven.
If elected, he said he would work with the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce and any other interested parties to develop the Kew visitor information centre.
Dr Lips also is interested in the Kew beautification work, business and access to sporting facilities.
"I'm keen to develop business opportunities and employment but not at the expense of the environment," he said.
Dr Lips contested the 2010 federal election for the seat of Lyne.
Beechwood resident Jim Hutcheon also knows the value of employment opportunities.
He said there was an opportunity as a community to make a real difference.
"We have a great history in this area with co-ops and we need to improve on that," he said.
Mr Hutcheon has a long history in construction with a hiatus in the tourism industry.
He is a Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast board member and northern NSW organiser for the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union construction and general division.
The area needed input from west of the highway, he said.