Meet our team - Sally Staines

I am the Principal at Repton Public School and have lived in the area for two and-a-half years.

Through my profession and having two sons, I am passionate about the services we provide for our youth and believe that these are currently seriously under resourced.

Bellingen Shire Council should be doing much more in conjunction with other government and private agencies to provide youth centres with appropriate services, education and employment opportunities.

Our increasing aged population also needs adequate services and, as a community, we should be involving our elders in decision-making as a matter of course.

I support a team that is inclusive and focused on issues that affect the whole Shire, not just those with vested interests.

This is a team with realistic visions and which will promote and support the ideas, beliefs and needs of the local community.

Making decisions that meet the needs of a diverse community and focus on sustainable practices are necessary to ensure our local area is protected for future generations.

For example, I would like to see a network of cycleways throughout the Shire, commencing with priority projects such as the currently hazardous Repton to Mylestom Road and a link between Bellingen and North Bellingen.