Name: Elizabeth “Liz” Taylor.

Age: 62.

Status: Single parent. I have three wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren.

Current or past employment, retired or otherwise:

I have 44 years’ experience working in government departments, non-government agencies and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. Fields include education, training and employment, community development, teaching at TAFE, natural resource management, water and cultural heritage and families and children community services. I am currently employed with the NSW Department of Education.

How long have you lived in the Moree shire?

I was born in Moree and have lived in Moree for more than 50 years. Because of the nature of my work, I have lived in other communities, including Sydney, Broken Hill, Tamworth, and Dubbo Regions. Since returning to Moree, I have worked all over the north-west and western New South Wales, and south-east and south-western Queensland, primarily in the Moree Plains Shire.

What part of the shire do you live?

Moree.

“Community safety and the health and wellbeing of all our residents are major concerns.”

Have you had any previous roles, either as an employee or volunteer in local, state or federal government?

I’ve been employed in various government departments over 44 years and sat on several committees, including Moree Family Support (1991), Forward Personnel (1991) and Pius X Aboriginal Corporation, where I was chairperson for 10 years. I developed partnerships under my leadership which increased services to Mungindi, Boggabilla and Toomelah and have bought ophthalmology, gynaecology, dental and other visiting specialist services to our region that have benefited our rural communities.

What are the main reasons you are standing for council?

To respond to the voices of our communities.

Is this the first time you have stood for council?

Yes.

Are you standing alone or with a running mate(s)?

I am standing alone but supporting others who are like-minded.

What do you love most about Moree Plains Shire?

Moree is my home and I have family connections across the Shire. I love the land and our waterways and I love the generous spirit of our Shire.

What do you think the main issues are in Moree that need addressing? Crime is a major concern. What are your views on this?

Community safety and the health and wellbeing of all our residents are major concerns. We can do better if we work together in good faith to find solutions.

Do you think the current council is aiming in the right direction on various projects and/or issues?

I think Council could do better. I want what’s best for all communities across the Moree Plains Shire.

How can the current council improve on what it is doing at the moment? Is money being spent on the right projects?

All programs and projects need to be thoroughly reviewed by the new Council to determine their future direction

Has the current council disappointed the people of Moree? If so, how?

We need a Council that’s accountable, responsive, inclusive and progressive.

What local organisations are you involved with at the moment?

I am currently a member of the Moree Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, a member of the Reconnecting Watercourse – Gomeroi Advisory Group, member of the Gwydir – Environmental Water Advisory Group and board member of Miyay Birray Youth Service.

What are you pastimes, hobbies or passions?

I am a researcher to keep myself informed. I love spending time with my family and I crochet.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am passionate about supporting a Youth Voice as I co-ordinated Our Future, Our Say youth forum in Moree in 1996 and established the Moree Plains Shire Youth Council in 1999.

“Empowering our Future”.

Footnote: Questions to candidates differ slightly, given the mix is made up of current councillors seeking re-election, past councillors seeking re-election and first-timers seeking election.

More on this candidate here: https://moreeonlinenews.com.au/2024/08/23/liz-taylor-mpsc-candidate