WITH the second-highest number of first preference votes as the count continues, Wayne Tighe is all but assured of gaining a seat on Moree Plains Shire Council.

Tighe sits second behind tearaway leader Susannah Pearse and history indicates he’s the first Aboriginal man to secure such a vote count in a local election.

Tighe, 46, has worked and lived in Moree his entire life and is currently employed as facilities co-ordinator with TAFE NSW, where he looks after nine campuses across the north-west region.

He also sits on the Moree Tourism board and Bank Art Museum Moree committee and was named Moree Plains Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day awards in January.

Tighe’s passion and concerns about the prosperity and future of the Moree Plains Shire played a big part in the decision to throw his hat in the ring.

And Moree Plains voters responded in spades.

“I’d like to thank all community members for voting in our local council elections,” Tighe said.

“I feel honoured to be elected as a local councillor and look forward to serving the Moree Plains community as a whole.

“I congratulate the candidates who have already secured a position, and wish all remaining candidates the very best as vote counting continues.

“I do not take this appointment lightly and will honour my commitment to serve the community with integrity, honesty and collaboratively with the councillors elected by our communities,” he said.

Tighe is Moree born-and-bred. He grew up on Soapie Row and is deeply passionate about his hometown. Being elected to local council seemed a natural next-step for Tighe.

“I love the sense of community and support offered to everyone through good times and bad, and knowing that looking out for your neighbours is still what we do in Moree,” he said.

Wayne Tighe’s love of community played a big part in his decision to run for a seat on Moree Plains Shire Council.

As the vote count continues, Local Government NSW president Darriea Turley congratulated all 3889 candidates who are seeking 1289 councillor positions across New South Wales.

“With voting in this year’s elections now over, I want to sincerely congratulate all candidates on their efforts during what was a challenging campaign,” Ms Turley said.

“While formal declaration of the results is yet to come, I sincerely thank the outgoing mayors and councillors for their service to the local government sector, particularly the departing members of the LGNSW Board. I look forward to working with the new mayors and councillors across NSW,” she said.