MOREE real-estate agent Dominique Hodgkinson has the numbers, and is pretty much assured of a seat when nine new Moree Plains Shire councillors are finalised and sworn in.

Hodgkinson is one of 15 candidates vying for a spot at the table, and says she is super-keen to get Moree moving forward and working with – and for – the community.

“I’m very much looking forward to catching up with all elected councillors when the time comes to discuss our unique skill-sets and how we, as a team, can work together to achieve positive outcomes for the community,” she said.

“I believe a group of people, each with varying and unique skill-sets, when they combine those skills and work as a team, can achieve great things, and that is what I’m hoping to see.

“I was blessed to meet and chat with a number of the candidates throughout the campaign process –  not all, but quite a few, and it will be nice to meet everyone and catch up in a less competitive environment,” she smiled.

Hodgkinson wants to see newly-elected councillors invest time visiting uncompleted projects around the shire, rather than being provided updates.

“This is to ensure, as a team, we have a comprehensive understanding of what projects are underway, where those projects are up to, what funding has been successfully obtained, and the estimated time of completion,” she said.

Dominique Hodgkinson wants the Moree community provided with regular updates about projects around the shire.

“We need to ensure we can provide the community with accurate updates. I believe transparency is imperative, which can only be adequately done with a comprehensive understanding of where projects are at.”

Hodgkinson said Moree’s new nine needs to address community frustration about the progress of projects.

“I believe this approach (providing updates) could be a way of reducing and, dare I say it, eliminate that frustration if we combine this approach with positive and adequate communication techniques,” she said.

Hodgkinson said the month-long election campaign was a daunting process, and didn’t go without its share of dramas.

“The past four weeks was not free from drama for all candidates but I’m choosing to focus on the positive aspects of the election campaign process, rather than the negative,” she said.

“I was blessed to meet some incredible people – fellow candidates as well as members of the community.

“I found the community as a whole was extremely supportive, but that is one of the wonderful things about our shire – the people in it and how they really do get behind you.

“Even though the full count process and allocation of preferences is not yet complete, the number of people that have congratulated me has been so humbling and such true testament to what a beautiful community we have,” she said.

Hodgkinson said she looks forward to working with fellow councillors when the count is finalised.

“I have very much enjoyed meeting and getting to know more about the candidates and learning from them, and about their hopes and aspirations for the shire,” she said.

“It can be daunting, opening yourself up to public opinion. I congratulate each and every candidate for putting their hand up and nominating.

“I have learned something from every candidate I’ve met and spoken to, and for that I am very grateful,” she said.