EXCITEMENT and drive quickly overcame nerves and apprehension as the campaign journey unfolded for newly-elected Moree Plains Shire councillor, Debbie Williams.

“I must admit I was nervous and a bit apprehensive between the time I put my nomination in and the election,” Williams said.

“But once I was elected, I became very excited. I’m excited to learn how local government operates, to get to know the community better and try my hardest to make their concerns known.”

Williams, who owns a local stock and property agency with her husband, Richard, wants to see the Moree business sector “buzzing”.

“Everybody in the Moree Shire communities want the same thing – a vibrant shire with great prospects and a shire that attracts people, simply because it is a great shire,” she said.

“We want the shops, the pubs, the clubs, the caravan parks, motels and every other business in our shire buzzing.

“We want people to stay in the Moree Plains Shire and shop, and we all need to invest in our own towns and villages. That’s the only way we will thrive and survive,” she said.

Debbie Williams wants to see the Moree business sector “buzzing”.

Williams said positivity needs to overcome negativity.

“We have so many feel-good stories about our shire, but we don’t tell anyone,” she said.

“People only hear the stories viewed in a negative lens and I know there are more good stories than negative ones.

“We need to talk about our shire differently, softer, while we think about all the good points – we have so many.

“My goal as a councillor will be to help build Moree Plains Shire up, to be available to the community and listen to their concerns,” Williams said.

Williams said ratepayers and residents need to be more informed, and she will push for transparency.

“I would like to see more transparency and accessibility in the council so the community are more aware of what is happening in our shire,” she said.

“One thing I have learned over the past few weeks is the Moree shire residents are passionate about their towns and villages, and we can go anywhere with passion.”

Williams said she is honoured to be an elected councillor for Moree Plains Shire Council.

“I want to thank everyone who voted for me and believed I could make a difference. I would also like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support leading up to the election and on election day,” Williams said.

“I also congratulate my fellow councillors on being elected and look forward to working with them all, and thank the other candidates who put their hands up – we certainly had a good selection to choose from.

“I look forward to working with organisations and committees and hearing everyone’s thoughts on what our community could and should be,” she said.

Williams said her golden rule at the start of the campaign was not to make promises – but there is one promise she will deliver.

“A very wise person told me before the election not to promise anything as I might not be able to deliver on that promise,” she said.

“What I can promise though, is I will work tirelessly and give it my best shot to help our town and villages grow and prosper.”

Moree’s new nine will be sworn in at a special ceremony on Tuesday, October 15, where a new mayor and deputy mayor will be elected.