THE Country Mayors’ Association of NSW board and members recently resolved to bestow the honour of Patron on three former Chairs – Jamie Chaffey from Gunnedah Shire, Katrina Humphries from Moree Plains Shire and Ken Keith from Parkes Shire.

The former mayors were proposed by the CMA board, and unanimously endorsed by its 89 rural, remote and regional Member Councils.

Mr Chaffey thanked committee members for the honour of being named a Country Mayors’ Association patron.

“I was chairman of this important organisation for two years and know how hard its members work to advocate for their regional and rural communities,” Mr Chaffey said.

“In my new role as Shadow Assistant Minister for Local Government, I intend to work closely with all of local government’s representative bodies including the Country Mayors’ Association of New South Wales, to fight for fair resourcing and support for Councils.

“Local government looks after some of the most essential needs of Australians,” Mr Chaffey said.

Mrs Humphries is the longest-serving past CMA chair, having served from 2016-2020.

In an earlier story, Mrs Humphries said she is honoured to be selected as patron.

“I am absolutely honoured and flattered to be named alongside Jamie and Ken as the first patrons of this functional organisation,” Mrs Humphries said.

“The Country Mayors’ Association of NSW has always been a favourite organisation of mine.

“There are always meaningful meetings. These meetings enable members to partake in constructive talks and discussions about shared problems, and I look forward to being part of a strong bipartisan group,” she said.

(from left) Country Mayors’ Association chairman Rick Firman with the CMA’s inaugural patrons Ken Keith and Jamie Chaffey.

Mr Keith was leader from 2020-2022 with Mr Chaffey elected in 2022 and retired in 2024.

Current CMA chairman, Rick Firman, said the CMA board, members and staff are proud to bestow the honour on three outstanding leaders of NSW Local Government.

“The time, vision, dedication and effort that goes into the role of mayor is large enough. However, to be elected by your peers across rural, remote and regional New South Wales to lead a state organisation is a significant commitment,” Cr Firman said.

Katrina Humphries was mayor of Moree Plains Shire from 2008 until 2021 and did not seek re-election in 2021.

Ken Keith held the mayoral role for 17 years and stood down at the 2024 election.

Jamie Chaffey was Gunnedah Shire mayor for eight years, and retired from local government at the 2024 general elections.

Mr Chaffey is now the Federal Member for Parkes.

“The CMA has evolved and grown to 89 full Member Councils and five Associate Members,” Cr Firman said.

“This has occurred – to a large extent  – due to the tremendous leadership these three provided us.  Their contributions are highly valued and we are very pleased to honour them as our inaugural patrons of the CMA.”

An appropriate presentation will be made to Messrs Chaffey, Humphries and Keith at a CMA members’ meeting or function, later this year.