The Labor Party have named their team to contest the Tweed Council election in September this year.
Former State candidate for Tweed Reece Byrnes and former solicitor Michael Armstrong will head up the team along with Marion Gardner and Fred Hewison.
Mr Armstrong said he was proud to stand up for the Tweed.
“Like other locals, I am worried that our councillors are out of touch with the needs of our community,” he said.
“While protecting the unique identity of the Tweed, our council needs to get back to basics.
“Locals tell me that our Council needs to provide the services that they need and to provide greater assistance to promote local business.
“We need Councillors who understand the real issues locals are facing and we need a council which will take steps to deliver real solutions,” Michael said.
Reece Byrnes, who is in his twenties, stood unsuccessfully against current sitting member for Tweed, Geoff Provest in the 2011 NSW State election.
Reece was born at the Tweed Hospital, raised in the Tweed and attended Tweed River High School and is currently studying social welfare and government policy at Southern Cross University.
In addition to studying and working, Reece volunteers his own time in a front line community group committed to addressing social disadvantage.
“As a local I know the strength of our community and I’ll fight for the issues that are important to us – like better services and a strong safe community,” Reece said. His commitment to the area, to hard work and to a better community started in his family home. Reece was taught the importance of getting in and having a go to help build a future and a better community.
Meanwhile Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Walt Secord, State Labor MP (Duty MLC for Tweed) have welcomed the announcement that the Labor Party have selected a strong local team to contest the Tweed Shire Council elections in September.
The team has been endorsed following a recent ballot of local Labor Party members.
“This is a strong local team, headed up by Michael and Reece. These candidates are locals who understand us and know what needs to be done to fix the Tweed Shire.
“Locals are always telling me that we need a Council that will get back to basics and start delivering for the Tweed. This team is committed to keeping the local economy strong, providing better community resources and protecting our way of life,” said Justine.
“Make no mistake, this is a Tweed team through and through. The Tweed Labor team is about getting back to basics; providing quality council services like garbage collection, library services and fixing local roads,” Walt said.
“Tweed Shire council has become too distant from the community. Michael Armstrong, Reece Byrnes, Marion Gardner and Fred Hewison will put Tweed families and business first,” Walt added.
