General News
7 September, 2024
Meet your candidates: Gail Babbage
Gail Babbage is an independent candidate and is re-running for Gilgandra Shire Council.
Why have you decided to run for council?
It was a pleasure to work together with the Gilgandra Shire Council team and my fellow councillors last term.
My decision to run again comes from a great love for this area and its incredibly resilient community.
I remain enthusiastic about the shire’s future potential and hope to continue supporting the community during the next term of council.
What project/s are you most interested in this new term?
I look forward to working together with my fellow councillors to deliver the objectives of the Gilgandra Community Strategic Plan with a continued focus on our road upgrades, and the goals of the ‘Towards 5000’ strategy with the ongoing delivery requirements for the Tooraweenah and Armatree Village Management Plans, the Gilgandra Regional Childcare (zero to 12) strategy and Community Health Vision.
I look forward to continuing to support the GSC team on all of the planned major projects for the next term of council - to name a few: a new sealed section of National Park Road, employment generating – Industrial land subdivision, Windmill Walk extension, new residential accommodation for aged care workers, the Miller Street CBD - redevelopment and pending grant funding, and the Hunter Park Sporting and Recreation Precinct.
What is your professional background and other community involvements?
My professional life has provided me with experience across many industries in Australia, as well as the US and UK, including major infrastructure, hospitality, law and architecture.
For the past 37 years, I have worked in architecture, becoming a director with Riddel Architecture a nationally-awarded heritage consultancy and architectural firm based in Brisbane.
During the last term of council I was the chair of the Economic Development Committee, a member of the Gilgandra Lifestyles Advisory Board, and represented council as a member of the North Western Library group.
I have been volunteering together with Stuart Border and the St Ambrose Memorial Anglican Church Building committee coordinating specialist structural engineering, contractors and heritage consultants for the restoration of this incredibly significant and highly-valued NSW state listed heritage place.
I am part of the Community Garden Group and enjoyed assisting the Gil Film Festival Committee with delivering the GIFF.
What do you hope to bring to the Gilgandra Shire Council?
I enjoy challenges, strategic thinking and I like to get a little creative as well! I have an optimistic and ‘can do’ nature.
I have worked across complex team environments within large multinational practices both nationally and internationally with my roles including fee proposals, budgeting/forecasting/project financial status, business planning strategies, grant applications, resourcing, project status updates/reporting and mentoring team members.
Why should people vote for you?
If the Gilgandra shire community vote for me, I will continue work hard and do my best to represent their interests.
I come from the perspective of a rehabilitated city-dweller turned local resident, now back where I grew up, in this treasure trove of beautiful landscapes.
I look forward to continuing to support our fabulous community.
Authorised by Gail Babbage, 11 Wrigley Street, Gilgandra NSW 2827.
