Temora Shire Mayor, Rick Firman OAM, has announced he will not seek re-election as Chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) at the peak body’s Annual General Meeting on Friday 13 November.
Mayor Firman has served as Chairman for the last two years, plus three months as Acting Chairman, two years as Deputy Chairman and a further two years on the Board.
“I am proud of the runs we’ve put on the board, the relationships we have built and strengthened, and the genuine camaraderie we feel when our CMA family comes together,” he said.
“Having been unanimously elected by my fellow Mayors and General Managers from across our CMA NSW footprint is a profound honour.
“Alongside a dedicated Board and terrific Staff, I have woken up every single day, reflecting on what we can do for our 89 rural, remote and regional member Councils, to make a positive difference. We haven’t won every battle, however, we’ve given our all. My Deputy Chairman, Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick (Bega Valley Shire) and I have worked closely together, and I appreciate his extra efforts.
“Our Board have been fantastic, and very generous with their time. CMA Secretary Ms Melissa Boxall, Policy Advisor Mrs Julie Briggs and Secretariat Mr Gary Fry have really given their all, for which I’m most grateful,” he said.
Mayor Firman expressed his pride in how the CMA has grown, including the establishment of the Premier’s Rural Remote and Regional Advisory Council; lobbying alongside LGNSW, ALGA, the USU and Member Councils for the restoration of Financial Assistance Grants to one-percent of national taxation revenue; the introduction of an excelling Councils segment at quarterly CMA meetings and a dedicated Policy Advisor role; enhanced relationships with all sides of politics; hosted dinners with eminent Australians including current and former Prime Ministers, the NSW Premier, NSW Governor, former Governor-General, NSW Police Commissioner while also enjoying fellowship with peers; contributed to the successful campaign for the NSW RFS vehicles to come under State Government ownership; secured a seat on the IPART Council Reference Group; successfully lobbied the NSW Opposition to introduce a stand-alone Coalition portfolio for Local Government, revised the CMA constitution and introduced Patrons to honour outstanding contributors.
Mayor Firman will remain on the Board for the new two-year term, as the immediate past Chairman.
“I’m content that we’ve done our very best for our CMA family,” he said.
“I look forward to supporting the new Chairman and Board to ensure we continue to build a strong voice for our cherished rural, remote and regional communities.”
