I am excited to announce that I am running for Mayor and Councillor in the upcoming Eurobodalla Council elections.
I am fortunate to have a great team behind me, and I will showcase these terrific advocates for our region over the next few days.
I have a long history of serving the people of the Eurobodalla through my service on the Eurobodalla Shire Council and to ensure that the Eurobodalla is represented by those with the knowledge, experience and dedication to see our region through these tough economic times, I am putting my team forward as the most experienced, diverse, and ethical choice for the Eurobodalla.
Vote #RobPollock forMayor #Eurobodalla
The Running Team
Number 1 - Rob Pollock
Number 1 - Rob Pollock
Number 1 - Rob Pollock
Independent, strong, longstanding leadership and sound financial management.
• Here for the long haul, Rob will continue to champion the needs of the community;
• Prioritising sound money management of Council’s resources to ensure the continued delivery of roads, rates, water and waste services;
Put your community first – don’t be misled by short term, inexperienced, politically motivated candidates – vote for experience!
Rob’s previous successes include:
• Managed the Shires disaster relief fund dispensing over $650,000 to fire & flood victims;
• McKay Park Aquatic and Cultural Centre;
• Continual improvements to the Kings and Princes Highways;
• Establishment of “Muddy Puddles”, an integrated service centre for children with disabilities;
• Continuing to support council’s target for reducing greenhouse emissions;
• Introduced Council’s award-winning youth apprenticeship and trainee scheme;
• Continuing t ensure an adequate supply of land is available to house our growing population;
• Led Moruya Cancer Carers to raise over $250,000 locally and achieved the new oncology and renal ward at Moruya Hospital;
• Securing the shire’s water supply with a $52 million Federal grant to complete the southern dam. Safeguarding us from future drought and bushfire events;
• Expansion of mountain bike trails at Mogo and Narooma;
• Batemans Bay Coastal Walk.
Number 2 - Sofia Keady
Number 1 - Rob Pollock
Number 1 - Rob Pollock
Sofia Keady is a Nutritionist and Marketing Manager for a health food shop in
Batemans Bay. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Human Nutrition, a Graduate Certificate in Evidence-based Medicine, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, an Advanced Diploma in Nutritional Medicine, and a Diploma in Business.
Sofia has a diverse professional background in psychology, nutrition, and business.
She will bring experience in business management, marketing, and community
health & well-being to the council.
She is a mother of three girls and has lived in the Shire for 16 years. Sofia is a Paul
Harris Fellow recipient, the founder of Batemans Bay Community Picnic, on the
committee of Batemans Bay Filipino Community, and a Batemans Bay Sailing Club
social member.
Number 3 - Jack Tait
Number 1 - Rob Pollock
Number 4 – Keira Marchini
Jack Tait is a long-term resident and business person within the Eurobodalla. He considers it has been a great honour to work for the people of the Eurobodalla Shire and has been a great advocate for the recreational fishing community. Jack believes that ESC, as a largely independent council, has achieved so much for the ratepayers and the broader community. Jack’s goal is to keep ESC free of political puppets and he will work to ensure that Council represents ratepayers. Jack has previously proven himself to be a diligent Councillor and his thorough homework led to many considered outcomes for the community.
Number 4 – Keira Marchini
Number 4 – Keira Marchini
Number 4 – Keira Marchini
Keira Marchini is a young Narooma local who has grown up right here in the Eurobodalla. She spent a lot of her upbringing volunteering as a Rural Firefighter, working atmany of our local businesses and attending Narooma Preschool, Narooma Primary and Narooma High School. She has volunteered her Wednesdays at Monty’s Narooma and is currently the President of the Narooma Chamber of Commerce which is also a volunteer position. She was also a volunteer coach for the Narooma She Devils after being a keen player herself since childhood.
Keira is now a small business owner and excited new mum. She currently lives on a farm and knows the struggles of farmers, small business owners, new parents, and youngpeople trying to make a life for themselves in a small town with sparse resources. Keira has decided to step into politics to help the town and region she loves and is extremely passionate about finding solutions to the various struggles our locals are facing.
Number 5 – James Thomson
Number 4 – Keira Marchini
Number 5 – James Thomson
James is a fifth-generation sheep and cattle farmer on BelowraStation on the Tuross River. He was a Eurobodalla Shire Councillor (ESC) from 2016-2021, during which time James sat on two boards and many committees. James served during the difficult but rewarding time as ESC governed through the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires and Covid 19. James also currently works with people with disabilities in a disability employment company. He has a previous 10-year active membership in the Moruya Rodeo committee and has volunteered in many roles during the George Bass Surfboat Marathon.
Through the Australian Institute of Company Directors, James has completed the Governance Essentials for Local Government in-house program with ESC. He was the Ministerial Appointment to the Gulaga Board of Management (Aboriginal Land Management Board), twice elected as aNSW representative to the Australian Coastal Council Committee, and ESC Delegate on floodplain management from 2016-2021.
Since childhood, James has worked with weeds and feral animals. During his time with the ESC, James significantly increased the budget for weed and pest animal management. He also actively educated the community on biosecurity and would like to see farming in the Southeast and Australia in general, become a bigger agenda item in federal and state governments. James’ family farm was burnt out during the Black Summer Fires, and they are still rebuilding and restocking. James understands that living on the land can be a struggle but has always thought it is worth the effort. James is running so that he can help make a positive difference.
Number 6 – Lindsay Brown
Number 4 – Keira Marchini
Number 5 – James Thomson
Lindsay Brown has been a longtime Narooma resident of over forty years. He is also a retired businessman and was a Mayor and Councillor for thirteen of those years. Lindsay's has a strong interest in supporting the community and volunteering. Past volunteer roles have included the Narooma Oyster Festival (since its inception eighteen years ago), and volunteering at the Narooma Evacuation Centre during the Black Summer bushfires. Lindsay is currently a committeemember for the Narooma Oyster Festival and a board member for the Lyrebird Foundation, which supports women from disadvantaged backgrounds, both nationally and internationally.
Number 7 – Emily Zahra
Having grown up in Eurobodalla Shire and chosen to raise herfamily here, Emily has a deep connection to our community. As a wife and mother to a wonderful daughter, Emily understands the importance of nurturing both family life and community engagement.
Her past work with the Moruya Business Chamber and various local community groups from a young age has given her valuable insights into the diverse needs of the community. Emily is particularly interested in addressing the needs of younger professionals and families, ensuring that the region supports a vibrant and inclusive future.
Outside of her profession working for a local builder, Emilyenjoys spending her free time exploring the stunning Eurobodalla beaches and walking tracks, as well as enjoying the local café culture and dining out.
Emily’s commitment to enhancing our community and supporting local businesses drives her dedication to making Eurobodalla Shire an even better place to live and work.
Rob Pollock OAM
About Rob Pollock
About Rob:
Highly regarded Chair, Councillor and business person with achievements and experience in regional tourism, economic growth, industry, investment attraction, collaboration and change management.
Outstanding abilities in leadership, tourism development, strategic planning, outcome delivery and stakeholder engagement. A results driven leader with a proven track record of committee management, public and private sector engagement, mentoring and facilitation.
Current Board/Committee positions and responsibilities:
Chair, Regional Development Australia – Far South Coast since 2009
Councillor, Eurobodalla Shire Council since 1987; Deputy Mayor for 15 years
Member, South East Australian Transport Strategy
Past Board/Committee positions and responsibilities:
2012 – 2022 Member, NSW Government Joint Regional Planning Panel (Southern)
2014 – 2021 Chair of Chairs, RDA NSW & ACT Chairs and CEOs Committee
2012 – 2019 Chair, Eurobodalla Committee for Performing and Visual Arts
1987 – 2018 Eurobodalla Tourism Board Founding Member and Chair
1993 – 2014 Member, South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation
1997 – 2012 Chair, South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation
2008 – 2012 Board Member, NSW Tourism Industry Council
2009 – 2010 Member, NSW Local Government Tourism Taskforce
1992 – 2010 Chair and Director, SERTEC Ltd. (South East Training and Enterprise Centre)
2000 – 2003 Member, NSW Coastal Council
1994 – 2003 Chair, NSW Restaurant and Caterers’ Assoc. South Coast
1998 – 2001 Director, NSW South East Regional Waste Board
1983 – 2000 Self-employed restaurateur, NSW South Coast
1989 – 1997 Chair, Eurobodalla Tourism Board
1994 – 1997 Deputy Chair, Australian Capital Region Development Board
1991 – 1995 Chair, BARA (Business Advice in Rural Areas) Committee, South East NSW
1990 – 1995 Chair, NSW South East Region Economic Development Board
1990 – 1992 Member, Joint NSW/ACT South East Economic Development Council
1990 – 1992 Member, Deua/Wadabilliga National Park Management Committee
Successful RDA FSC projects include:
Continuation and expansion of the South Coast Business Chambers’ Forums. These Forums offer a valuable link from business to government through the RDA FSC network and offers both Federal and State departments the opportunity for direct contact with regional business. These Forums encourage open discussion on issues across the region whilst seeking solution driven outcomes;
Appointment of RDA FSC as the Regional Certifying Body for the Far South Coast following on from the RDA FSC’s South Coast Skills Audit which has proven a valuable tool when assessing Visa applications for our region. RCB duties allow RDA FSC to address skill shortages in the region and to inform local residents about Federal and State programmes whilst addressing any concerns local residents may raise regarding regional immigration;
RDA FSC actively contributes to and supports infrastructure projects in the far south coast region which includes the following successes:
*Berry to Bomaderry - Princes Highway upgrade;
*Burrill Lake crossing – Princes Highway upgrade;
*Dignams Creek – Princes Highway upgrade;
*Foxground and Berry bypass;
*Gerringong upgrade – Princes Highway upgrade;
*Kings Highway;
*Nowra Bridge Project Study – Princes Highway upgrade;
*South Nowra – Princes Highway upgrade;
*South Nowra – proposed heavy vehicle rest area;
*Termeil Creek – Princes Highway upgrade;
*Main Road 92 from Nowra to Nerriga;
*Port of Eden upgrade and continuing expansion.
The Shoalhaven Youth Volunteering Initiative (SYVI) and the South Coast Youth Volunteering Initiative (SCYVI) continue their accomplishments and RDA FSC has been successful in securing SYVI funding to extend the project through to December 2017. The SYVI and SCYVI projects have delivered increased RFS volunteer membership and greater community engagement amongst the young people who participated in this highly successful initiative.
The RDA FSC ‘Equine Industry Scoping Report’ delivered an evidence-based case for expansion of the equine industry on the South Coast with resultant employment outcomes and significant investment. Following recommendations in the RDA FSC’s ‘Equine Industry Scoping Report’ for the South Coast region, Mr Terry Snow has developed Willinga Park, a $90M premier equestrian development at Bawley Point. Additionally, the Berry Riding Club is continuing project development for an Equine Centre of Excellence. RDA FSC continues to collaborate with, and facilitate outcomes for, the region’s equine industry.
With the expansion of Canberra Airport, we have highlighted increased export opportunities for our region with particular reference to ‘Australia’s Oyster Coast’;
My personal and direct representations to both Federal and State Governments and Infrastructure NSW led to the joint investment of $54million into the MacKay Park/Bay Pavillions precinct;
RDA FSC assistance has resulted in successful funding applications for, but not limited to, the following:
*$9,532,500 for the Shoalhaven Motorsports Complex;
*$1,229,554 for the Mind the Gap project addressing mental illness in Nowra;
*$500,000 for the Moruya Library, Arts and Cultural Hub, Stage 1;
*$450,000 for Carers’ Accommodation at SE Regional Hospital, Bega;
*$990,000 for North Bega Industrial Estate Sewer Project;
*$2.6M for Four Winds Sound Shell at Bermagui;
*Narooma Oyster Festival;
*The Great Southern Blues Festival;
*Berry RSL Sub-Branch Veterans’ Grants.
RDA FSC sponsors numerous Business and Tourism Awards across the region supporting best practice and regional excellence;
RDA FSC sponsors, supports and is a member of the Steering Committees for the Pathways Projects which encourage careers in Health through the ‘Pathways to Nursing’ project and careers in Business through the ‘Pathways to Accounting’ project. These projects identify and encourage educational participation of students who suffer significant socio-economic disadvantage. All participants from these projects are now either employed or continuing further study;
RDA FSC sponsors and attends the Small Business Clubs held in each LGA of the Far South Coast region.
These Clubs offer valuable networking and support and provide training opportunities to
ensure the success of our regional businesses. Outcomes include increased employment.
Cross-border projects include:
South East Region Renewable Energy Excellence (SERREE);
Greater Capital Regions Initiative.
With my encouragement, RDA FSC Committee members and staff sit on numerous Boards including tourism, employment and business and economic development. I have also successfully mentored RDA FSC Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Hatcher, as Chair of the Regional Jobs Investment Package (South Coast)
which delivered $20M + of employment investment into the region.
RDA FSC successfully partnered with numerous Government departments and others to implement initiatives, deliver programmes and disseminate information. Partnerships included those with:
Dept. of Infrastructure and Regional Australia
Dept. of Premier & Cabinet
Dept. of Education
Dept. of Employment
Dept. of Trade & Investment
Dept. of Immigration and Border Protection
Dept. of Social Services
Transport for NSW
Shoalhaven City Council
Eurobodalla Shire Council
Bega Valley Shire Council
South Coast Workplace Learning
Eurobodalla Adult Education
and various other community groups, Indigenous and other service agencies
Further to the above, I have personally negotiated with Infrastructure NSW regarding a major ($45M) arts, culture and indoor aquatic centre to be located in Batemans Bay.
I have a highly developed sense of corporate governance and probity.
I have managed inter-governmental relations across Federal, State and Local levels for over 30 years.
I have a record of dealing with all issues in a timely and decisive manner.
The balancing of social and environmental outcomes with appropriate economic and employment needs is a challenge I enjoy and an exercise at which I have been consistently successful.
Decisions made under my chairmanship have always withstood any challenge.
Understanding strong and diverse opinions and positions and ensuring people feel that they have been heard and respected is a key part of any Chair’s role. I consistently manage committees in an inclusive and mutually respectful manner whilst also being experienced enough to ensure good governance, efficient use of time and resources and a respectful and safe environment for all.
Transparent and sound reasoning is crucial to all decisions of which I am a part.