Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick, will campaign to deliver more infrastructure and services for the Bega electorate as the newly announced Liberal candidate in the March 2023 state election.
Mayor Fitzpatrick will try and win back the seat of Bega from Labor’s Dr Michael Holland who won the February 2022 by-election, a seat that Liberal’s Andrew Constance held for over 18 years.
Born in Pambula Hospital, and educated at Pambula Primary and Eden High, Mr Fitzpatrick has spent his life advocating for his beloved region, and supporting the local community.
He is the Chair of the Canberra Joint Regional Organisation, was recently elected to the Executive of the Country Mayors Association of NSW, and has served as a board member of Southern NSW Health, Pambula and Community Bank Limited, and has been a life member of Merimbula-Pambula Junior Rugby League and is a NSW Country Under-18s Selector.
“With generations of my family tied to Bega, I know how fortunate we are to live in the best part of NSW, Australia and the world,” said Mr Fitzpatrick.
“I believe in giving back to our community, and have always been happy to pitch in.”
Serving as a Bega Councillor, Russell has been instrumental in delivering the Merimbula Basketball Club facility, Merimbula Airport and Port of Eden developments to improve the region’s transport links and grow the local tourism industry, and construction beginning shortly on the Bega Regional Sports Facility that will be able to host state and regional soccer, league and cricket competitions.
“I am incredibly passionate about the needs of our community, and delivering improved facilities and infrastructure. This community has been through a lot, and needs someone who can deliver.
“If elected, I will ensure that our electorate gets the infrastructure and services that we need as an active member of the Perrottet Government,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“Local housing is one of the top priorities for me, and having set up the Bega affordable housing taskforce I want to ensure that there is a stronger co-operation between the different levels of government to deliver for our community.
“I will be campaigning to ensure that local families get the support they need to deal with the current cost of living challenges – from fuel to food prices – and will work incredibly hard to ensure that the Government is providing the necessary support for our community. I want to make people’s lives easier by ensuring that they get easier access to support programs and grants that are tailored for our unique challenges.”
“My focus will be firmly on the local delivery of programs that help to ease the pressure on household budgets, support for local businesses and strengthening our frontline services.”
He said he wants to be an open candidate who’s available to the community at all times.
Image: Bega Valley Shire Council
