19.9 C
Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Richardson won’t stand in the 2020 Byron election

Latest News

Splendour 2024 cancelled

It's official, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.

Other News

Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need

Eighteen schools in the Northern Rivers division of Richmond have received $25,000 each as part of the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund, Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said last week.

Protecting nature and naturism from prejudice in Byron Shire

A new regime of social repression is imposing itself over the Byron Shire. Supported by local conservatives, the NSW National Parks Wildlife Service is attacking diversity and a particular minority group in Byron Shire – naturists.

Save Wallum finalist in NSW 2024 environment awards

The Save Wallum campaign has been named as a finalist in the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Environment Awards 2024. The award ceremony will be held in Sydney tonight, and Save Wallum spokesperson and ecologist James Barrie will be attending with Tegan Kitt, another founding member of the group.

Mullum pods

They look so uninviting and dismal. It would not cost a lot to change the name to ‘tiny homes’...

Breakfeast, Bluesfest weekend

Victoria Cosford Oh to be a cow with a four-chambered stomach system! Farmers’ market, Bluesfest long weekend, a spot of...

Big week in Byron Bay for adaptive surfers

Australia’s first-ever international adaptive surfing contest held in Byron Bay last week was an overwhelming success according to organiser Mark ‘mono’ Stewart.

Notification of the Facebook message.

With local council elections being held later this year, there has been a lot of speculation about who will be running for office in the Byron Shire.

On Monday afternoon Byron Mayor Simon Richardson made it clear what his intentions were after an announcement on Facebook.

‘After significant consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election to continue on as Mayor of our wonderful Shire,’ he said in a post.

‘I am not nominating for two reasons: For most of my time as Mayor, it was an approximately 60 hour plus per week commitment. Now, finding myself as a sole parent of two daughters, I cannot commit to the time required to do the job as it should be done. I would rather try to be a great dad than try to be a great mayor.’

Focussing on solutions

Mr Richardson said that after eight years as mayor and 12 years on council, he wants to focus his energies solely on solutions, something, he says, he cannot do on Council.

‘I applaud the validity of those who draw attention to problems, however, I wish to spend my focus on helping solutions come to life. Focusing on problems may allow our vehicle to dodge a pothole, but only creating solutions will move it forward down the road, which is what our society needs if we are to overcome the immense global challenges facing us.

Mr Richardson said that he is excited about the last stretch of his mayoral journey. ‘I will continue to commit myself to trying to represent the whole community to the best of my ability whilst I am in the job. Thanks.’

Deputy Mayor Sarah Ndiaye

Fellow Greens member and current deputy mayor, Councillor Sarah Ndiaye says it’s been an honour working alongside Simon Richardson. ‘He has vision, passion and has really put heart and soul into the role.

Cr Ndiaye says Richardson will be greatly missed but he has achieved a lot and will leave a wonderful legacy few will truly understand. ‘Right now though, he may be in for longer than he thinks and he is the perfect person to lead us during these unprecedented times.’

At this stage, the 2020 NSW Local Government elections are planned for Saturday, 12 September.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Thank you for your leadership over these past 8 years Simon.
    You have bravely soldiered on through the face of adversity, and I applaud you for your courage.
    Now you can go and CONTINUE to be a great Dad, just a great Dad with more time….The most important job in the world 🙂

  2. Let’s get real Simon … you’ve abused the power and the mandate you were given at the last election by ordinary people like me to protect Byron Shire from this myopic world of “jobs and growth” … but your legacy is clear for all to see.

    Jumping ship before the voters toss you overboard ?

    You have done damage to the Greens ‘brand’ and I am hoping some ‘real’ community and environmentally focused candidates can fill the void, because we can’t trust the other Greens in your voting bloc. They’ve had their chance and failed miserably.

  3. From one Green Mayor to another – Simon no one knows what its really like to put your heart and soul into the work we do in local government – i know first hand the sacrifice’s you make on a daily basis – the complexity of the decisions and the hate that comes your way no matter what the outcome. Go well Simon, may your last months be rewarding and may your children reflect with you in the future on the job you have done so well.

    Amanda Findley – Mayor of Shoalhaven CIty

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

We just love him!

If you’re over 50 you might not be a fan of Tom Jones, but you can bet your mum is. If you’re under 40 you might not even know who he is, but your grandmother probably wet her pants at the mere mention of his name.

Peter Garrett gives Bluesfest the nod

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Save Wallum finalist in NSW 2024 environment awards

The Save Wallum campaign has been named as a finalist in the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Environment Awards 2024. The award ceremony will be held in Sydney tonight, and Save Wallum spokesperson and ecologist James Barrie will be attending with Tegan Kitt, another founding member of the group.

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.