Councillors’ Youth Mentoring Program

I moved to the Clarence Valley in 2011 with my two sons from Coffs Harbour and have been a small business owner since 2019. 

I decided to run for council last term in 2021 as I believed I could fight for the community and make it a better place to run a small business, raise children and wanted to be more involved with the community and be part of fixing the issues and part of the amazing things we are doing in the valley. 

For me being a councillor is a wonderful experience, and I have enjoyed working with the community, local businesses, and our State and Federal leaders over the past term. This is why I decided to run again to continue the amazing work that has been achieved and continue being a voice for our community.

I believe I have what it takes to be a mentor as I have the skills of running a business, supporting staff, and I raised two boy's majority of the time on my own as a single mum and supported them to becoming amazing adults and leading successful lives including one in politics. 

New Clarence Valley councillor, Cristie, is passionate about education, getting people involved, interested, and participating in local government. 

She is a mum, business owner, SES member, home schooler, homesteader, author, artist. 

She is excited to participate in the youth mentoring program.

I am deputy mayor having been on council for over 8 years. 

My background is in ecological consulting and I have a PhD in zoology and ecology. 

My passion is the environment and I work to support local communities, including First Nations Communities. 

I am a Greens councillor and also have experience in public service administration and have completed a Personnel Administration Certificate at TAFE. 

I also worked as a National Parks & Wildlife Service Ranger.

I have spent many years volunteering in my community., including a volunteer Director, and Chairman of Directors of Clarence Valley Community Financial Services Ltd trading as Bendigo Community Bank South Grafton.

I am self employed,  and have been for most of my working life. My husband and I started our own company JKT & Sons Pty Ltd Tourist Management Specialists in 2001. I have gained experience in managing and leading our business over the past two decades.

Prior to starting our own company we were business owners. I also had a 5 year period working as a Community Liaison Officer at a public primary school in Queensland, Kimberley Park State School. I am also a founding director of Kimberley College Ltd a private school born out of community frustration because there was no continuity for students after they finish primary school at Kimberley Park State School a pilot school for Multiage education.  

I was well known in the Clarence Valley community as a Business Chamber President and was approached to stand at the 2008 Local Government election as there was an attempt to get more women into local government. I did not think it was something I could do, I never had any ambition to get into politics. 

So, I made enquiries, attended information events organised for women in the Ballina Shire by Cr Cadwallader. I attended these events to listen and learn more about what was expected. I gained more confidence after attending and speaking with others. I realised I did have the skills to nominate and made the decision to give it a go.

The rest is history. I was elected in 2008, then again in 2012, 2016, 2021 and 2024.

I have experiences and knowledge in local government and business, and put myself forward for Clarence Valley Council’s Youth Mentor Program.

Mentoring is not just about giving advice; it is about listening, understanding, and providing guidance.

I have mentored a young man in the past, I have also mentored businesswomen in a program with Regional Development prior to becoming a councillor in 2008.

I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals and help them make decisions about their future.

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for Council's Youth Mentor Program.

Peter was a Maths teacher for 28 years, most recently at South Grafton High School. 

He is in his second term as a councillor and was the Mayor for the final year of the previous council. 

Peter is on the Audit Risk Improvement Committee and the traffic committees. 

He is a deputy captain in Grafton Rural Fire Brigade and is also a Peer Support Officer and trainer with the Rural Fire Service.  

I look forward to working with a Youth Mentor!