Hawkesbury Post contacted all candidates with questions to provide voters with comprehensive information for the upcoming local council election. We asked them to submit a brief summary of themselves and their stance on the top five issues that matter most to our community, as determined by our recent emoji poll.

The responses we received were as diverse as the candidates themselves. Liberal Candidate Sarah McMahon, Labor candidate Amanda Kotlash, and Independent Les Sheather chose not to respond at all. In these cases we have worked with publicly available information and voting records to offer insights into their positions around issues.

The top issues identified in our emoji poll include Councillor integrity, environment and conservation (particularly koalas), council services and pothole repairs, and development concerns – particularly regarding over-development. 

Group A: Danielle Wheeler (The Greens): 

I’m a scientist, community campaigner and permaculture practitioner.  Since being elected in 2016, I’ve achieved increased heritage funding, support for the Women’s Cottage, wetlands protections and increased tree canopy and town centre upgrades, increased community participation in council meetings and animal shelter reforms, and worked for a more inclusive Hawkesbury. I’m a hard worker and a fierce advocate with the intelligence and tenacity needed to ensure a thriving future for our community and our environment. Allister Claasz moved to the Hawkesbury at 17 to study Wildlife and the Environment at WSU Richmond. Having completed a science degree, he now lives in South Windsor and works on an organic farm in Bilpin.  

In one sentence or your tagline, share what your team stands for: Building a better Hawkesbury – for now, and the future.

Councillor Integrity: 

Integrity requires honesty, transparency, and sticking to principles. My time as a soldier and scientist shaped my commitment to these values. As a member of The Greens, I am committed to grassroots democracy, ecological sustainability, peace and nonviolence, and social justice. I’m bound by these principles and accountable to the community, not a faceless party machine. I want to see Council back in the community, holding regular public meetings and listening sessions in parks and community centres, through youth parliaments, and participatory decision-making.  More social engagement, less social media.  Councillors should be free to explain their votes, and Council’s media policy must be rewritten and focus on transparency, not defensiveness. If we all act with integrity, we should have nothing to fear.

Environmental Conservation:

I’ve been a fierce advocate for the environment and consistently fought for environmental protection, opposing harmful policies like the Rural Boundary Clearing Code and advocating for a Koala Plan of Management. I started the Wetlands Working Group and added wetlands protections across the Council’s planning documents. I’ve worked to prevent destructive developments while increasing urban greening. Good development doesnt have to be environmentally damaging if planned correctly. The Hawkesbury community values our environment, and I’m committed to removing the Rural Boundary Clearing Code, securing a Koala Plan, and expanding our urban forest.

Council Services and Pothole repairs:

We need local road crews to quickly restore and maintain our roads after disasters, keeping jobs local, upskilling staff and prioritsing repairs based on need. We’ll advocate for more funding and higher-quality repairs. Instead of increasing hard rubbish collections, which less than a third of households use, we support expanding recycling efforts such as “Second-hand Saturday”, and introducing food and organics recycling earlier. We’ll ensure transparency in Council’s budget, focusing on what the community values: roads, parks, the environment, and public spaces. Council should serve the community, spending public money on public assets with a sustainable future in mind.

Development: 

Hawkesbury has met its housing targets, so there’s no need for more greenfield development on agricultural land. Future development should focus on infill near town centres and transport, meeting the need for smaller, more diverse, accessible and affordable housing. We must implement the revised LEP with the proper protections removed by Liberal and Labor in 2022. Council also needs to stand up to developers and the state government.  Development should be something we control, not something that happens to us that we are forced to live with. I’ll continue to oppose harmful developments and advocate for planning that benefits the community and environment, not for developer profits.

Group B: Mary Lyons Buckett (Independent): 

Bio: Mary has developed a deep connection and understanding of the Hawkesbury people and their vision through her background in scientific research, law, mediation, and small business, coupled with 12 years experience as a Councillor. Determined to finish what she started, Mary strives to see a functional, effective and reliable Council in which the people can have trust and confidence. She listens to the community to learn what characteristics are valued; which precious areas and assets require protection; which services are missing or need upgrade; and what opportunities can be embraced to support our local economy and overall wellbeing. Mary understands the need to balance future growth with preservation of the qualities that make Hawkesbury the unique, incredible place it is. Councillor Integrity

Councillor Integrity: 

Integrity is a core component of good governance. Council decisions must be made with appropriate levels of transparency, accountability and fairness. To equip councillors to make good decisions, they must have a thorough understanding of community needs and expectations. The Chamber should be a place where integrity is paramount, and good leadership is essential to deliver that. Our ratepayers and residents must feel they have had meaningful engagement and that their feedback has been listened to, and when possible, translated into appropriate actions or policies. Perceptions that consultation is merely a box-ticking exercise lead to distrust and lack of confidence in decisions made and actions taken by Council. 

Environmental Conservation:

I treasure the natural environment we are so fortunate to have, and for which we are custodians. It is one of our majordrawcards. With many pressures from proposed developments, land clearing and climate change, our precious environment is under threat of irreversible damage. Loss of connectivity and fragmentation of habitat will have wide-ranging impacts. I opposed opting into the Rural Boundary Clearing Code because I saw no evidence of any benefits, and feared its (mis)use as a tool for the destruction of valuable vegetation, sadly realised. I strongly support the completion of a Koala Plan of Management. I have persistently advocated for increased community participation in disaster management planning. 

Council Services and Pothole repairs:

I strongly advocate increasing the number of traineeships and apprenticeships within Council, and developing teams within Council to carry out the regular monitoring and maintenance of our roads. Reliance on external contractors has not delivered timely and high-quality road repairs. I understand the community frustration about this. Excuses of inability to access contractors or materials to explain delays are unacceptable. I strongly promote betterment in infrastructure renewal, particularly in areas which are vulnerable to repeat extreme weather inundation. If we are proactive rather than reactive, monitor and maintain efficiently, we will reap the rewards of preparation being much cheaper than damage repair. 

Development: 

We can have growth compatible with the need to preserve Hawkesbury’s valuable attributes if it is properly planned and designed. We have major constraints – floodplain, bushland, height restrictions due to the RAAF, and areas without reticulated water and sewer. We will never have massive amounts of medium-density housing like adjacent growth areas. We can utilise opportunities near transport corridors for a better blend of housing style. The delay of our LEP has left us vulnerable to poor planning decisions and missed opportunities around dual occupancy. We need up-to-date, concise planning documents to deliver well-planned growth for the future, with adequate supporting infrastructure and services. 

Group C: Amanda Kotlash (Labor):

Candidate did not respond.

What we know from public records

Councillor integrity:

Clr Kotlash voted against reporting councillor attendance and engagement (Feb and May 2022), favoring a lack of accountability to the community. She supported Liberal Mayor Sarah McMahon’s re-election. During the previous Council term, Labour aligned with Liberal councillors on at least 35 key votes, forming the “Lib-Lab Voting Block” with Independent Les Sheather. This bloc, often supported by the Mayor’s casting vote, raised concerns about local governance dynamics and the balance of power within Council. She also backed the draft media policy limiting media access to Council statements.

Conservation: 

Clr Kotlash moved to dismantle the Hawkesbury River County Council, a body specialising in river conservation. HCC is a member of HRCC along with other councils (August 24).

She voted in favour of the Woodlands Pony Club sale (August 2024).

She voted to postpone committing to funding the Koala Plan of Management until October 2024.

She voted to allow rural boundary clearing without a DA, despite no koala mapping in place. Council has subsequently admitted this has been has been misused by people who want to clear their land (May 23).

Kotlash voted in favour of kangaroo signage on the Driftway in July 2023 (unanimous vote).

Council Services and Pothole repairs:

Labor Councillors Kotlash and Barry Calvert were the only two in the chamber to vote against the commission of an independent inquiry into the debacle that saw the cost of repair for the Cornwallis drains increase from $2.7 million to over $30 million in the space of 12 months. Their position was at odds with that of the State Labor government, which focuses on local government waste.

Kotlash put forward an amended motion rejecting the $5,000 plan to tackle the growing crisis of abandoned cats in the area by allocating money to the Animal Welfare League for a desexing program. The Lib-Lab Block, including Les Sheather, supported her motion. 

Development:

Clr Kotlash voted in favour of the Woodlands Pony Club sale (295 Sackville Road, Wilberforce) to pet food manufacturer Hypro.

She voted in favour of development, including the community title subdivision at 6/21 Vincents Road Kurrajong (with Lib-Lab Bloc) (November 2023)

Group D: Les Sheather (Independent):

Candidate did not respond at all.

What we know from public records. 

Councillor integrity:

Les voted against reporting councillor attendance and engagement in May 2022. While part of the “Lib-Lab Voting Block,” he was less consistent than the Labor councillors in aligning with the group. This bloc often opposed three to six other councillors, with the Mayor’s casting vote tipping the balance in their favor. This pattern of voting raised concerns about the dynamics of local governance and the balance of power within the Council. Additionally, Les Sheather and Councillor Sarah McMahon served as Directors on the Windsor RSL Board, and Sheather spoke against gambling reform at the 2023 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly.

Conservation: 

He voted in favour of the Woodlands Pony Club sale (August 2024)

Sheather voted to postpone committing to funding the Koala Plan of Management until October 2024

He voted in favour of the motion to gag debate on the rural boundary clearing code (RBCC) and to allow the RBCC without a DA, despite no koala mapping. Council has subsequently admitted this has been has been misused by people who want to clear their land (May 23)

Sheather voted in favour of kangaroo signage on the Driftway in July 2023 (unanimous vote)

Development:

Voted in favour of the Woodlands Pony Club sale (295 Sackville Road, Wilberforce) to pet food manufacturer Hypro

Voted in favour of development, including the community title subdivision at 6/21 Vincents Road Kurrajong (with Lib-Lab Bloc) 

Group E: Bob Gribbin (Independent):

I moved to Oakville in 1986 and enjoyed the best life with what the Hawkesbury has to offer and in turn have given back through continuous volunteering. I started volunteering back in 1988 as Secretary of Sydney Showjumping Club when they jumped at Scheyville National Park. My current roles: President, Pony Club NSW Zone 26; Competition Secretary, Pitt Town Football Club; Representative Hawkesbury Sports Council; President, Oakville and Districts Progress Association; President, Rouse Hill Rams Little Athletics

This is my first time running for Council. My Number two is Melissa Crane, who has lived in Pitt Town for many years and is very involved in the local community. She is Hawkesbury Volunteer of the Year 2023, President of Pitt Town Football Club, and director of Pitt Town and District Sports Club.

In one sentence or your tagline, share what your team stands for: Hawkesbury First. Our Core Values are Respect for the Individual, Rate Payer Satisfaction, and Excellence in everything we do.

Councillor Integrity: 

Integrity in public service means acting with honesty, fairness, and commitment to the public good. I will advocate for a code of conduct with regular ethical training, clear conflict-of-interest guidelines, and a transparent system for reporting breaches. I’ll commit to regular self-assessment and encourage my peers to do the same. Public accountability is essential; I support publishing councillors’ voting records and the reasons behind key decisions. I will also promote regular attendance at local meetings to empower the community and ensure transparency in governance.

 Environmental Conservation :

This is an area where I have limited knowledge; in my work life, when I was given a project where I had limited knowledge, I would engage with appropriate subject matter experts. I would take the same approach on Council collaborating with other members like Danielle Wheeler to identify the best outcome for the environment.  My home shares a boundary with Scheyville National Park. Back in the late 1980s, I was part of the protest group that opposed the area being turned into an airport, Jail, and housing commission before becoming a National Park where today we have native wildlife. The unique natural habitats for all native animals must be protected. Koala, platypus, echidna, kangaroo, all reptiles, and bird life must be preserved for future generations.

Council Services and Pothole repairs:

Flood events and increased heavy vehicle usage have severely damaged our road infrastructure, especially with the rise in potholes. I will push for a rapid response team to ensure potholes are repaired quickly and advocate for durable materials and innovative techniques to minimise future issues.

Transparency and accountability are crucial. I will review service contracts and performance metrics to identify inefficiencies and push for more flexible rubbish collection options. I’ll advocate for a clear breakdown of how rates are spent to ensure every dollar improves our community.

To enhance service delivery and manage costs, I will focus on efficiency, innovation, and community involvement. This includes streamlining operations, partnering with local businesses, and involving residents in decision-making through regular feedback forums and surveys.

Development: 

Development is progressing on both sides of the river, with more to come. We have two choices: let the State Government dictate our future or take control and shape it ourselves.

We propose a balanced approach, allowing acreage to be subdivided into one-acre blocks while preserving the option to keep properties unchanged. All new blocks must be self-sufficient, with Enviro-cycle sewerage systems, solar or wind power with battery backup, and large inground water tanks to ease the load on existing infrastructure.

This plan maintains Hawkesbury’s rural character while allowing thoughtful development.

Group F: Shane Djuruc (Shooter, Farmers, Fishers): 

I’m a proud Hawkesbury local, I was born in Windsor hospital and have been a part of our community for nearly 53 years. I’m a third generation honey producer and my family’s apiary has been pollinating the Hawkesbury since 1960. I am a member of the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party, not just because I’m a farmer, but because the SFF are a grass roots party that is made up of everyday people like you and me, just community members that strive to make a difference where it counts the most, and for me it’s about bringing the community’s voice back to council to make community led decisions, instead of a select few dictating to everyone else. 

Our dedicated team of Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party candidates believes that Council should be the heart of where we come together for the enrichment of the Hawkesbury and its community. 

My ticket no.2 is Bradley McGregor from South Windsor, no.3 is Brooke Djuric from Bligh Park, no.4 is Stephanie Fuller from Wilberforce, no.5 is Keith Levy from Thompson Square, and no.6 Gae Kelly from Pitt Town. 

Councillor integrity:

Councillor integrity is very important to me and elected members should hold themselves to a higher standard as the community has put them forward to be their voice as it should be under the Westminster system. A lack of integrity from all levels of government is why I put my hand up to run in the first place, further, there seems to be a lack of accountability. I have been in regular contact the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party UpperHouse members and they are aware of the issues concerning our Council, as well as other councils, and they have called on the government to push reforms that will help guide Councils in regard to integrity and delivery which will contribute to a better performing Council. 

Environmental Conservation: 

Many people are drawn to the Hawkesbury for its historic and rural charm, its significance in the Blue Mountains, and its unique wildlife. Given its proximity to Sydney, the Hawkesbury’s distinctiveness must be protected. I fully support Koala mapping, as it will help ensure their survival and attract environmentally conscious residents. This approach can reduce development in sensitive areas and lower DA application costs outside of koala zones.

Potholes, Rates, and Services:

With a potential recession on the horizon, I will oppose any rate increases above CPI, especially given the current cost-of-living crisis. While road conditions are a widespread issue, I will work with SFF Upperhouse members to push for local government reforms to ensure Hawkesbury Council operates efficiently and productively.

Development:

I’ve always advocated for greater rights for individual homeowners. While large developments on the Hawkesbury’s outskirts are clearing acres of trees, families struggle to build granny flats for their elderly parents. I’m firmly against mass development, especially west of the river, as it will destroy our community’s identity. We lack the infrastructure to support such growth, and State and Federal governments show no foresight in addressing the needs of the existing community, let alone considering more development. Their proposal to duplicate Richmond Bridge, which won’t alleviate township traffic or provide flood-free travel, demonstrates how little they consider our needs.

Group G: Angela Maguire (Independent):

Angela Maguire is an independent candidate at September’s local government election. As a long-term Hawkesbury resident, small business owner, and award-winning entrepreneur, the community’s concerns are my concerns. My group members are all locals who care about their community, with interests and expertise in local performing arts, sport for young people, STEM education, and agritourism. Meera Webster is my number two. A Hawkesbury Small Business Award winner and local arts personality, she is dedicated to improving the arts scene in the region.

In one sentence or your tagline, share what your team stands for:

Integrity – Representation – Stronger Community

Councillor Integrity: 

The role of Council is to establish the strategic direction for council staff to follow. Council staff can only do the best they can with the leadership they are provided. It’s not just following the letter of the law, but it’s also about being seen to do the right thing. My personal and professional reputation is being an ethical and principled person. I will take those attributes into Council and apply them accordingly. Councillors may need to engage in mandated governance training to ensure they are crystal clear about their obligations and responsibilities.

Environmental Conservation:

As president of Hawkesbury Harvest, I intimately understand the need to protect our natural environment so we can grow quality food, offer Hawkesbury and other Sydney residents green open spaces for recreation and encourage tourism, especially with the opening of Western Sydney Airport. We are all stewards of the environment for future generations. It’svital that we protect our unique and beautiful assets today for enjoyment and economic security tomorrow. If elected, I will support the creation of a Koala Plan of Management.

Council Services and Pothole repairs:

I won’t be distracted by politicking and personal attacks. If elected, I will focus on the Council’s core purpose to deliver these essential services. If we’re struggling to deliver what we need to, look to other councils who are doing it better and learn from what they do. As a peri-urban council with a challenging rates base subject to multiple natural disasters, we need to lobby state and federal governments as a united council to get our fair share of funding and support. 

Development: 

I want to retain our beautiful peri-urban environment whilst allowing people to have affordable and livable homes. I don’t see this as an either-or choice. However, we need to be a bit more creative in our solutions and have a little less greed from developers.  We need appropriate infrastructure in place before any additional development, including emergency services. The Hawkesbury needs a variety of housing stock that accommodates our older population who will likely age in place at home. As someone who lives on the western side of the river, I am acutely aware of this challenge.

 

Group H: Nathan Zamprogno (Independent):

I was elected in 2016 as a Liberal but now proudly stand as an independent. I am a local high school teacher. I am very proud to stand by my record as the only Councillor that has sought to engage with residents through regular videos, newsletters, website and social media posts.

The key issue facing voters in Hawkesbury is ensuring that the next Council is led with integrity. 

Our Council has been controlled by either Liberal or Labor Mayors for 17 of the last 20 years.

They haven’t delivered, even by the metrics they themselves set concerning debt, fairer rates, or Council customer service performance. Many decisions seem oriented to please developers rather than the broader community. It’s time to restore Council’s leadership to citizens, not political parties. 

Councillor Integrity: 

Two-thirds of the meetings Councillors are required to attend are briefings, workshops, rountables and other events outside of the public, formal chamber meetings.

I moved an initiative where this broader attendance, plus expenses and travel would be gathered and reported at the end of the Council term – a simple integrity measure already commonly practiced by neighbouring councils. My motion passed, only to be rescinded by the Liberal and Labor bloc a few months later.

Then, I conceived and co-created the “Hawkesbury City Councillor Watch” page and website, which has been reporting on voting and attendance since May 2022.

Environmental Conservation:

I served five years on the board of the Hawkesbury River County Council (two as chair) charged with waterway health and weed control. I opposed our Council’s withdrawal and dissolution of HRCC.

I have readily supported clauses in our LEP and DCP which strengthen environmental protection, such as ‘views and vistas’.

I’ve decried the delay of the new LEP and DCP, which has dragged on for years because developers prefer the older, laxer rules.

I support the proper funding of a Koala Mapping and Management strategy.

In each of these, I have been frustrated by the current ruling party bloc and hope for change.

Development: 

I have been a trenchant advocate for reform of local government to prevent property developers or those associated with them to improperly influence the political process.

I oppose inappropriate development and decry the pressure placed on the Hawkesbury by the growth of the ‘sydney anthill’ which threatens our remaining agricultural land and sensitive ecological habitats.

It became apparent to me that the only way in which I could ethically pursue these objectives was by leaving the Liberal Party.

Council Services and Pothole repairs:

Council faces an infrastructure backlog that will grow to over $160M over the next nine years without significant intervention. Our finances are simply inadequate to the task and this will get worse.

The next chamber must give the issue of road repair significant priority, but I am surprised there is no disclosure from candidates about where they would stand on a future further rate rise. If this issue is ignored, it will be harder for the new chamber to declare a mandate to impose this, especially given a perception that our current system is unfairly weighted towards some property owners, and that the last rate rise did not deliver on associated capital works projects promised as sweeteners.

In one sentence or your tagline, share what your team stands for:

We stand for respectful, competent, hard-working representation. We’re ready to govern because the Liberal + Labor bloc have let us all down. 

 

Group I: Sarah McMahon (Liberal): 

Did not respond at all.

What we know from public records. 

Councillor integrity: 

Clr McMahon, was the former domestic partner of local property developer Matthew Bennett. McMahon and Bennett have consistently claimed Bennett is not a property developer under the definition in the Act and neither is McMahon by association. McMahon signed a candidate form declaring she had no association with such entities. 

McMahon voted to rescind reporting on councillor attendance and engagement. This means she was in favour of councillors not being accountable to the community through reporting attendance and performance.

She voted in favour of the draft media policy, which would limit the ability of some media to access statements from or engage with Council. Subsequently, McMahon has boycotted the Hawkesbury Post and threatened legal action against it and its editor, Sam Magnusson.

Conservation: 

Clr McMahon voted to dismantle the Hawkesbury River County Council, a body specialising in river conservation, of which Hawkesbury City Council is a member (August 24). She also supported the sale of the Woodlands Pony Club (August 2024) and voted to delay funding for the Koala Plan of Management until October 2024.

Additionally, McMahon voted to allow rural boundary clearing without a DA, even though there was no koala mapping. The Council later acknowledged that this policy was misused by those wanting to clear land (May 23).

McMahon voted in favour of kangaroo signage on the Driftway in July 2023 (unanimous vote)

Council Services and Pothole repairs:

Clr McMahon presided over the Council as Mayor during the last term, when the lack of repairs to potholes was noted, and the community’s anger was palpable.  

Development:

Despite being found to be “not a developer,” McMahon has had to recuse herself from multiple development projects before Council that her (now ex) partner or family members were involved in, such as the community title subdivisions at 6/21 Vincents Road Kurrajong.

Voted in favour of the Woodlands Pony Club sale (295 Sackville Road, Wilberforce) to pet food manufacturer Hypro.

Group J: Eddie Dogramaci (Small Business Party): 

I’m Eddie, a door-to-door salesman with a background in Textile Technology from the U.K. and further studies in Industrial Chemistry. I’ve lived in Hawkesbury for 36 years and am well-known among tradespeople, veggie farmers, turf growers, and manufacturing companies.

Why did I enter politics? Small business owners, elderly residents, veterans, single parents, and even the homeless along the creek beds asked for my help with rising rates, council fees, protection, and job opportunities. Seeing their struggles, I decided to run for office. Since then, I’ve become one of the most outspoken and controversial Councillors. I’ve faced more penalties than anyone else for speaking out, protecting the vulnerable, demanding answers, and challenging management and major party councillors. They tried to silence me by interfering with my council phone, delaying emails, stopping my business card printing, and even attempting to expel me. 

In the past three years, I’ve exposed a $40 million failure in maintenance and management that could have been better used for roads, charities, women’s shelters, and helping those in need. I uncovered a $32.5 million secret loan, which led to attempts to have me removed for revealing it. I also highlighted the council’s failed lawsuit against a construction company, resulting in an additional $4.9 million in damages, costs, and compensation.

I don’t have time for lies and empty promises. I don’t smile when asked why because there’s nothing to smile about when people are deceived and promises are broken. I’ll smile when ratepayers start smiling. Having lived, worked, and dealt across four continents, I’m grateful to Australia for giving me the chance to build a safe, secure future. This is my way of giving back and saying, “Thank you, Australia, and thank you, Aussies.” That’s me – Eddie, no more, no less.

Key Council Issues based on  Voting record, where questions not addressed – 

Environmental Conservation:

Voted with the Liberal and Labor Bloc to dismantle the Hawkesbury River County Council (August 24).

He was the only Councillor to vote against Urban Greening (August 23).

Voted with Liberal and Labor to rescind the RBCC – allowing rural boundary clearing without a DA.

Recused himself from the Woodlands Pony Club sale vote as the Buyer (Hypro) is on his ticket (August 2024).

Voted in favour of Voted in favour of kangaroo signage on the Driftway in July 2023 (unanimous vote).

Development: 

He voted to endorse the site-specific amendment to the LEP to legalise subdivision on the Seniors Village Vincents Road Kurrajong site (November 2023). 

He recused himself from the Woodlands Pony Club sale vote as the Buyer (Hypro) is on his ticket (August 2024)