Mark Horan, Community Volunteer

As past deputy chairman and founding board member of the Braidwood and Bungendore community bank, Mark was instrumental in ensuring a bank for the people in Palerang. As an active field officer (Captain, Bombay Rural Fire Brigade), Mark attends fires in the Lake George fire zone whenever needed. (And recently, quite often!). Mark holds membership or gives support to various sporting, environmental, aviation, cultural   and community based organisations.

As a councillor on the inaugural Palerang council (2004-2008) Mark was able to use his corporate skills, developed through his position within BHP Steel, to place an ill conceived amalgamated local government area firmly on the road to viability. Of course, he picked up many new skills in regards to governance and the "interesting" politics that is attracted by local Government.

As a self employed family man, Mark is aware of how poor government policy can affect the living standards of his family and of all families in rural NSW. He understands that the rural culture of volunteering can help to hold the fabric of a Community together, but at some point, there needs to be a change in the culture of the policy makers.

Any councillor, past or present, will tell you that the capacity to bring meaningful change to communities via local government is only "fiddling around the edges". Only through the power of the state can people in rural and regional NSW acheive real change and security. For this to occur, it is vital that representation is provided by someone who knows the problems through first hand experience.

I intend to head for Macquarie St., I would like to take you with me.

Mark Horan