Tanya Cullen

I’m Tanya Cullen and for 13 years now, I’ve made Binalong my home. The Yass Valley community is one where people acknowledge you, have a chat and have your back when it’s needed.  And I know, through volunteering with groups like YassFM, Red Cross, the local Historical Society and Progress Associations, the passion our community has for the area and its future.

I’m standing because I believe it’s time Yass Valley Council started actively listening to residents and working to protect what is special about our community and area.

My working experience has been in town and transport planning, and then my own business in heritage and archaeology. For 20+ years I worked for, and with, local councils and communities helping to identify and protect their valued spaces and places.

I believe that councils are best-placed to improve the everyday lives of communities. I’ve learned the many competing priorities councils face, but I also know the opportunities councils have to make a difference to people’s lives and to our environment.

Councils are at their best when they’re honest with their communities and bring people into planning for their future.  And when they practice sound financial management.

I want a council that leads the community – but it must be leadership based on open and transparent engagement with all residents, businesses and community groups.

Yass Valley Council must change and it must start to work with all residents to get better outcomes and opportunities for everyone.