She is also bringing further diversity to the council as a proud Indigenous Wiradjuri woman, on top of her experience in public service and desire to “do good.”
Dr Cornwell McKean also has qualifications in the arts and mathematics, bringing a bachelor’s degree, a masters and a PhD to the table alongside more than 20 years in the public service.
“I was in the Commonwealth public service for 12 years and for the past four-and-a-half years I’ve been running my own business consulting ... I wanted to have board roles and give back to the community as well,” she said.
She has continued to provide advisory services and training to the public from her home in Barooga after permanently relocating from her home town of Melbourne.
She got her start through local activism when the Barooga pool was under threat of being shut down.
“I launched a Facebook group, there was a petition ‘Save the Barooga Pool’, long story short we managed to get funding,’’ Dr Cornwell McKean said.
“But I just thought if I can do this, there’s a whole lot of other things going on ... so really I’ve just been active and they need someone to just keep at it.”
“These cities make those decisions that impact us and don’t even think about it.”
She is passionate about access to healthcare and wellbeing services for the rural community, as well as the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and border closures.
Dr Cornwell McKean explained she wants to continue her strong advocacy plans within the council and to continue improvements across Berrigan Shire.
“I think we need to be advocated for, not just better but consistently, to make sure the cities know we’re here,” she said.
“I feel that council has two roles, one is a legislative role and one is an advocacy role ... specifically (ensuring) our regional towns are not ignored is a very important piece in my mind.”
“We want Berrigan Shire to be a place of choice ... it’s a fantastic and beautiful place.”
This year’s election takes place on December 4.
Also running in this election are John Taylor, Renee Paine, Daryll Morris, Roger Reynoldson, Carly Marriott, Edward (Ted) Hatty, Clare Allan, Sarah McNaughton, Ross Bodey, Matthew Hannan, Mandy Bonat and Marcus Fry.
You can find more information on the election, including how to enrol at www.elections.nsw.gov.au.
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