Group B’s vision for a thriving community

Emerging from the farming lands of Jamberoo, central Kiama, Gerringong, and Werri Beach, the Group B team, led by Alan Smith, is a collective of like-minded individuals driven by the guiding principle, that ‘reasonable decisions are made by reasonable people’.

Every candidate in Group B brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication, united by a shared vision for the future of the Kiama LGA. Together, they are committed to enhancing the community, making it stronger, more vibrant, and a place where everyone can thrive. This is clearly a team that puts Community first.

The team envisions a future where the community thrives on sustainability, local support, and opportunities for everyone. If elected, they are committed to working tirelessly to:

Build Strong Relationships: By collaborating with community members, businesses, and Council staff to achieve shared goals.

Boost the Local Economy: By promoting and supporting local businesses and farmers.

Support People: By developing programs that help individuals gain practical skills and potentially start their own ventures.

Promote Sustainability: By implementing initiatives that meet the needs of the present while safeguarding the needs of future generations.

The team is dedicated to supporting good ideas proposed by anyone and seizing every opportunity to make the community a better place for all. They believe in their ability to bring positive change and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to serve the community.

Alan Smith: A reasonable voice for the community

When Alan Smith first encountered issues with Kiama Council, he took a proactive step by pursuing a law degree, believing it might be necessary to resolve the challenges he faced. However, he quickly realised that a reasonable conversation with the then newly appointed CEO was all it took to address his concerns without resorting to legal action. This experience highlighted an essential truth for Alan, effective communication and common sense should be the foundation of the Council’s approach.

Alan believes this philosophy must be embraced across the board, starting with the Councillors. He understands that Council decisions have a profound impact on the community’s well-being, affecting not just daily lives but also mental health. The consequences of indecision or poor decision-making are real and significant.

Alan advocates for changing the way decisions are approached, beginning with open conversations that focus on the ‘how’ and ‘why’. He believes there’s usually a way forward if we take the time to listen and understand. Alan emphasises that the Council must significantly improve its responsiveness to the community it serves.

While Alan deeply cares about ensuring people have a place to live, opportunities to work locally, and the need to protect the environment, he believes that development should not proceed unchecked. It must be both appropriate and reasonable, with the community’s needs at the forefront. He is committed to ensuring that the unique character of our villages is preserved, even as they grow.

Alan’s Background and Experience

Since moving to the community with his family, Alan has been actively involved in local life. As President of the Jamberoo Football Club, he has worked to bring back

the Jamberoo Football Sevens tournament and support the growth of the sport. You

will normally find him in the centre of the park these days, as the referee because

that is what the sporting community needed.

His commitment to the community extends beyond the field. Alan owns and operates Jerrara Creek Farm, where he hosts the annual Santa Photos on the Farm fundraiser for Jamberoo Public School. His goal has always been to provide fresh produce to local people, which led him to purchase a local café in a heritage-listed building, bringing the community back to a time when people worked and ate together.

Alan’s vision is to build a thriving local economy where everyone can prosper. Before settling in Jamberoo, Alan spent many years in the corporate world with companies like Hewlett Packard, Telstra, IBM, and Westpac, managing key customer relationships and overseeing large-scale projects. These experiences have equipped him with the skills to navigate complex challenges, manage large budgets, and deliver successful outcomes—qualities that are essential for effective leadership in the local council.

Alan Smith is certainly a candidate who understands and cares for our community.

Alan’s Qualifications

Master of Business Administration, Australian Graduate School of Management

Bachelor of Laws, University of New England

Graduate Diploma of Practical Legal Training, College of Law

Master Project Director, Australian Institute of Project Managers

Project Management Professional, Project Management Institute

Prince 2 Practitioner, Office of Government Commerce

Prince 2 Foundation, Office of Government Commerce

Design and Supervise Renewable Energy Systems, Clean Energy Council

Alan’s Positions

Officer, The Supreme Court of NSW

Owner, Jerrara Creek Farm

Owner, Amaki Café (soon to be relaunched as The Farmers Table)

Director, FutureGen Power

Director, FutureGen Advisory

Managing Partner, The Smith Family Partnership (NSW)

Member, Sustainable Communities Advisory Committee, Kiama Council

Alan’s Team:

Noel “Gaffa” Killmore a Kiama local is the owner of Killmore Plant and Services. A business which has provided heavy duty mechanical services since 1992.

Belinda “Bindi” Camarda is a strong advocate for conservation and the preservation of our history. Bindi saved “Marks Cottage” from a Council demolition order. Built in circa 1860, the cottage housed the workers who built both Culwalla and Terragong Houses in Jamberoo.

John “Head” Trevenar is the driving force behind the renovations at Gerry Emery Reserve in Gerringong. John has secured over $800,000 in grants and donations to upgrade this much loved and utilised community facility.

Narreda Grimley is an extremely experienced senior executive. Having recently retired from corporate life, Narreda volunteers at Aging with Grace, a charity which supports our elderly residents.