Rodney Stevens

Well known Yamba local and Clarence Valley Councillor Debrah Novak has announced she is running as a Community Independent candidate in the seat of Clarence for the 2023 March State Election.

Ms Novak, an award-winning press photographer for 25 years and long long-time Clarence Valley community advocate has previously run as an independent at the 2015 and 2019 state elections.

“The promise I continue to make is to always put our communities first, be ethical, open, transparent and accountable,” she said.

“These core values are even more important today as the public has lost trust in our leaders.

“I remain committed to restoring that trust and belief in our democracy.”

Ms Novak said a ‘Community Independent’ represents the collective interests of the people and provides collaborative leadership when sitting at the table with the major political parties.

As a second term councillor for Clarence Valley Council, Ms Novak said she can hold both positions for 18 months if she was elected as the new Member for Clarence on March 25.

She began her campaign on Monday, December 5, with an open invitation to join her in a new conversation about how to do politics differently.

“My website landing page goes live today, and I am inviting anyone from the Clarence Valley or Richmond Valley who is interested in sharing this journey to register through the website so they can be kept informed and can learn how their role is crucial in keeping our democracy healthy and transparent,” she said.

This year Ms Novak was awarded the Grafton Midday Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow Award for her community work, and it is this continued passion and community service she brings to her role as an elected Clarence Valley Councillor.

Currently, Ms Novak is running against; The Greens Greg Clancy, Labor Leon Ankersmit and The Nationals Richie Williamson.

The Electoral Commission of NSW issue the Writs on March 6 authorising the election to be held, candidate nominations close on March 8, the ballot draw is on March 10 and polling day is Saturday, March 25.