Nationals’ Candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson said he was very humbled by the support shown to him at the opening of his Casino Campaign Office on Friday, which marked the official launch of his election campaign in the Richmond Valley, which forms part of the Clarence electorate.

Richmond Valley supporters and Clarence Nationals MP, Chris Gulaptis joined Mr Williamson at the launch, with the Minister for Lands, Water, Hospitality and Racing and Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson making the long trip down the tablelands to officiate at the event.

Mr Williamson thanked his supporters for their hard work and trust in him and said he would be forever indebted to them.

“This election is really important for us,” Mr Williamson said.

“While my name is on the ballot paper, this campaign is not about me. It’s our campaign because politics is not about a politician, it’s about us; our values, what we share as supporters and Nationals’ members and what our communities represent – a fair go for the bush.

“We know that The Nationals are the only party that truly represents regional communities like the Richmond and Clarence valleys.  That is evident by the massive investment into regional communities by The Nationals over the past decade.

“We understand that we want our kids to get school and back safely on a road.  That’s why the NSW Nationals have invested millions of dollars into local roads and bridges to support local councils bring them up to scratch, and we’re committed to providing a further $1 billion investment in local roads and freight if re-elected on 25 March.

“It’s why we’ve invested in a new Ambulance Station at Casino and have delivered new Health One facilities at Coraki and Evans Head, and it’s why we’re introducing measures to ease cost of living pressures on families like the Back to School vouchers and the Regional Apprentice and Uni Student and Regional Seniors travel cards, as well the Energy Bill Saver program allowing households to receive $250 off their power bill simply by switching energy plans.

“There’s a lot of great things we’ve achieved together and there’s still more to be done and I am committed one hundred percent to ensuring our communities keep getting their fair share,” Mr Williamson said.

Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis said his good mate Richie was a country boy through and through, born and raised in the area and understood what living in the country was all about.

“Richie understands what our values are, what our culture is and what our lifestyle is and he’s here to protect it to ensure it continues to prosper,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“This election is vital for the future of regional communities like the Richmond and Clarence valleys.  Labor has no plan for regional communities.  It doesn’t get the bush and is solely focussed on Sydney.

“The only way to ensure the regions continue to get their fair share is to back Richie and The Nationals to ensure the Liberal and Nationals retain Government.”

Minister Anderson said he was honoured to be in Casino to officiate at the opening of the Casino Campaign Office. 

“I really believe in Richie.  It’s evident as I move around with him that he shares the same motto as me and that’s if you take care of the people, the politics will take care of itself”, Mr Anderson said. 

“That’s why I’m here today to back this good bloke because he’s focussed on the people, on his community, and I reckon he’s going to do one hell of a job should we be returned to Government on 25 March.”

The Casino Campaign Office is located at 63-65 Walker Street, Casino and will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm, subject to the availability of volunteers.

A similar launch will be held in Grafton this Thursday to mark the official launch of Mr Williamson’s election campaign in the Clarence Valley.