Meet the Councillors and GM

Mayor Margaret Roles

Marg has lived and worked in the Hilltops region all her life. Her family farm is almost equidistant from Young, Boorowa and Harden and in her professional life, as teacher and civil celebrant, she has been fortunate enough to come to know many of the people and places that make up the wider Hilltops Region. Working in a voluntary capacity with Mercy Care and Young Community Hub has also broadened her understanding of the life and needs of others in the area. This region has given Marg a varied and fulfilling life as it is giving her children and their families. Marg understands her role as Councillor is to work in a fair and balanced way for the sustainable economic, social and cultural growth of the Hilltops region by being open to new ideas and opportunities, listening and responding to those who have entrusted me with leadership and being consultative, reasoned and transparent in decision making.

Phone | 0436 945 838

Email | margaret.roles@hilltops.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Greg Armstrong

Greg believes that Local Government must be accessible and equitable. With a family history of three generations of Local Government service and more than 40 years personally, Greg is committed to making Hilltops a preferred location for business, lifestyle and wellbeing.

Phone | 0478 435 414

Email | gj.armstrong@hilltops.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Mary Dodd

Mary moved to Hilltops over 20 years ago with her husband. They have appreciated raising their 3 sons in Young with easy access to many sporting and musical opportunities. Having served in different capacities on various local committees, and on the Board of the Young Regional Conservatorium, Mary has first-hand experience of the commitment and dedication of people in local communities to provide opportunities, create enjoyable environments and support others. Her experiences as an educator and in administration have given her useful skills for navigating the complex Council environment.

Mary believes that local government functions most effectively when residents, Councillors and Council staff work together, listening and collaborating to provide the best outcomes. She is committed to being available to connect with residents, to listen to different perspectives on issues facing Hilltops, and to carefully consider all decisions.

Mary loves living in Hilltops, a caring and forward-thinking community, and is excited to be involved at the Council level.

Phone | 0404 485 519

Email | mary.dodd@hilltops.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Tony Flanery

Tony is married with four daughters. He runs a mixed farming business with his wife Samantha, employing six permanent and four casual staff. Tony also operates a renewable energy company Hydro Power Pty Ltd, which has operations on Wyangala Dam and Cochrane Dam (near Bega).

The power station at Wyangala produces the majority of electricity consumed by the towns of the Hilltops Council – Boorowa, Harden and Young. Tony was a Councillor on Harden Shire Council for seven years prior to amalgamation. He enjoys nearly all forms of sport in particular cricket, rugby league, swimming, soccer and athletics. Tony is very passionate about farming and rural life in general and believes standing for Council provides the opportunity to make a difference to the services and the support for local communities.

Phone | 0428 998 887

Email | tony.flanery@hilltops.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Tony Hewson

Phone | 1300 445 586

Email | tony.hewson@hilltops.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Joanne Mackay

Joanne grew up in a large local farming family where open discussion about community and political issues was common around the kitchen table.

Joanne was encouraged to stand for local council by a number of close friends and community members. Although initially reticent to nominate, Joanne was unsure of the responsibility and commitment required, she found as the election process progressed her interested in the role increased.  Recognising that she had significant work life experience in banking, agriculture, recycling and small business, Joanne felt she could make a positive contribution. In addition, Joanne gets the opportunity to say what her community is thinking. That is a privilege.

With the support of the community and her subsequent election to council Joanne is confident and excited about being a part of the future direction of the Hilltops Region.

Phone | 1300 445 586

Email | joanne.mackay@hilltops.nsw.gov.au

Councillor John Piper

John and his wife Sandi of 56 years have lived in Boorowa for 6 years, he is a father of 3 boys and a grandfather to 7 grandchildren.

John grew up in Wollongong and was educated at Illawarra Grammar School. He spent 22 years working at the BHP Port Kembla as a Staff Foreman making steel. Wanting a change in his vocation he purchased and ran a successful powder coating company for 20 years until retirement.

John has been involved for many years in APEX service club and was an active local sportsman playing rugby league in his youth and golf. John enjoys all sports but especially takes pleasure in golf and lawn bowls, which he has taken up since moving to Boorowa and tries to play at least once a week.

Since coming to Boorowa, John has joined the Bush Fire Service and has made several trips away fighting bushfires in other regions.  He has also become a Director of the Returned Services Club.

John believes that council resources should be fairly and equally distributed throughout all of Hilltops.

Phone | 0488 715 530

Email | john.piper@hilltops.nsw.gov.au