Ms Taylor (who is registered under her legal name of McFeeters) has officially registered as a candidate with the NSW Electoral Commission.
A local tourism business operator, she is possibly best known to the community through her previous role as Deniliquin Business Chamber executive officer.
Also officially registered are sitting councillors Shirlee Burge and Linda Fawns, and new candidate Frank Schoefield.
Others who have told the Pastoral Times they will nominate are David ‘Baron’ Schoeffel and sitting councillor Shannon Sampson.
Mr Sander moved to Denilqiuin from Queensland in 1999 and worked at Deniliquin Hospital for 18 years before taking a job with SunRice three years ago.
Raising a blended family of five young people with his partner, Mr Sander said one of his top priorities is “building a town that has opportunities for young people” and one which “looks after the less fortunate as well as the fortunate”.
“I have been talking and listening to many people who have shared with me their concerns and their hopes for the future,” he said.
“People are very concerned about the cost of living. I know that council does not have a lot of influence on the bigger picture of cost of living, but some of the things that council does have influence over is contributing to the worry. Rate increases is just one example of this.
“Local council can be a tricky space, but it is also the level of government that is closest to the community.
“From what I can see, our local council has done a pretty good job under what must have been, at times, difficult circumstances.
“I would like to build on the good work that has already been done here and ensure that Edward River Council is fit for the future, that we are able to take advantage of opportunities as they present, and we are able to be a council other communities look to as an example of what may be achieved.”
Mr Sander said before committing to standing as a councillor he sought support from management at SunRice, fully aware his role may require some flexibility at work.
He said he also sought advice from sitting and former councillors, and had a lengthy chat with ERC’s interim CEO Gary Arnold about what might be expected of him.
After each discussion, he said he felt more confident he had the time, skills and drive to guide council forward.
Ms Taylor was unavailable for a full interview before going to print. More in next week’s Pastoral Times.
• The official lodgement of nominations begins on Monday and closes on August 14. For more information, go to elections.nsw.gov.au. Prospective candidates are invited to contact Pastoral Times content manager Zoe McMaugh on 5881 2322 or by emailing zoe.mcmaugh@denipt.com.au.
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