Cabonne councillor Janelle Culverson is the latest candidate to put her hand up to contest the state seat after Mr Gee won National Party preselection for the federal seat of Calare. 

Mrs Culverson will contest the seat as a National Party member and will compete in a National Party preselection. Orange councillor Scott Munro has also flagged his intention to run for the seat of Orange via the National Party. 

“I see the position as one where you are there to represent the people, listen to them and communicate what they are saying and to fight for them,” Mrs Culverson said. 

The biggest issues in the electorate are the lack of parking at the Orange Health Service, the quality of roads, job losses particularly across the manufacturing sector, and fair access to health and education in the electorate’s villages, according to Mrs Culverson. 

“We certainly need to address the parking situation [at Orange Health Service],” she said. 

“I certainly look forward to working with Orange City Council and the state government to find a resolution to that as soon as possible.”

Mrs Culverson was elected as a Cabonne councillor eight years ago. She is married, has three children and runs a civil construction and agricultural service business.

She says she has had diverse experiences in life, which give her an advantage when it comes to representing the people of Orange. 

“I have insights into many of the issues affecting people’s lives ... for example, issues affecting families, young people and working women,” Mrs Culverson said. 

The Mullion Creek resident has served on the Mullion Creek Progress Association, the Cabonne Small Towns Development Group and the Daroo Business Awards Committee. 

“I am committed to seeing our community prosper and grow, not only for us now but so our children have the choice of enjoying a rural lifestyle that is not less than our metropolitan counterparts in opportunity and prosperity,” she said. 

The date of the Orange by-election has not been announced, and Mr Gee has indicated he intends to stay on as Orange’s state member until June 9. 

nicole.kuter@fairfaxmedia.com.au