WILLIAMSON READY TO KEEP FIGHTING FOR CLARENCE AS GRASSROOTS MEMBERS ENDORSE 2027 CANDIDACY

Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has again received the backing of the local Nationals grassroots membership, securing formal endorsement to contest the 2027 State Election as the NSW Nationals Candidate for Clarence.

Around 50 Nationals members from across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys gathered at Brushgrove Hall on Saturday for a meeting of the NSW Nationals Clarence Electorate Council, where the endorsement was confirmed. The meeting was also attended by NSW Nationals State Director, Tory Mencshelyi and State Chairman, Rick Colless, who Mr Williamson said he was pleased could make the trip to the Clarence to take part in the important local democratic process.

Mr Williamson said he was humbled by the strong show of confidence.

“I thank grassroots local Nationals members for again placing their trust in me, and I promise to continue working effectively as part of the NSW Nationals team in the NSW Parliament,” Mr Williamson said.

“It is a privilege to represent the good people of the Clarence and Richmond Valleys. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Nationals MP for Clarence, and I look forward to continuing the fight to deliver results for us.”

Mr Williamson said he was proud of what he has achieved since entering Parliament in 2023 — despite being in Opposition — with strong outcomes delivered alongside community advocates.

“Whether it’s working with communities like Broadwater to secure their new school following the 2022 floods, delivering $1.5 million for essential works at Maclean District Hospital, $4 million for McCaughey Meats in Casino to protect local jobs, or $200,000 for lighting upgrades at Stan Payne Oval in Evans Head — community is always at the heart of my work.”

He said many local communities were still benefiting from the record investment in regional infrastructure and services delivered by the NSW Nationals while in Government.

“I’ve fought to ensure the $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital remains firmly on the table, with construction set to commence this term of government,” he said.

“We’ve also seen the completion of the redeveloped Casino Showground precinct, Treelands Drive Community Centre at Yamba and the brand-new clubhouse for the Grafton Rowing Club, with works underway to revitalise the Maclean Community precinct — all multi-million-dollar projects delivered by The Nationals in Government.”

Mr Williamson reaffirmed his commitment to standing up for communities when challenges arise.

“I will continue fighting for local people impacted by decisions made in Sydney — just as I did when the Ulmarra Ferry was axed — and continuing to support our commercial fishers affected by white spot, our local preschools seeking pay parity, and communities across the electorate impacted by crime.”

Mr Williamson said one of the region’s key ongoing battles is protecting local timber jobs threatened by the proposed Great Koala National Park.

“Our timber workers and their families deserve certainty about their future. I will continue to strongly oppose any plan that shuts down our sustainable timber industry and jeopardises local jobs and local communities,” Mr Williamson said.

“Timber has supported the Clarence and Richmond Valleys for generations, and I’ll always fight to ensure that hardworking people in our region aren’t left behind.”

Mr Williamson said he was energised by the endorsement and ready to keep delivering for the region.

“We’ve had some strong local wins across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys — and there is more to do. I am ready to keep rolling up my sleeves and working hard for the communities I am proud to represent.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, a special presentation of long-service medals took place to recognise Nationals members who have contributed more than 25 and 40 years of continuous service — with some honoured for over 60 years of proud membership.

PHOTO: Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson and his wife, Leonie surrounded by local members of The Nationals, along with Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and his wife, Karen, State Director Tory Mencshelyi and State Chairman, Rick Colless following his formal endorsement on the weekend to contest the 2027 State Election as the NSW Nationals Candidate for Clarence.