This week, News Of The Area speaks to returning councillor Jason Wells.

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Who are you and where do you come from?

After growing up in Stockton, I moved to Medowie in 2004, where I live with my wife and two children.

I’ve worked as a teacher in a local school for the last 20 years and have been actively involved in local volunteer groups and sporting organisations.

Was there a particular impetus for your involvement in local government? Has it been a natural extension of your career and other community involvement?

My interest in local government came about from working with former councillor, the late Geoff Dingle through his volunteer work in my local school.

His desire to make a difference in his local community was obvious and he was always available to listen to the needs of his community.

His positive attitude and work ethic was something that I was keen to emulate.

From here I took on leadership roles in a variety of volunteer community groups.

I was then keen to lend my voice, and that of the community in a broader sense and decided to run for council.

In my first term of council, it was great to work closely with community groups across Port Stephens to assist them in meeting their goals.

What do you believe is the key to an effective local council?

An effective group of elected councillors need to be collaborative in their approach to resolving issues and developing plans to benefit the local community.

They need to be great at listening to the voice of the community and they need to access as many groups within the community as possible to achieve this.

We also need councillors from a broad range of backgrounds, both personally and professionally, to provide opportunities for all perspectives to be included in the decision making process.

What unique qualities and/or perspective do you bring to Port Stephens Council?

My background in education over the last 20 years has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the needs of families and young people in Port Stephens.

We have amazing young people who have talents in sport and the creative arts.

As a council we need to provide key events and facilities that will foster that talent.

I am also proud to support family oriented events across Port Stephens, such as the Karuah by Night event which brings families together to enjoy our open spaces.

These events are so important in building a positive sense of community.

Do you feel there have been any particular demographics of the Port Stephens community that have been under-represented, or issues that have gone unaddressed, to which you would like to draw attention?

I’m particularly interested in advocating for people with a disability.

During the first term of council, I worked closely with council staff during the development of the Community Wellbeing Strategy and the associated Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

This plan was endorsed last year and I’m looking forward to the full implementation of the plan where authentic voice can be afforded to those living with a disability in Port Stephens.

I want our community to be able to celebrate diversity, and as such, one of my first actions in this term of council was to have staff develop a framework to establish a new Disability Advisory Group, where stakeholders with lived experience can come together to provide feedback and guidance to council.

I am looking forward to this group getting to work in 2025.

By Lindsay HALL