Hornsby Shire residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking their new Mayor.
After the shock ousting of incumbent Mayor Philip Ruddock, and the Liberal Party standing Warren Waddell for the role, Deputy Mayor Nathan Tilbury defected from the Liberal Party.
Nathan Tilbury is now running as an Independent for the mayoral seat.
Councillor Tilbury’s resignation comes due to “inappropriate commercial influence in branch politics”. This is in keeping with Mayor Ruddock’s assessment of the reason for his ousting – not allowing “property developer interests” to ruin Hornsby.
‘In that rural area, people that live out there… they do not want to see it cut up like Kellyville. It’s inappropriate,’ says Nathan Tilbury. ‘Development is important, rejuvenation in a council area, but it’s not the only thing.’
Serving since 2012, Nathan was inspired to join Hornsby Shire Council when cost cutting measures and downgrades were proposed for some cricket facilities.
‘I got the cricket community together, Northern Districts, the Hills, Epping, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Cricket Association, the clubs, and through that pressure we had that decision deferred,’ explains Nathan. ‘At the time, I was Matt Kean’s cricket captain, he had just become the state member [for Hornsby]. He said, “you’ve got to run for council”.’
The lack of community consultation kicked Nathan into high gear, and he has since been elected councillor three times over.
Nathan Tilbury is well known within the community, serving as the President of his local cricket club in Berowra, President of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and Hills District Cricket Association, the Vice President of the Ku-ring-gai Netball Association, and Vice President of the Hornsby Historical Society.
For Nathan, tackling the Shire’s incoming challenges are top priority for his mayoralty. Most pressing among them is the Westleigh Park sporting complex, and navigating the development despite the $36 million in grant funds that were pulled by the Labor state government.
‘[Westleigh] needs to be delivered. Absolutely. We’ve got sports clubs that are turning away memberships because there’s not enough grounds… One of the few areas in Sydney that is open space that provides for sports. It also provides a second emergency access for Westleigh residents,’ says Nathan. ‘That’s a challenge, and with or without state government money, we need to find a way to make that work.’
As mayor, Nathan strives to follow a few core values. These, in his estimation, are crucial to effective leadership, and a reason that the community could rely on him as future mayor.
‘With me having three terms, people know what they get. It’s that experience, it’s important,’ says Nathan. ‘Integrity, being a consultative leader… That’s with the community, that’s with your fellow councillors, that’s with your staff. They are important.’
Nathan reflects on his time under the governance of Mayor Philip Ruddock. ‘Having that stability at the top… I really appreciate that,’ says Nathan. ‘Had Philip been preselected as the Liberal mayoral candidate, I would have continued to serve as a Liberal under Philip.’
Mayor Philip Ruddock has endorsed Nathan Tilbury’s Independent candidacy.
For his campaign, Nathan has decided to begin by speaking with residents that may feel ignored and overlooked by Council.
‘I want to make sure these little forgotten pockets aren’t forgotten. I want to make sure they are listened [to] and hear what the issues are,’ explains Nathan, mentioning plans to visit the young families in Thornleigh, near Charles Curtis Park.
Nathan Tilbury is running for a position as councillor in Ward A beside his mayoral campaign.
