YOUR VOICE TO PRESERVE OUR REGION

LESLEY SMITH FOR ORANGE COMMUNITY
I am running for both our local council and mayor and I want your vote.
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My vision for Orange is to see economic and environmental sustainability while retaining our regional lifestyle. Together we can create new opportunities for growth while preserving our beautiful region.
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I will work hard as your representative. Explore my site for details on my vision and the skills I will bring to our local council.
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COMMUNITY CONSULTATION | BUILDING OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE | SERVICES FOR OUR COMMUNITY


ABOUT ME
My approach to life is characterised by honesty and integrity, collaboration and inclusiveness, and driving positive change. I value living and working within regional communities. I am passionate about the contributions small businesses and skilled workforces deliver for our community.
I grew up in Kogarah, and have spent my life in regional New South Wales. I have 40 years’ experience in regional tourism and hospitality, vocational education and training, and event management. Running our small business in rural Murrumburrah - for over 10 years - was truly rewarding. I have lived in the Orange region for over 30 years and am a proud member of our community.
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I will work hard as your representative. I want to know about the issues that matter to you and I will honour my commitments.
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Together we can create new opportunities for growth while preserving our beautiful region.
MY PRIORITIES AS YOUR COUNCIL MEMBER
My vision for Orange is to see economic and environmental sustainability while retaining our regional lifestyle.
I want to see people living and learning, having access to education and health services at the national standard, and leading fulfilling lives in our beautiful towns.
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Every sector of the community deserves to be heard and represented.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
I stand for consultation and transparency in decision-making.
As your council member, I will listen and I will act. I will represent you and ensure your voice is heard in how our community moves forward.
Together we can preserve our region, maintaining and building on the things that make us a great community.
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BUILDING OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
I stand for building enduring growth in our local economy.
As your council member, I will fight to grow our local economy whilst preserving our beautiful region. I will ensure that we capitalise on growth to build jobs for the community and those we love.
Together we can build a community that benefits from a vibrant agricultural and small business sector and realises the benefits of sustainable domestic tourism.

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE
I stand for building for the future, whilst maintaining what makes our region so special.
As your council member, I will work with town planning to drive infrastructure and green space projects that benefit us all. I will fight to ensure we are heard by state and federal government, including in accessing available community grants.
Together we can keep our towns beautiful whilst building for the future.

SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY
I stand for ensuring our community has the services it needs.
As your council member, I will always fight to maintain services. Our roads, our parks, and waste management are integral to our community and livelihoods. Our rates must be used effectively. Â
Together we can deliver first class services to our community.
THE EXPERIENCE I BRING
MANAGER OF EDUCATIONAL QUALITY, TAFE WESTERN ORANGE
My experience as a manager of vocational education and training has allowed me to observe first-hand the importance of education and training and how it supports the prosperity of regional communities and the importance of skilling our community workforce. I have managed training characterised by an emphasis on enhancing the skills, knowledge, thinking, and learning of those delivering training to meet the contemporary challenges of our communities.
MANAGER OF EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, TAFE WESTERN ORANGE
Every highlight of my career has a name and face. My role ensures quality in the education that skills our regional workforce of the future. I am passionate about education and training and the role it plays in changing lives and building local opportunities.
HEAD TEACHER, TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY, TAFE WESTERN ORANGE
People learn best by doing. As a head teacher and teacher I based the learners experience on action learning and education that is real and relevant and creates graduates that are workplace ready and able to transfer and apply their skills to any workforce national or international or indeed in our community.
PROPRIETER, TERRACOTTA RESTAURANT
PROPRIETER, PUDDLEDUCKS CATERING & EVENTS
As regional restaurateurs, we were innovative and focussed on regional cuisine that celebrated local and in-season produce. We had a strong connection to the community and valued being involved in local events.
TEACHER, TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY, CIT
I taught hands on practical classes which presented different cooking techniques and styles with an emphasis on both classical and multicultural cuisines.

THE SKILLS I BRING
MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, INTERNATIONAL HOTEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
Developed skills in business and tourism encompassing core business knowledge, leadership and management principles. finacial management, strategic planning and human resources.
MASTERS OF EDUCATION, ORGANISATIONAL LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Developed adaptable skills to lead and innovate in adult education, including expertise in evidenced based and data-driven decison making in a collaborative learning environment.
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BACHELOR OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Developed skills to facilitate and assess training outcomes in a vocational adult learning environment.