Shaun Whitechurch, 47, will contest the September election after having contributed to the community via the Federation Festival, New Year’s Eve celebrations and hosting of major events.

“I believe they need new blood and young blood and I believe at the moment the council has a lot of animosity directed at it and community uncertainty and I want to be part of getting a working council,” Mr Whitechurch said.

“I believe the whole area from Corowa to Howlong to Mulwala needs to concentrate on river tourism and Urana’s tourism projects are as important as anyone else’s.”

Born and bred at Corowa, Mr Whitechurch is operations manager at Focus Engineering.

He has previously owned a bakery and worked in the clubs industry and is part of a consortium proposing a splash park for Corowa.