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Our Organising Committee

The Independent Lyne Organising Committee (‘Organising Committee’) is responsible for the planning and coordination of the search for and selection of a community-backed independent candidate for the Lyne federal electorate. Drawn from passionate volunteers in the Lyne electorate, it strives to change the status quo in Lyne so that communities and not political parties drive the agenda for local and national change; community voices and not lobbyist voices are being prioritised and heard; and community vision and not political ambition is the driving force for action.

Members

Gillian Calvert AO, Dungog. Gillian has worked in child and family services for over 40 years. She has held a range of roles including senior leadership roles in the NSW public service, university lectureship, consultancy and family therapy. She has sat on a number of not-for-profit Boards and Advisory Committees on child & family, housing, aged care, disability and refugee services. Gillian now divides her time between Sydney and Dungog where she has a 70-hectare farm. She shares the farm with her partner and another couple where they have created a large orchard and garden in addition to their regenerative farming enterprise, fattening beef cattle.

Hamish Barker, Taree - Krambach. Hamish and his partner Gary have lived on their 140 acre farm at Firefly for 6 years, where they have a small Black Angus cattle stud and breed horses. Together, they recently opened a cafe/restaurant in Diamond Beach. Prior to this, Hamish had his own business importing and wholesaling his own Brands of Homewares and Clothing. He has a business degree, enjoys farm life, horse riding, cooking and going to the beach.

Sherry Stumm, Rainbow Flat. Sherry has had a long career as a freelance journalist, known locally for her work with the recently closed Manning Community News. Originally from Sydney, Sherry worked in traditional media (newspapers, magazines and as a researcher on TV and radio) and co-ran a public relations company, The Write On Group, specialising in film and entertainment. She moved to the Mid North Coast to build and run a B&B and 2 stand- alone cottages in Hannam Vale before selling to retire to Rainbow Flat where she now volunteers with Independent Lyne to find a candidate to represent the electorate in the upcoming election.

Gordon Sutcliffe, Hawks Nest. Gordon is a retired professional engineer who holds a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering, Masters degree in Soil Mechanics, and Masters degree in Sustainable Development. Gordon's career includes 20 years working as a civil and geotechnical engineer on onshore and offshore resource projects in Europe, Middle East and Asia, and 15 years working as a consultant to industry in Australia and Asia on environmental risk management and sustainability. 

John Squires, Dungog. John worked for over forty years in educational, management, and governance roles within the tertiary sector and in the Uniting Church, in two states and the ACT. He currently works part-time as an Editor. John has degrees in Music and Theology and a PhD in Religious Studies. He lives with his wife, Elizabeth, in Dungog.

Elizabeth Raine, Dungog. Elizabeth has had experience as a community development worker, a tenants advocate, a high school teacher, and in various roles within the Uniting Church, including education, management, and governance. She has degrees in Theology, History, Family History, and Social Ecology (Education). Elizabeth lives in Dungog with her husband, John.

Jan Ross, Great Lakes. Jan has had a 35 year career in marketing and communications management across the Australian arts, events, tourism and travel industries. She has worked with some of Australia’s most important arts and entertainment organisations such as The Australia Council, 1988 Bicentennial Arts Program, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Festival and Disney Theatrical. She moved into Senior Management roles in tourism and travel in the nineties, working with Cunard/Seabourn Cruise Lines, Tourism NSW, Tourism Tasmania and The City of Newcastle. Jan and her husband now live on a 5 acre property on Wallis Lake where she continues to advocate for tourism in the region.

Daryn Poulden, Tiri. Daryn lives with their partner on a 500 acre beef cattle farm at Tiri which is 40 minutes from Wingham and Gloucester. Daryn is now semi-retired after a career in the health and mental health sectors and in disability employment services and community services.