An election is required because 15 nominations have been received and the Forum Constitution specifies a maximum of 13 members.

To cast your vote you will need to attend the AGM, where voting slips will handed out to residents and ratepayers of the Berry CCB area.

Committee Members Renominating

Mary Beare – I have served on the Berry Forum Committee since its formal inception as the voice of the Berry community in the Shoalhaven. My role has and will be to represent the collective views of the community to the Shoalhaven Council and to ensure that all opinions are given a voice.

David Brawn – I have been actively involved in supporting the community as a member of the Berry Forum Committee for 2 years; a community representative on the Shoalhaven City Council’s Sustainability Futures Committee; and through 20 years in Rotary, including as a District Governor (2010/11) and currently as Treasurer, Berry Rotary.

Garry Broadbridge – Resident of Wattamolla for 44 years. Served on Berry Showground Committee (6years), Berry Sporting Complex Committee, current President of Berry Community Activities Centre.

David Carter – Current Chair of the Berry Forum and run my own Environmental Consulting business providing advice to large Corporate organisations. A member of Government Advisory Boards in New Zealand and Australia, reporting to the Central (NZ), and Federal (Aust) Environment Ministers. Current Chair of “Keep Australia Beautiful”.

Margot Claringbold –
*Lived in Berry for over 26 years, owned a business for much of that time.
*Like to serve the community that sustained me.
*Berry Zonta member helping locally and internationally.
*Not single issue person but judge all matters on merit.
*Support and love our community and really want to help. 

Stuart Coughlan – Having lived in the Berry community for 17 years, I want to do what I can to preserve its unique qualities that we all value, whilst helping guide its growth in the years ahead. It’s a privilege to work with such dedicated, thoughtful and community-minded fellow committee members.

John Cullity – I have lived in Berry for over 10 years and been a committee member of the Berry Forum since its formation. Prior to that I was a committee member of the Berry Alliance for some years. I am Treasurer of the North Shoalhaven Meals Co-operative and involved in Landcare/Parkcare activities.

Gail Paton –
Aim: to give back to the community
Interests: rural landscape, plants, gardens, local history
Background: home in the district for 30 years – retired solicitor of over 35 years experience
Volunteer: committee of Historical Society, Landcare, Station Master’s Cottage and past secretary Garden Club; Parkcare coordinator Alexandra St. Park.

James Robinson – I love being part of the Berry Forum Committee because I believe in Berry.  Our town is able to punch above its weight because of its great people.  We are lucky to live in a vibrant and growing community, which I hope to continue to serve.

John Underwood – I have lived both in town and outside Berry for 17 years. With commercial interests in Berry, I am a past president of the Chamber of Commerce. I have been a Forum committee member since its inception. Volunteers make important contributions to communities and I’m happy to offer my help to many causes.

Laurie Watson – Initially I was a Naval Officer, specialising in logistics and finance: I took early retirement as a Captain. Subsequently I was GM of the logistics division of a large engineering company, then commercial director of a university-based IT company, and then president of a trans-national shipbuilding and engineering enterprise

New Nominations

Geoff Armstrong – I moved to Berry in 1991 and since then I’ve been involved on several groups including Berry Alliance, where I was treasurer for six years, the Court House where I help with maintenance plus others. I have a lot of experience with local issues and look forward to helping on the Forum.

Mark Cornish – I am a local business owner with experience in management roles primarily in the construction industry. Throughout this time, I have had many dealings with Local Council and Community Organisations. With my experience and knowledge, I will be of benefit to the community, contributing valuable ideas and a fresh perspective.

Lynne de Graaf – Having been a resident of Berry for 35 years I am familiar with the ethos of the village and its community. My many years’ experience in Education, including leadership and management positions, demonstrates my ability to represent the community within the Berry Forum.

Derek Jorgensen –
* Community member over 8 years, family connection 15+ years.
* Professional with over 25+ years’ in dispute reconciliation.
* Profession has specific focus on Finance and local planning.
* Vice-president Berry Chamber of Commerce – 3+ years.
* Young family
* Future focus to benefit the entire community.