In The Chair: President Carmel Cristofaro (in her first regular meeting).
Members: 13
Guests Boston Edwards, Diana Reilly, Javian
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Boston Edwards – Candidate for Council
Boston originally hailed from this area. He was born with a neurological condition which left him with a speech impediment, some mobility difficulties and some learning difficulties. This meant he didn’t flourish in mainstream school and there was plenty of advice that he should attend a special school. He had many challenges with reading and language.
His mother worked hard with him to improve his speech and social skills. When they shifted to Wollongong in Year 3, he was able to attend a mainstream school (a catholic primary school in Fairy Meadow). He needed to work very hared to prosper in school and to ‘fit in’. He enjoyed drama school, and this allowed him to attend the Wollongong School of Performing Arts for High School. He ‘put himself out there’ and was a year representative on the SRC from year 7. Although there was plenty of advice that he ‘would never amount to anything’, he worked very hard and was offered early entry to the University of Wollongong were he did a double Arts/Law degree. He graduated in 2021 with the double degree, specializing in politics and journalism in the Arts component of the degree. During his time at the University, he joined the ‘Young Liberals’ which gave him some experience with the political process. He had experience in the Legal Department of a major insurance company and with youth engagement. He has an interest in Family and Children law. He now has a job as Project Officer with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.,
He moved back to Leeton after graduating in 2021 and has become an active member of the local community. He is involved with the Leeton Phantoms Rugby Union Club and the Leeton Show Society.
He is keen to be elected as an active member of the Shire Council so he can contribute to this community. He will stand for accountability and financial discipline. He will actively fight for the community – opposing water buybacks and advocating for better access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
A vigorous discussion followed his talk, focusing on the positions he might take on Council. Bill Aliendi noted the active role that Boston has played in the community and, particularly, on the show society.
Nicholas thanked Boston on behalf of the club.
