With an interest in the environment and serving the local community, Shirley Crane will stand in this year's Katherine Town Council election.
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Ms Crane, who moved to Katherine 11 years ago, was a teacher at various schools across the area in latter years and since retiring, has occupied a variety of positions in various community groups; "I talk to a lot of people".
"When my husband passed away, I accepted a teaching contract out at Balgo Hills. When that job finished, I just thought 'I'll go somewhere I've never been'," Ms Crane said.
"So I put out a number of job applications and decided to go with the first one that came along and it was a job in Katherine so that's how I ended up here."
With a history of voicing concerns, Ms Crane said her unapologetic expression of opinion is why residents should elect her as a member of council.
"I'm not easily intimidated, I do have a lot to say about what is going on, I have a very strong environmental leaning and I am very concerned about what is happening around the outside of the town," Ms Crane said.
"I have in the past been critical of some of the things the council has done and that is one of the reasons why I am standing for council.
I figured that if you're outside firing bullets you better be prepared to go and stand in front of the target.
- Shirley Crane
Priorities for Ms Crane if elected involve more communication between council and the town's residents, the environment and tourism.
"If I end up on council, the priorities are to improve the reputation of council within the town. At the moment the relationship is a little bit fraught, we have had our ups and downs," Ms Crane said.
"It is critical for the town and council to have clear communication avenues so I would like to see that improved.
"There needs to be more public consultation about how money is spent. We need to look at public comment on every major spending initiative including grants so we don't end up with things in town that people aren't happy with.
"I can also see our environment being ruined in the interests of people who don't live here.
"I would also like to see a rejuvenation of the main street. We are largely dependent on tourist dollars so we have to start doing a review on just exactly what we want the town to present."
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