Members of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) will have learned of the sad passing of our former NSW Governor, Professor Dame Marie AD, CVO at the age of 95. CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (Temora Shire) said the Narrandera born Dame Marie was a ‘lady who possessed dedication, warmth, compassion and grace’. … Read more

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has welcomed the recent NSW Coalition Shadow Ministry re-shuffle. CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (Temora Shire) said the Board and our 89 Members especially welcomed the appointment of a Shadow Minister responsible for Prevention of Regional Crime.  “Obviously crime is a serious issue for several of our … Read more

Mayor Rick Firman OAM Chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has called for theNSW Government to delay the introduction of new gun licensing laws and public assembly legislation untilgenuine consultation on the changes could take place. “The CMA Board and our 96 members completely understand that our NSW Government needs and wantsto … Read more

The Bondi mass shooting incident and the hate behind it, has shocked and impacted us all, with shockwaves also rippling across rural, remote and regional NSW. “Tragedy unites us as we support each other, contrary to the divisive goals of terrorists,” Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM said. “We are … Read more

NSW Councils looking for a quick fix to the ownership issues plaguing the Red Fleet have been left disappointed. The NSW Government has released its Response to the Parliamentary Accounts Committee’s (PAC) Inquiry into Assets, premises and funding of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).  Its Response to the major recommendations that the assets be … Read more

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman Mayor Rick Firman OAM and his Board have put their weight behind a ‘pragmatic and practical’ new plan for rural health in NSW, on behalf of CMA members.   “The ‘Better Care, Closer to Home’ Alliance’s Rural Health Action Plan, as proposed by Member for Wagga Wagga … Read more

LGNSW and The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) have finished off the month of November with a busy and productive week of collaboration with a joint delegation to Canberra to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. CMA Chairman Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM said the meeting was an important first step on a … Read more

On 14 November 2022, the central western town of Eugowra experienced a catastrophic flood event, widely described as an inland tsunami. On behalf of the citizens of Eugowra, Mayor of Cabonne Council, Cr. Kevin Beatty was recently presented with the inaugural Royal Humane Society of NSW ‘Community Resilience Award’ by the Society’s Patron, Governor of … Read more

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) and Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) have a strong and mutually supportive relationship, according to CMA Chairman Mayor Rick Firman OAM. He and LGNSW President, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM signed an extended and updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the first day of the 2025 LGNSW Annual … Read more

The NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) has welcomed the news that the Federal Government has reconvened the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s Inquiry into Local Government Financial Sustainability. CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM said “The finalisation of this Inquiry is vitally important for Local Government. We congratulate Minister McBain on driving … Read more

A trio of recent Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) events in Sydney drew out the big guns of NSW politics and demonstrated the political influence of the organisation, according to the CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM. “We work with all sides of politics towards the best possible outcomes for our … Read more

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has extended congratulations to the new Leader of the NSW National Party, Mr Gurmesh Singh MP (Member for Coffs Harbour). CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (Temora Shire) said, “The CMA Board, our 96 Members and Staff look forward to working with Mr Singh, as well as his … Read more