Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib MP that Rural Fire Service (RFS) assets, commonly known as the Red Fleet, will transfer to State Government ownership from 1 July 2027. “After years of advocacy and a Parliamentary inquiry, the right … Read more

“Skilled labour shortages in rural, remote and regional NSW are a real challenge for our Member Councils. They are one of the largest employers of skilled workers in country communities and the struggle to fill positions can be impactful,” Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (of Temora Shire) said. “The … Read more

The Board of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has met with Minister Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to discuss the cessation of the Inland Rail project. “Following the Government’s announcement, there was a unanimous resolution passed at our last CMA meeting to seek a meeting with … Read more

NSW Premier, The Hon Chris Minns MP addressed the May general meeting of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) and his frank engagement was praised by the 150 mayors and general managers in attendance. The Premier spoke briefly and then opened for questions from the floor. “Our Members appreciated the willingness of the Premier … Read more

Chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA), Mayor Rick Firman OAM has expressed concern that councils across NSW must now wind the clock back on the implementation of the 2025 Local Government Model Code of Meeting Practice as a result of the passing of a Disallowance motion last week. “It is unfortunate that our … Read more

Skill Shortages and Labour Solutions was the theme of the recent General Meeting of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) in NSW Parliament House and while recruitment challenges continue to impede economic development and housing projects in rural, remote and regional NSW, CMA members were encouraged by some impactful programs and genuine commitment to … Read more

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) received unanimous support from the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) members at their recent General Meeting, which took place in NSW Parliament House. “This is an iconic service that has been part of outback Australia’s cultural identity for 90 years, with anniversary celebrations held at the Broken Hill … Read more

Mayors and General Managers from Councils across rural, remote and regional NSW were inspired by a recent speech given by Former Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, CVO, MC (Rtd). He was the special guest speaker at a Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) reception, hosted by New South Wales … Read more

The 2026 Budget has provided Local Government in remote, rural and regional NSW with a mixed bag of outcomes, according to Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM, of Temora Shire Council. “While we are pleased to see that the Federal Government has recognised that one of the greatest barriers to … Read more

The importance of up-skilling existing council workers was highlighted recently with the awarding of the Country Mayors Association of NSW’s (CMA) annual scholarship to Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s Ms Leagh-Anne Cosgrove. Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (of Temora Shire) presented the scholarship to Ms Cosgrove at the CMA’s last meeting in NSW Parliament House. “Ms … Read more

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Board and Members recently resolved to bestow the honour of Patron on three of its’ former Chairmen.  Emeritus Mayors in Katrina Humphries (Moree Plains Shire), Ken Keith OAM (Parkes Shire) and Jamie Chaffey MP (Gunnedah Shire) were proposed by the CMA Board, and unanimously endorsed by its 89 … Read more

With many rural, remote and even regional Councils in NSW struggling to make ends meet due to inadequate funding and rising costs, the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has held workshops and meetings for Members to address the problem head-on.   Two recent CMA meetings in Sydney saw members come together in force to … Read more