Karissa Subedi and her running mate Mayor Dallas Tout were pleasantly surprised when counting revealed she was elected as a councillor for Wagga Wagga. Photo: Supplied.
It may have come as a last-minute shock for Karissa Quindao-Subedi and her fellow candidates when she was announced Wagga Wagga’s newest councillor. But Ms Subedi says she will be giving 110 per cent to the city as she prepares for her first Ordinary Meeting next Tuesday.
Second to Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout on the Community First ticket, Ms Subedi wasn’t convinced she would be sitting on council until the final first preference votes were calculated on 1 October.
“I was always hopeful to end up on council but if I’m being transparent, there were moments when I wasn’t sure we were going to get there,” Ms Quindao-Subedi said.
“I didn’t completely understand how the voting system worked, but I knew there was a chance once the first preference voting was counted.
“It came as a shock when my name was announced, but I made it clear to myself that if I got in I would always give 110 per cent effort into serving as best I possibly can.”
Ms Subedi’s running mate and one of her biggest supporters, Mayor Dallas Tout said he was excited to see her join Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) in the new term and was overjoyed once her name was confirmed.
“When I was putting together this group, I only looked for females because I wanted to do as much as I could to contribute as a lead candidate to enhance the chances of getting a female voice onto council,” Cr Tout said.
“It’s a watershed moment, particularly for the largest regional city in the state to have a female-led majority on council. Keeping things always the same isn’t always a good thing.
“In saying that, all nine of us serve as one council, one body and we need to work together. But I must admit I’m just really excited to be part of this term.”
Serving as the chief executive officer for the College of Nursing Education & Training Australia and a highly applauded and experienced registered nurse, Ms Subedi has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the medical and health industry.
While admitting to a lack of council experience, Ms Subedi insists she has plenty more to offer the people of Wagga Wagga.
“I was reflecting when I decided to be part of the campaign in the beginning. What can I bring to the table?” she said.
“Obviously people have learnt that I have expertise in health, but also in education, training and in business. I also think my leadership as an owner of the business and making decisions brings a lot to the table.
“I’m excited to join WWCC as a councillor. Already in the week or so since the results were confirmed I’ve had so much support. There’s a real eagerness amongst the nine of us who have been elected and I’m really just looking forward to being able to work together.”
Wagga Wagga City Council’s first meeting of the new term will be held at 6 pm on 14 October and can be streamed on the City of Wagga Wagga website or Facebook page.
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