Some Uralla residents will again be queing up at the Memorial Hall next weekto cast a ballot – this time for the Uralla Shire Council Ward A by-election triggered by the passing of Lone Petrov.
The NSW Electoral Commission will conduct a by-election for Uralla Shire Council Ward A on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
Voting is compulsory for people enrolled to vote in Ward A in the Uralla local government area as at 6pm on Monday, 9 March 2026.
Uralla Shire is divided into two wards. Ward A includes the Uralla township and surrounding areads to the south including Gostwyck, Mihi and Salisbury Plains.
Pre-poll voting begins on Saturday, 11 April, at the Uralla Memorial Hall, with election day to be held the following Saturday, 18 April, with two polling places, the Uralla Memorial Hall and the Rocky River Public School.
More information about the by-election is available from the NSW Electoral Commission.
There are eight candidates contesting the by-election.
- Natasha Ledger, Invergowrie
- Mark McDiarmid, Uralla
- Stephen Wright, Uralla
- Madeline Price, Uralla
- Bruce McMullen, Uralla
- Susan Armstead, Kentucky
- Marlene Jacobs, Uralla
- Duncan Fisher – Australian Christians, Uralla
They are listed below in ballot order. Each candidate has been given the opportunity to provide similar information via an online form. If they have a website, it has been linked to their name. Where a Note: appears at the bottom, this is additional information from social media or past reporting.
Uralla Wordsworth also gave candidates the opportunity to submit information. Read their March 30 edition here for statements provided.
Business Uralla is hosting a candidates forum on Monday, April 13, from 6.00 – 7.30pm in the Uralla Central School Hall.
Natasha Ledger
Natasha Ledger previously served as an Uralla Shire councillor from 2016 to 2022, describing her time in office as having a “proven track record delivering 33 million dollars in projects for Uralla Shire Council”.
She said this included works across town halls, parks, communications networks and heritage buildings, as well as initiating a shire-wide stormwater catchment project.
“All upgrades and projects came about from listening, talking with and liaison with locals, expanding on the dreams and hopes for the area, quickly drawing action to fulfil the project requests,” she said.
Ms Ledger said she had “attended over 700 meeting locally, regionally and federally” and highlighted initiatives including new income streams for council, the Bundarra sewage network, and off-grid living developments.
Natasha Ledger says she served as an Uralla Shire councillor from 2016 to 2022, describing her time in office as having a “proven track record delivering 33 million dollars in projects for Uralla Shire Council”.
“All upgrades and projects came about from listening, talking with and liaison with locals, expanding on the dreams and hopes for the area, quickly drawing action to fulfil the project requests,” she said.
Most important issue
“The most important issue is that we listen to concerns and actively seek to address them without fault or favour.
“To ensure Uralla remains sustainable, independent and cost effective.
“To improve, maintain and expand services in creative, unique ways Uralla is renowned for.
“To continue to deliver funding pathways for project upgrades.”
Why should someone vote for you
“Experience. No rate rise happened whilst I was a councillor.”
“Say no to rate rise.”
Note: Ledger lists her residence as Invergowrie, which is in Ward B. Ledger has also run for state and federal parliament previously. See past reporting on Natasha Ledger.
Mark McDiarmid
Mark McDiarmid is also standing for Ward A.
He has been contacted and given the opportunity to provide information, but has not yet done so. This page will be updated if he does.
Stephen Wright
Stephen Wright describes himself as “a semi-retired professional living in Uralla with my wife of 36 years” with experience across administration, regulatory systems, law reform, dispute resolution and advocacy.
“I have long experience with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) and governance at all levels of institutional life,” he said.
Most important issue
“That Uralla Shire Council is responsive to the community at all times. From booking hire for a council venue to the most complex written submissions a ratepayer may choose to make, Council must always respond in a timely and reasonable way.
“Water quality and security. With highly variable rainfall, limited water storage, and ageing water infrastructure, Council must address the short-, medium-, and long-term issues of providing good-quality, secure water.
“Housing. Housing is a challenge for the Uralla Shire, as it is across Australia. Council must do all it can to improve and maintain housing availability, affordability and quality. Local Government can make positive improvements to housing with good land-use planning and careful budgetary management.
“Support for Uralla as a growing town. Uralla has a strong and growing community, with business investment across agriculture, retail and a wide range of services, including great hospitality. Council must support and ensure the best essential services for our town, including grocery and other food facilities, medical and aged care and child care.
“Planning for the now and future of the Renewable Energy Zone. The REZ is a major NSW Government project that directly affects the Uralla Shire. While Council does not control the REZ, it must always ensure the Uralla community is heard about its needs from the REZ and how the community will be impacted, including housing and accommodation, water and infrastructure, health, education and retail services.
“The Uralla Shire Local Environment Plan. The Uralla LEP will be reviewed in 2026; this is critical for the future success of the Uralla Shire. A thoughtful and accessible LEP that balances economic growth, environmental protection and community expectations will underpin much of Council’s work.
“Ensuring a practical and team-focused approach to Council’s work. Councillors must work constructively and respectfully, focus on practical solutions and always advocate strongly for Uralla.”
Why should someone vote for you
“I will use my best endeavours to bring an independent and problem-solving approach to the Uralla Shire Council.
“I have worked alongside many councils across three states, sometimes as their adversary, and understand the challenges they face.
“I have seen too many communities go unheard.
“If elected, I will listen carefully to community concerns, encourage clear and honest communications, and support decisions that are practical and fair.
“I want to earn the Uralla community’s respect.”
Note: There has been a fair bit of online chatter about the fact Mr Wright has only been living in Uralla since Febraury 2026.
Madeline Price
Madeline Price is also standing for Ward A. She has submitted a statement to Wordsworth in which she talks about her background in retail, volunteer work, and her belief that council decisions should be guided by facts, transparency, and respectful conversation.
She has been contacted and given the opportunity to provide information to New England Times, but has not yet done so. This page will be updated if she does.
Bruce McMullen
Bruce McMullen said he has lived in Uralla for almost 30 years and has served as a councillor in the last term.
“My love and passion for this shire continues to grow as we evolve and yet maintain our unique identity and autonomy,” he said.
Most important issue
“Soon we will face huge challenges as the imposition of the New England Renewable Energy Zone impacts our shire.
“As a Uralla community representative on the NEREZ Community Reference Group, I am already informing EnergyCo of the possible impacts of their proposals on our shire.
“Council needs to lead the negotiation with EnergyCo and proposed projects to ensure that ratepayers are not paying for the REZ.”
Why should someone vote for you
“If elected I will continue to advocate for:
- adequate and sustainable water supply that will be ‘drought-proof’ and reliable, meeting the needs of locals first;
- upgraded waste disposal and recycling facilities;
- a standard of accommodation for workers that can be repurposed into affordable and suitable housing for the future;
- upgrading and maintaining roads;
- local training and employment opportunities; and
- improved services for our existing and future residents.”
Susan Armstead
Susan Armstead, of Kentucky, is also standing for Ward A. In her statement to Wordsworth she says she is a retired teacher and union organiser, and has strong ethical values.
Ahe has been contacted via intermediaries (there are no contact details on her nomination) and given the opportunity to provide information, but has not yet done so. This page will be updated if she does.
Note: Kentucky is in Ward B
Marlene Jacobs
Marlene Jacobs said she moved to Uralla in 2021 and was moved to stand following the passing of her friend Councillor Lone Petrov.
“Like many in our community, I felt the loss of someone who cared deeply about Uralla and believed in thoughtful, community-minded local government,” she said.
Her background spans healthcare, education and real estate, and she said her experience has taught her to “listen carefully, communicate clearly, and make informed decisions”.
Most important issue
“Perhaps the biggest issue in this by-election is trust and transparency.
“The strong level of interest, reflected in the number of candidates, shows how much people care about Uralla’s future at a time of change, and highlights the importance of open, accountable decision-making.
“People want to understand how decisions are made, why they are made, and how those decisions affect their daily lives.
“When communication isn’t clear or timely, it can lead to frustration and a sense of disconnection from Council.
“Transparency isn’t just about sharing information — it’s about making sure it’s accessible, easy to understand and genuinely invites community input.
“When people feel informed and included, trust grows, and better decisions follow. Strong local government depends on that trust.
“With it, we can work together as a community to address the challenges ahead with confidence.”
Why should someone vote for you
“Strong communities are built by people working together, so a vote for me is a vote for collaborative decision-making, and that’s exactly how I would approach this role.
“I believe the best outcomes for Uralla come when we listen to each other, respect different perspectives, and find common ground.
“I’m committed to being open, approachable and transparent, so people feel informed and confident that their voice matters. Good local government should never feel distant — it should be something we all take part in.
“I care deeply about Uralla, protecting its character while planning thoughtfully for the future, and I believe we achieve the best results when we work together to get there.
“If you want a councillor who will listen, collaborate and represent our community with integrity, I would be honoured to have your support.”
Duncan Fischer (Australian Christians)
Duncan Fischer, who is standing for Australian Christians, said he brings experience across “rural knowledge, business, sales, marketing, finance and transport”.
“I am a passionate people-person and ready to bring back some sense and time-tested values to the running of council here in Uralla,” he said.
Most important issue
“Infrastructure.
“If we don’t get it sorted out, the REZ projects will consume all our town’s resources.”
Why should someone vote for you
“Collaboratively work with businesses. Existing and new businesses need a collaborative council to help grow and sustain them, and the region.
“A future vision to prepare for the number of people coming to Uralla. We need a long-term vision to supply services as families, young and old, move to the region. Make it a lifestyle destination of choice — we have a lot to offer and more people need to know.
“Secure Uralla Council from being merged with Armidale. Take positive action to avoid being swallowed up by Armidale Council next time the State Government decides they want change.
“Increased accountability of council operations and finances. Review council processes to speed up approvals and decisions.”
Note: Mr Fisher has also run for higher office in the past. This is the first time he has been endorsed by a party, running as an independent in previous campaigns. See past reporting on Duncan Fisher.
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