The by-election is taking place as a result of the resignation of Judith Miller, who was unable to continue as a councillor due to health reasons.

"We are very sorry that we have lost Judith as a councillor. She would have been a valuable asset to Palerang and we wish her well for the future," said Catherine.

"With her resignation, we were looking for another strong candidate from the area who could not only represent the people of Wamboin and Bywong but the whole shire."

Richard Holding is 47, a public servant with the Department Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and lives at Bywong/Wamboin. He was born in Harden, where his parents operate a sheep and wheat farm.

"Like most rural people they have worked through the tough drought and financial times that have dominated for many years. This gives me some understanding of the issues faced by the rural residents of Palerang," Richard said.

Richard has also had a 20-year involvement in small business, during which time he used his commerce degree to assist in owning and operating various cafe and catering businesses in Canberra.

The Community First group came out of the community vision projects that clearly expressed the needs of the communities around Palerang but which were not necessarily being reflected in council decisions.

The group's 'Put the Community First' message obviously resonated with a community need as it received the highest overall first preference vote at the September 2008 election.

More information about Community First and its platform and principles can be found at www.palerangcommunityfirst.org, which also includes a blog where people can give feedback, subscribe to an email list to be notified about election campaign happenings and offer support or donations for the campaign. As was the case in the previous election, any donations of more than $50 are declared on the website in the interests of openness and accountability. Community First does not accept donations from developers.