Bob Puffett to stand for council

Woy Woy Bay resident Mr Bob Puffett has announced he will stand as an independent candidate for the Gosford West ward in the September 9 Central Coast Council election.

Mr Puffett was the president of the Bays Community Group for 16 years before retiring from the position recently.

"I absolutely enjoyed my time as president of The Bays Community Group and believe that I made a difference for our area," Mr Puffett said.

"I have had extensive experience working with governments and the private sector and believe that this knowledge and experience equips me well for a role as councillor," he said.

Mr Puffett was made a life member of Worldskills Australia after having been its national chairman and international delegate promoting skills excellence for young Australians.

He was the assistant director-general of TAFE after a successful career as principal and director of Sydney Technical College.

"My career in TAFE from teacher of plumbing to principal and director was such a rewarding part of my life.

"I met so many people of all ages helping them to gain skills and knowledge to be proud and better equipped for their future," he said.

Mr Puffett said he believed that this experience and his current role as a board member of HVTC Training Company, that employs some 600 young people in their group apprenticeship scheme, gave him an insight into the needs of the greater Central Coast community's future.

Mr Puffett was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to technical education and as director of Sydney Institute of Technology and said he continued his work assisting various organisations and groups promoting post-secondary education and training.

He said he was concerned about many issues impacting on the people of the Central Coast in particular those in Gosford West ward and wants to ensure that the wards have a collective contribution of betterment to the greater Central Coast Region.

He said he would advocate for safer, pothole-free roads that were both pedestrian and vehicle friendly as many roads are shared by walkers and drivers alike.

He said he was alarmed at the increase in youth unemployment and would advocate for the establishment of council strategies that addressed local youth unemployment and welfare.

Mr Puffett said he would bring experience and common sense to the position of councillor and work towards a more efficient and responsive council serving the residents of Gosford West ward.

SOURCE:

Media release, 13 Jun 2017

Bob Puffett, Woy Woy Bay