With the upheaval of amalgamation just past, the September elections are the perfect time to stand for the interests of the people and develop a strategy for the region’s future, says Mr Bajracharya.

“I would like to see the whole region develop, but also at the same time develop with integrity,” he says.

“It’s about thinking into the future, beyond perhaps even your own term in council and really trying to achieve things in the long term.”

Aged 35, as one of two working parents, with a mortgage and two kids Mr Bajracharya cares about the needs of families and young people.

“People my age who have young families here, we are the ones who are going to be here in ten years still trying to run our businesses and survive,” he says. 

“I think people of my age need to become more involved, and we need to help create the future that we want.”

A long time Braidwood resident, he also believes he understands the region’s needs well.

“I’ve lived here for more than thirty years, so my social network is a really big cross section of the community, from kids that I went to school with who are farmers now, or who run local businesses, or whatever they happen to be doing” says Mr Bajracharya.

“I have a good understanding of the community, and I’m willing to listen, and then I’m also willing to stand up, and say what I believe strongly, and not be kind of intimidated or deterred by people who might try and stand against us.”

“Really I would see my role as being predominantly a voice for this eastern side of the shire, so the more rural regional areas, Braidwood as the centre, but Mongarlowe, Araluen, Majors Creek, Nerriga, all of those outlying districts.”