Councillors
In the 2024 Local Government Elections, the NSW Electoral Commission confirmed that Warrumbungle Shire Council will have nine new Councillors serving a four-year term. As the number of candidates equalled the number of available positions, the election was uncontested, resulting in no election being required. These Councillors will serve until the next Local Government elections in 2028.
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), Mayoral elections were held during an Extraordinary Council meeting at the Coonabarabran Council Chambers on Thursday, 19 September 2024. Councillor Kathryn Rindfleish was elected as Mayor, and Councillor Jason Newton was elected as Deputy Mayor. They will hold these positions until the mayoral elections in September 2026.
Mayor Kathryn Rindfleish
Kathryn and her family have been part of the Coolah community for many years. With qualifications in Early Childhood and Business Management, Kathryn is a proud small business owner of multiple businesses in Coolah. Kathryn is heavily involved in the Coolah community and continues to be as President of Coolah Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer Coolah Swimming Club, however, previously held many positions on committees such as Coolah Central School P&C, Coolah Preschool, Tennis Club and other sporting/voluntary community committees. Kathryn is passionate about local government and continuing to support all towns/villages, and residents in the Warrumbungle Shire. In her spare time Kathryn enjoys, playing golf swimming, holidaying, and spending time with family and friends.
Phone: 0429 771 629
Email: Kathryn.Rindfleish@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au
Deputy Mayor Jason Newton
Local business owner for 25 years, is a keen collector of tractors and cars and is involved in the local car club. Jason is affiliated with the Areoclub and has helped to revitalise this club through training opportunities and increasing member numbers including younger members. Jason enjoys mentoring youth through the Aeroclub and business activities. He takes an avid interest in improving local facilities and has helped Showground, Girl Guides and Aeroclub make improvements to benefit local groups and their users.
Jason is a goal orientated person who loves a good challenge, he enjoys working on the land and helping others see the potential of our community and its unique location.
Email: Jason.Newton@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au
Cr Zoe Holcombe
Born in 1983, lived in Coonabarabran for most of my life. Have a back ground in hospitality and tourism. I currently work full time at The Australian National University at Siding Spring Observatory as a Work, Health and Safety Officer and Administration officer I have been working here since 2012.
I have been the secretary and licensee of the Coonabarabran golf club since 2012, I volunteer most of my spare time here. I play golf most weekends. I currently sit on 2357 Development Group Inc and help with grants and other Community projects. I own a Chocolate Labrador; Ollie, a cat; Jessie and a few chooks. I like to garden in my spare time – if I have any!
Phone: 0421 813 267
Cr Debra Bell
I have been a resident of Mendooran for 50 years. After completing my early education locally, I moved to Sydney to further my studies and gain experience in the equine industry, managing various departments and specialising as a Veterinary Assistant with a focus on laboratory work. I later transitioned into different industries, working in managerial roles, before returning to Mendooran. Since then, I have dedicated myself to community involvement, family commitments and volunteering. Alongside my part-time work with the Farm Aid Charity, my husband Phillip and I maintain a small farm. I enjoy horseback riding and actively contribute to improving Mendooran and nearby villages.
Email: Debra.Bell@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au
Cr Dale Hogden
Dale is a Dunedoo local of 43 years who completed his schooling at Dunedoo Central School. Dale is married to Belinda, and they have three children, Sigrid, Eva and Hugh. Dale is a Carpenter who is currently self-employed in addition to owning and running a seed cleaning business in partnership with his brother Warren. Dale recently became Captain of Fire and Rescue NSW for Dunedoo after a period of 21 years' service.
Dale has a history of being heavily involved in the Dunedoo community and continues to be as President of the local Lions club and ongoing involvement with Dunedoo Junior league and netball, Dunedoo Touch committee and the Dunedoo Senior Rugby League Club.
In his spare time Dale Enjoys golf, camping, fishing and waterskiing with family and friends.
Phone: 0429 041 958
Email: Dale.Hogden@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au
Cr Denis Todd
Born and raised in Baradine, farmer and grazier (retired) Denis Todd has 25 years of experience serving as a Councillor. Believing that council has the most weight in determining the direction the Shire will go in the future, Denis says one of the main challenges is to attract more people to take up residence in the shire and to improve services and facilities. In his view, important issues include the maintenance and improvement of existing infrastructure such as roads, bridges and sporting facilities.
Interests include travelling the world, breeding and showing border Leicester sheep, and breeding and racing horses.
Phone: 02 6843 1831 | 0427 074 446
Email: Denis.Todd@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au
