Councillors

Cowra Shire elects nine Councillors for a four-year term to direct Council's affairs in line with the Local Government Act. Their decisions direct local policy and the distribution of Council funds. Their responsibility to the electorate is to ensure Council's policies and objectives are consistent with its broader vision and obligations to the community.

The latest Local Government Election took place on 14 September 2024. The following candidates were declared elected on 14 September 2024. A by-election was announced and took place on the 23rd of November, the by-election results will be announced mid December 2024.  

Ruth Fagan

Councillor

  • Telephone0429 123 736
  • Emailcrrfagan@cowra.nsw.gov.au
  • ProfileRuth has extensive advisory board experience across various industries, including tourism, agriculture, planning, and retail. She chairs the Central West Regional Development Australia Board and has been a Cowra Shire Councillor for 16 years. Ruth is also a trained journalist, small business owner, and member of multiple local boards, including the Ability Network. Ruth has a Bachelor in Business.

Paul Smith

Mayor

  • Telephone0408 637 934
  • Emailcrpsmith@cowra.nsw.gov.au
  • ProfilePaul Smith has been a dedicated member of the Cowra Council since his election in 2021, serving as Deputy Mayor from 2023 and Mayor from 2024. He chairs the Traffic Committee and is involved with the Audit and Risk Committee and CEO Assessment Committee. A Cowra resident for 57 years, he has a successful retail background in footwear, building a chain of shoe warehouses.

Karen Cave

Councillor
  • Telephone0432 445 988
  • Emailcrkcave@cowra.nsw.gov.au
  • ProfileKarren has been a dedicated member of the Cowra community for 30 years. She has worked as a nurse’s aide in aged care and is the owner of Cowra Community Enterprise, a charity supporting local initiatives. As an advocate for the Riding for the Disabled Association, Karren tirelessly works to provide support for individuals with disabilities, ensuring the wellbeing of Cowra residents.

Cheryl Downing

Councillor

Nikki Kiss

Councillor

  • Telephone0413 375 371
  • Emailcrnkiss@cowra.nsw.gov.au
  • ProfileNikki is a devoted community leader and advocate with a long history of service to the Cowra community. After working her way up in Department of Social Security to become Debt Prevention Project Manager for Centrelink, she turned her focus to supporting her community through volunteer work. In her second term on council, she continues to advocate the well-being of community members.

Erin Watt

Councillor

Peter Wright

Councillor

Cheryl Speechley

Councillor

Tony Horton

Councillor
  • Telephone0423 872 225
  • Emailcrthorton@cowra.nsw.gov.au
  • ProfileTony, a first-term Councillor, has a long career in the Australian Public Service, mainly in health and human services. A former Army Reserve member, he now volunteers with the local SES. Passionate about local sports, youth opportunities, and supporting the business community, Tony is eager to contribute to the Sport and Rec Committee, Cowra Youth Council, and the Australia Day Committee.