Councillor Graeme Shephard

01/09/2026

My apologies for the late notice but if you have something on your mind I may be able to assist with please join me at the Dorrigo Community Hall between 10 and 2 for ‘Meet the Councillor.’

‘Positive discussion for positive outcomes.’

05/08/2026

As your local Dorrigo councillor I need to make comment on some highly erroneous recent posts on social media.

I want to make the following points categorically:

• Bellingen Shire Council has not decided to convert parkland in Dorrigo into housing blocks. This information is completely wrong. Council supports the activities of the Waterfall Way Community Land Trust who are seeking to pilot a way to provide a pathway to affordable housing in the Bellingen Shire. You can read more about it by going to the WWCLT website.

• Bellingen Shire Council is not broke. We work in a challenging financial environment but the Council is run by a very able and dedicated staff and an equally able and dedicated Council.

• Hickory Street, Dorrigo. Hickory Street has a very poor structural base and requires a complete rebuild. This work is programmed but has been delayed slightly awaiting funds from a successful grant application to put a power source in the street to facilitate events like Dorrigo Handmade Market. With this installation there will not be any more extension cords crossing footpaths. It makes no sense to rebuild the road and then dig it up again to instal the power.
It will be done.

Finally, I hold a ‘Meet the Councillor’ monthly on the first Wednesday of the month (10 am to 2 pm) in the Dorrigo Community Hall.

Before you write a post check the facts by coming and talking with me.

05/08/2026

As your local Dorrigo councillor I need to make comment on some highly erroneous recent posts on social media.

I want to make the following points categorically:

• Bellingen Shire Council has not decided to convert parkland in Dorrigo into housing blocks. This information is completely wrong. Council supports the activities of the Waterfall Way Community Land Trust who are seeking to pilot a way to provide a pathway to affordable housing in the Bellingen Shire. You can read more about it by going to the WWCLT website - www.wwclt.org.au

• Bellingen Shire Council is not broke. We work in a challenging financial environment but the Council is run by a very able and dedicated staff and an equally able and dedicated Council.

• Hickory Street, Dorrigo. Hickory Street has a very poor structural base and requires a complete rebuild. This work is programmed but has been delayed slightly awaiting funds from a successful grant application to put a power source in the street to facilitate events like Dorrigo Handmade Market. With this installation there will not be any more extension cords crossing footpaths. It makes no sense to rebuild the road and then dig it up again to instal the power.
It will be done.

Finally, I hold a ‘Meet the Councillor’ monthly on the first Wednesday of the month (10 am to 2 pm) in the Dorrigo Community Hall.

Before you write a post check the facts by coming and talking with me.

Waterfall Way Community Land Trust (WWCLT) is a community-led organisation supporting affordable housing and secure land access in the Bellingen Shire through a community land trust model.

04/08/2026

'Meet the Councillor' Day

If you have something on your mind I may be able to assist with please come and visit me for 'positive discussion for positive outcomes.'

Dorrigo Community Hall
10 am to 2 pm

Looking forward to seeing you.

06/07/2026

Regrettably I am unable to hold my monthly 'Meet the Councillor get-together this month.

Look forward to meeting with you first Wednesday of August.

27/05/2026

04/05/2026

When:
This Wednesday coming, 6th May, 2026...

Time: 1
10 am to 2 pm

Where:
Meeting room at rear of Dorrigo Community Hall

What for:
Something on your mind?
I may be able to help.
I'll certainly do my best.

Remember, it's positive discussion for positive outcomes

Looking forward to seeing you.

30/03/2026

Due to the unavailability of the Dorrigo Community Hall the monthly 'Meet the Councillor' is cancelled for April.

Back again on the 6th May, 2026.

30/03/2026

Heading to the Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition Opening Night? We’ve got you covered!

With Waterfall Way now back open, a free bus service will be running from Bellingen to Dorrigo and back again for the opening night✨

📅 Tuesday 31 March
🕠 Depart: 5:45pm

📍 Pickup and Return: Bus stop, Cnr Hyde and Church Street - in front of the map

The Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition is proudly supported by Bellingen Shire Council through the Community Event Sponsorship Fund.

Follow the link below to learn more about the Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition 👇
https://www.artscouncilofthedorrigo.org/art-events/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQyvtJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIazBuNjh5UDRWeUJnU0xzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvIoUkd82hDS1qZ5x_S369vZmVx81Y4FGgCz8-8lz8aAWEGxVd97mq_mSoM-_aem_Cn0w9fCIiMWF454H2fOTbg

24/03/2026

Here's a sign that was in the window of one of our local shops...it rings an important message.

Some years ago I wrote a series of articles for the old Don Dorrigo Gazette seeking to encourage locals to buy local.

I feel that it is time to share that message again.

Dorrigo and surrounds has done it tough for the last sixty days or so and I don't need to remind you that the latest landslip was not the first one to impact our town in recent times.

One thing about our community is how we pull together in adverse times.
This is an adverse time.

Thinking about that can I then encourage you when next you buy to SERIOUSLY CONSIDER LOCAL?

Local businesses are owned by people who take a risk to provide a service to you.
Businesses in town may not have local roots but they employ local people.

We need to support them.

Need a photograph taken or a photograph printed?
Need some groceries?
How about some fruit and veg?
Ag supplies?
A solar installation?
What about local quality meat?
Want to buy, sell or rent a house?
A new tractor, or the ride-on you've always wanted, what a great idea!
Need to sell your cow?
Need someone to run a first aid course?
Medical supplies or hardware?
Coffee anyone, and a delicious lunch?
A pie, an apple turnover or a loaf of bread?
Anyone know a good deli?
What about delicious pastries?
Maybe a gift for a loved one?
Korean, Chinese or good old Aussie grub?
A b**r and a game of pool anyone?
Is your cat not well or your pipes leaking?
Need your lawn mown or your wiring checked?
Does your car need a tune up?
Know where I could get a great dumpling?
What about some honey or a beeswax candle?
What about a new, purpose-built kitchen?
Do you need a bus for your next outing or to get your kids to school?
Need to get to Urunga for the rail or to the airport?
Does your dog need a haircut, or maybe you do!

I could go on and on and I apologise if I've missed any important local offering (you can add them below in the comments.)
I could list all these amazing businesses but all I want is for us all to open our eyes and hearts and support LOCAL.

Now more than ever.