Meet Team Roy: Roy McCullagh
Sailors Bay Ward resident Roy McCullagh is running as an independent candidate in the Willoughby City Council election because he is passionate about making a difference in his electorate.
He is the only lead candidate who lives in Northbridge. McCullagh has resided in the area for 10 years with his family and loves the people, the natural environment and the proximity to the city.
"My wife actually moved to Northbridge as a teenager with her family," he said. "My children attended St Philip Neri School, and now attend St Pius in Chatswood, and Willoughby Girls High School.
"My family love socialising in the lovely cafes and bars, swimming at Northbridge Baths, chatting with the locals and going on lovely long walks with our black labrador, Arlo."
McCullagh's involvement in his local area has included being a volunteer manager of teams over the years at Northbridge Football Club. He is also co-chair of The Men`s Table in Northbridge and a volunteer Ethics teacher at Willoughby Public School.
If elected, McCullagh says Team Roy - If elected, McCullagh says "Team Roy" - which includes running mates Karen Borg and Joshua Mayer - will be fully committed to doing their very best for the residents of Northbridge, South Willoughby and Castlecrag.
Above: Roy McCullagh with the Friends of the Haven: Jill Newton; Richard Newton; Glen Gulliver and Karen Wilson
McCullagh has vowed to address these 5 key issues of concern as advised by the residents throughout Sailors Bay Ward including:
1.Providing a free compost bin to every household.
2.Protecting and enhancing our unique community assets including Northbridge Baths; The Haven Amphitheatre; Northbridge Oval and all sports fields throughout Sailors Bay Ward.
3.Creating great retail; lifestyle and destination hubs at Northbridge Plaza and the Quadrangle in Castlecrag, while acknowledging the spirit of the Griffins and supporting local businesses through improved customer parking and access, greater marketing and public relations support, free business planning and inter-business networking.
4.Balancing sustainable residential and commercial development while increasing financial support for our fabulous bush care groups and community organisations including the Friends of the Haven; Friends of Northbridge Baths; The Merlin Pathways in the Griffin Conservation Area.
5.Opposing the Beaches Link Tunnel.
These platform issues are realistic and will be delivered in the first term of the new Council if Team Roy are elected.
McCullagh sees running for Council as an opportunity to help both the hospitality industry and his local community.
“There are so many ‘for lease’ signs in the area due to COVID-19,” he said. “I want to try and change that and encourage small businesses to open here.”
He also aims to drive major change for Northbridge Plaza carpark, including engaging with AMP Capital and the Northbridge Plaza tenants to improve pedestrian and motorist safety and access in and around the Council-owned car park.
McCullagh says engaging with key local stakeholders is crucial.
“I had a terrific meeting with Murray Angus, Centre Manager for AMP Capital at Northbridge Plaza, and that was just following one phone call," he noted. "When I hear that an issue is too difficult or it will take too long to move forward, I want to give it a go. I believe I have a very inexpensive solution to enhancing Northbridge Plaza Car Park while the longer term Northbridge Town Plan negotiations roll on. This includes:
- Providing Northbridge Plaza car park "here to help" staff on a full-time basis during peak periods
- Electric cart available to take motorists who require assistance to their cars
- Weekly council clean up and maintenance
- Improved signage
- Additional speed bumps
- CCTV cameras
- Help Points hot line located throughout the car park so motorists can contact a Support Centre if needed.
- More suitable foliage to improve the look and ambience
During his campaign to become a Willoughby councillor, McCullagh has responded to numerous business and community concerns in his local area. He wants Willoughby City Council to put its residents first.
"Team Roy has fresh ideas and energy," he concludes. "We genuinely care about Sailors Bay Ward. We will listen to all issues that are of concern, and while we cannot promise to have the answers to all of them, we will listen and approach them from a balanced, unbiased starting point."
McCullagh is the CEO of hospitality recruitment company Skills Connect International and has spent decades working in hospitality from the ground up. He has extensive experience with global hospitality brands and is passionate about creating positive outcomes for venues and staff following the disruptions the pandemic has created.
“I helped launch Skills Connect earlier this year, with the aim of connect really great venues with really great staff,” McCullagh said. “It’s been devastating for businesses and for staff who were from overseas who lost everything. During the first lockdown, many had to go home if they could get out of the country and those that stayed couldn’t pay their rent. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to have the chance to lend a hand.”
For more information on Team Roy's platforms visit:
The Willoughby City Council election is on December 4, 2021.
Group B/Vote above the line
Vote 1 for Roy McCullagh!
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