New South Wales Electoral Commission nominations for prospective councillors closed at noon yesterday.

Bill Brook of Pomona registered his interest about two weeks ago and Stephen Heywood from Curlwaa lodged his application earlier this week.

Former Wentworth shire councillor Cherie Ribarits of Trentham Cliffs – who missed out on a seat at the last election – left it to the last minute and lodged her nomination yesterday.

There will now be a by-election, on Saturday, December 5.

The by-election will determine who will replace former Wentworth Shire councillor Sue Nichols who was forced to chose between her councillor position at Wentworth and deputy mayoral post at Mildura earlier this year.

Mr Heywood has been living in Curlwaa for 24 years since his parents relocated in 1962. He and his wife Andria have raised two children.

Watching the effect of the economic downturn on the district made Mr Heywood want to make a difference locally. Aged 61, the former pastor said life experience was on his side. He has worked in the fuel industry, mining, trucking and horticulture. A prominent figure in Curlwaa he and his sons own a trucking company SA & AJ Heywood while he and his wife run a citrus nursery called Sage Grove.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Thursday’s Sunraysia Daily 5/11/2009.