Mr Connell was elected to the former Deniliquin Council in 2002, and remained on the council until after its amalgamation with the former Conargo Shire in 2016.
During this time, Mr Connell served on many different council committees, and even spent a stint as deputy mayor.
If elected after Saturday’s vote, Mr Connell said he hopes to continue the work he started with those committees during his previous tenure.
“My passions are the local airport, saleyards and several community committees which were just starting up when I was on council - including the Deniliquin Community Group and the Country Education Foundation of Edward River Region.
“Having a diverse background in farming and business, I feel I can offer broad experience for all of our residents.”
After completing Year 12, Mr Connell went to Melbourne to study engineering at RMIT.
One year into the four year course, he longed for home.
‘‘I concluded I much preferred the farming life, and returned to Deni and the family rice and beef farm on Lindifferon Lane, halfway to Conargo.’’
Mr Connell’s interest in flying was fostered when the family moved to the family property ‘Marfield’, between Ivanhoe and Wilcannia, in the early 1980s.
His Cessna 172 was used for farming and helping his children get to school.
The Connells returned to Deniliquin for greater access to education for their children, which is when Mr Connell joined the team at Navorina Nursing Home.
“Ron Lawrence mentored me to take over his role, which he had tried to retire from several times already.
“I continued at Navorina until 2020 when a restructure made my position redundant.
“I have recently started a casual position at Riverina TAFE, Deniliquin where I assist in the metal work classes.”
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