Two long-standing councillors in Warren, Pauline Serdity and Brett Williamson, received long service awards on 22 August. 

Mr Williamson served 26 years and Mrs Serdity 22 years as councillors to the end of December 2021.

The two shared what made them stay on for over two decades, what they are most proud of, and what they are up to in their personal lives. 

Pauline Serdity

Mrs Serdity moved to Nevertire, which has a population of around 170, from Ireland 32 years ago after her sister-in-law married a local farmer.

Her husband started his own welding business and Pauline started working part-time in daycare. 

The now 71-year-old became inspired to become a councillor in 1999 when all the issues she and a friend raised at a meeting with the mayor were fixed within a month. 

The following September, Mrs Serdity decided to stand in the local government elections. 

"I did get in which was nice and then for the next 22 years I concentrated on encouraging people to come to Warren," she said.

"Roads and rates are important but all roads lead somewhere and when they get to the end of the journey there should be something there for them." 

Ms Serdity said the drive to improve the little farming town she lives in has never left her. 

"We tend to be forgotten sometimes.

"Working as a council member gave me more insight into how communities work and how they need to pull together."

She has always been very passionate about the library, getting the old dirt roads sealed, and all achievements that benefited the well-being of children.

After taking a break last term to focus on life outside of the council, Ms Serdity is standing again in the next council election.

"I was working two full-time jobs and I wasn't getting to see my grandkids as much as I planned. I just needed to recharge my batteries."

Pauline Serdity receiving her long service award from Warren Mayor Milton Quigley. Photo: supplied by Warren Shire Council

Brett Williamson

Mr Williamson first stood for in 1995 at the age of 30. 

"One of the biggest successes [during his time] is making the committees work together as a group and put forward propositions so we can go forward and put into funding," he said.

Improved rural roads are a necessity for the community, Mr Williamson said. 

"It's very important to look after our rural roads. You never stop doing bridges or roads." 

Although improved roads have been great for the shire, it also led to more people travelling to Dubbo for their shopping which meant local shops started to close. 

"We’ve lost a lot of shops like every other small town," he said.

One of the most significant changes he has seen in the shire is in regards to farming innovation. 

"The machinery is getting a lot bigger with more horsepower," he said.

Besides working hard as a councillor, Brett also ran the Macquarie Toyota dealership for over 20 years starting in 2002. 

The 59-year-old retired in July and is now looking forward to playing golf, travelling and looking after his grandkids. 

Although he enjoyed his years on council he knew it was time to go rather than stand at the last election. 

"When your time's up, your time's up and you've got to let other people come in with fresh ideas so I think it was time for some fresh change," he said.