Chris Gulaptis became involved in local politics as president of the Maclean High School P&C, fighting for the removal of 80,000 bats who had taken up residence next door to the school.

As a local councillor and a mayor Chris was a champion for mainstream values against the vocal interest groups that sought to hijack public debate.

Chris has lived in the Clarence Valley for 31 years, and has been married to Vicki for more than 30 of those years.

Together they have two adult children and still call Maclean home despite Chris’ work as a surveyor taking him to Queensland for the last couple of years.

Chris will continue to ensure Clarence has a strong voice representing the region. There is much to be done locally and he will continue to fight to ensure the Pacific Highway upgrade is completed as fast as is possible and will be working on getting more police in critical areas, like Casino and Yamba, where the force needs extra officers. The planning of the second bridge over the Clarence river in Grafton is another key local issue.