Councillors

Cowra Shire elects nine Councillors for a four-year term to direct Council's affairs in line with the Local Government Act. Their decisions direct local policy and the distribution of Council funds. Their responsibility to the electorate is to ensure Council's policies and objectives are consistent with its broader vision and obligations to the community.

Ruth Fagan

Councillor

  • Telephone0429 123 736
  • Email crrfagan@cowra.nsw.gov.au
  • ProfileRuth Fagan has extensive experience on state and regional advisory boards. A journalist and business owner in Cowra, she’s run ventures including a motel, dress shop, and real estate agency. She holds leadership roles in local organisations and is Chair of the Central West Regional Development Board. Ruth holds a Business Studies degree from Charles Sturt University

Paul Smith

Mayor

  • Telephone0408 637 934
  • Email crpsmith@cowra.nsw.gov.au
  • ProfilePaul Smith has been a dedicated member of the Cowra Council since his election in 2021, serving as Deputy Mayor from 2023 and Mayor from 2024. He chairs the Traffic Committee and is involved with the Audit and Risk Committee and General Manager Performance Review Working Party. A Cowra resident for 57 years, he has a successful retail background in footwear, building a chain of shoe warehouses.

Karren Cave

Councillor

  • Telephone0432 445 988
  • Email crkcave@cowra.nsw.gov.au
  • ProfileKarren has been a dedicated member of the Cowra community for 30 years. She has worked as a nurse’s aide in aged care and is the owner of Cowra Community Enterprise, a charity supporting local initiatives. As an advocate for the Riding for the Disabled Association, Karren tirelessly works to provide support for individuals with disabilities, ensuring the wellbeing of Cowra residents.

Nikki Kiss

Councillor

  • Telephone0413 375 371
  • Email crnkiss@cowra.nsw.gov.au
  • ProfileNikki is a devoted community leader and advocate with a long history of service to the Cowra community. After working her way up in Department of Social Security to become Debt Prevention Project Manager for Centrelink, she turned her focus to supporting her community through volunteer work. In her second term on council, she continues to advocate the well-being of community members.

Tony Horton

Councillor

  • Telephone0423 872 225
  • Email crthorton@cowra.nsw.gov.au
  • ProfileTony, a first-term Councillor, has a long career in the Australian Public Service, mainly in health and human services. A former Army Reserve member, he now volunteers with the local SES. Passionate about local sports, youth opportunities, and supporting the business community, Tony is eager to contribute to the Sport and Rec Committee, Cowra Youth Council, and the Australia Day Committee.