Cr Donald Ferris

First term councillor, Cr Donald Ferris, who moved to the area seven years ago, is a busy father of four daughters who works as a horticulturalist.

Don has a Bachelor of Horticultural Science and a degree in Business and Environmental Management. He’s always had a passion for the environment and that’s one of the reasons he decided to run for Council.

‘I can see so many opportunities for improving the environment in Maitland. I want to encourage cycling in the area, improvements to railways and bus routes, and I want to encourage higher density development around transport corridors. Really, I just want to make our community a great one for our young children to grow up in’.

Don also wants to improve Maitland’s liveability and agricultural production and he cited the Slow Food Hunter Valley Earth Markets as a great success. He believes Maitland is a real food bowl and the opportunities in the farming sector are endless.

Don has volunteered a lot with Landcare Australia and along with taking care of his girls, he’s also a sports nut. He’s a member of the Maitland Mavericks Baseball Club and he also loves his rugby, cricket and he even dabbles in a bit of lawn bowls.