A Woman should be two things : Upper Lachlan Mayor Pam Kensit

'She is the First Female Mayor elected to the Upper Lachlan'.

Pam Kensit migrated from Ireland to Australia 32 years ago. She lives on a rural property with husband David, called 'Moorabinda', just outside Crookwell, NSW.  An active community member and volunteer, she  has raised 2 children and a menagerie of pets including Audrey and Abbey.

An acclaimed artist, Pam exhibits every 3 years in Sydney and until recently would tend to the farm, paint in her studio, muster sheep or spend time in the garden. 

These days Pam makes the 35 minute trip into Crookwell to attend to duties bestowed upon the elected Mayor of the Upper Lachlan.  Having sat on Council for a number of years, she has invested her time in standing committees that ensure the community interests are well represented. Pam says one of the first items on her agenda as mayor will be to lobby the federal government for improved communication systems in the bush.

2022 saw 5 female councillors elected to Council, with 4 men joining them to collaborate on the priorities of ensuring the farming and agriculture industries are supported. 2500 kms of roadway need to be maintained and upgraded so vital transport of stock and supplies can be transported to other areas and the city. 

Also on the agenda is keeping the community groups like CWA, Rotary, The Mens Shed, Probus and View Club, who lobby for social change and support vulnerable residents thriving. Alongside Pam is the power house, Deputy Mayor, Mandy McDonald, which is proving to be a force of nature that matches any weather event. 

Pam and I end this interview by cooking up tasty ideas for the Crookwell Potato Festival that celebrates 200 years.

Over the years, Pam has developed strong connections to resettled Ireland migrants and regularly attend events that connect those who left during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, which spanned three decades between 1960's-1998.

With a slight accent and an infectious laugh, Pam warmly welcomes her community members to come and 'chat' to her in chambers.  It was a privilege to visit her farm during sheering season, laugh over lunch looking out on the expansive garden and whilst deep in conversation we get to the heart of why she put her hand up for the top job. 

Pam is also a published author and during the 2020-21 lockdown sat down to write her latest book Poems Outside The Fold. She is best known for her novel 'Dust to Mud', the contribution of a bush community to WW1.

Pam is described by her colleagues as a natural born leader who does the doing.  She is known as a collaborative leader, patient and grateful for the opportunities the Australian country life has given her.

Please reach out to Pam with any comments or questions 

[e-mail]

To visit Crookwell and the Upper Lachlan, click here.

Make sure you visit places like Arcadia, Crieterion Hotel and Crookwell Services Club. 

#country #bush #upperlachlan