A passion for his childhood community and the MidCoast local government area (LGA) are primarily behind Luke Cubis's decision to run as an independent at the upcoming local government elections.
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However, Mr Cubis also is equally passionate about his local community of Teralba and the Lake Macquarie LGA, a good two and a bit hours drive from Forster.
In an unusual move, and one which has not occurred (to anyone's knowledge) in the history of either the MidCoast Council or former Great Lakes Council, Mr Cubis plans to run as an independent in both LGAs.
He has also raised his hand for Lake Macquarie City Council mayor.
Running as number one on a group called Local Independents, 41-year-old Mr Cubis will share the ticket with Jennifer Brewer from Cundletown, Benjamin Perren of Tallwoods, Marius Heymann of Bulahdelah, Kylie Cubis of Teralba and Geoffrey Mason of Smiths Lake.
Mr Cubis lived in Forster and attended Forster Public School before moving to Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Switzerland where he attempted to forge a career playing soccer.
While his decision to run for two different councils is unique, according to the guidelines, Mr Cubis ticks all the boxes.
His software business, It's Found, has offices in both Taree and Toronto, while he has an investment property in Hawks Nest.
I know of people who have had two part-time roles; they do not give more to one than the other.
- MidCoast and Lake Macquarie City councils candidate, Luke Cubis
"I have ties to the area. I have lots of family and friends here and I pay my rates here," Mr Cubis said.
"And, I want to have a say on how those rates are spent."
He said feedback from residents had identified three key points of concern - roads, rates and rubbish.
Maintaining sound economic stewardship was also important, he said.
A former Lake Macquarie deputy mayor, Mr Cubis didn't expect to encounter any particular obstacles in the event he was elected to both councils.
"The council role is part-time and I will navigate that role," he said.
"It is manageable."
However, he did admit some aspects of his private and work life would more than likely need to be sacrificed.
It was no different when someone holds several positions on boards or committees, and there have been some State government MPs who also were councillors, he said.
"I know of people who have had two part-time roles; they do not give more to one than the other."
"I'm equally passionate about both areas; I am looking forward and I am excited about the opportunity to serve my communities."
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
