Mayor 2007 - 2008
Richard Burey was born in Glen Innes to Jim and Lorna Burey and has lived in Guyra for most of his life ( except for 3 years in Coffs Harbour). After leaving school he spent a year working in the building industry, then in 1976 was employed in Armidale as an apprentice panel beater. Richard completed the course and achieved a trade qualified Panel Beater certificate where he spent the next 12 years in the motor industry, after which he moved back into the building industry and now holds a builders licence. He married Debbie Lyes in 1981 and they have three children Jacob, Jaimie and Sally.
Richard and Debbie along with Jaimie (who is employed in the business) continue to manage their Kitchen manufacturing business of which they have done since 1991 and the Glass and Aluminium business since 2014.
Richard has also been involved in community organisations including cofounder of Guyra Business Connection (now Guyra Tourism and Commerce Association), served on the Guyra Golf Club board as captain, and managed junior golf for 10 years, he was also a member of Guyra GP (Grand Parade) committee.
Richard is also the author of Ten Mistakes to Avoid when Renovating your Kitchen.
Richard was elected to Guyra Shire Council in 1999 and served as Deputy Mayor from 2000 to 2007. He was Mayor from 2007 to 2008.
During his 9 years on Guyra Shire Council he was part of an instrumental team that bought the Costa Group to town to grow tomatoes. The team also secured the Guyra Multi Purpose Service ( Hospital), a $4 million dollar sewer system for Tingha and initiated the new Guyra Aged Care Facility (Kolora), and the sealing of the Guyra to Ebor Road (now Guyra Road). During his tenure as Mayor Richard achieved the deputy chair position of New England Local Government, proposed and secured the position of a council Economic Development Manager, he also set up a very effective councillor responsibility project, and was successful in securing a 15% special rate variation in order to secure the shires future.
Richard's time on council was personally rewarding and a pleasure to serve his community, with a view to achieve the best outcome possible.