Member for Clarence
Opposition Spokesman on Regional Crime

Steve Cansdell was first elected as Member for Clarence in 2003 and re-elected in 2007 with a very large increase in his vote.

He is known in the Clarence for his support for community causes, notably his annual Pedal for Preschools bike ride in which he cycles to every community preschool in the electorate, raising about $10,000 in the process.

He has led numerous community campaigns against Labor Government cut backs to the region, particularly in relation to hospitals, and has also successfully campaigned for safer roads.

Prior to becoming Member for Clarence, Steve ran a successful sign writing business. He was also a Grafton City Councillor from 1993 to 2003.

Steve Cansdell's early years were spent in a happy environment with devoted parent sand three sisters in Dubbo. Being the youngest and only son he was given much attention and love. Sadly, his childhood was brought to an abrupt end at the age of 11. With the sudden death of his mother he was sent to a Legacy school at Baulkham Hills, before returning to Dubbo High and finishing his schooling at an English orphanage at Molong.

Upon leaving school at 16, Steve took up a position as a commercial artist at Ultimo and it was around this time he also took an interest in the sport of boxing, eventually winning the Australian Professional Light/Heavyweight boxing title in the seventies.

About the Clarence electorate

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Located on the NSW North Coat, Clarence Electorate covers 17,171 sq km and has a predicted elector quota of 48,074 voters at the 2007 Election.

Major towns in Clarence include Casino, Grafton, Evans Head, Iluka, Maclean and Yamba.

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