Shoalhaven Jerrinja people spokesperson Graham Connelly Jnr is running for council as number two on the Shoalhaven Independents ward two ticket.
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Mr Connelly Jnr has worked as a cultural fisherman for 20 years, a traditional custodian for the Jerrinja Aboriginal Land Council and as a treasury officer for the Southern region Aboriginal Land Council.
"I'm very proud that I got the opportunity to work with the Shoalhaven Independents," he said.
"The reason why I joined the Shoalhaven Independents is because they are fair and they are being honest with the community about cultural significance of the custodians of the Shoalhaven."
Asked what he thought about Shoalhaven Independent Greg Watson's political stunt involving the burning of a replica Aboriginal flag in 1982, Mr Connelly Jnr said he and fellow Jerrinja custodian Ron Carberry had dealt with the matter alongside Mr Watson two years ago.
Mr Watson said the flag burning was in response to a media release by councillor Jim McCrudden which called out councillors for being racist due to their decision to reject the flying of the Aboriginal flag which was not recognised by the government at the time.
"In retrospect I shouldn't have done it but what's done is done," said Cr Watson.
"I apologised after the event and also led the first Nowra Aboriginal reconciliation march over the bridge and I also have worked very closely helping some of the Aboriginal land councils.
The only people who are concerned about it these days are the ones who have been influenced by white activists who try to use it against me at every election or in between.
- Councillor Greg Watson
Mr Watson said Mr Connelly Jnr jumped at the opportunity to run with the Shoalhaven Independents.
"He's going to be a good asset - he's well mannered, well spoken and he understands the local issues affecting young people of all creeds and races," said Cr Watson.
Mr Connelly Jnr said he wanted to run with the Shoalhaven Independents to make sure the Jerrinja community will be cared for and that young indigenous and non-indigenous Shoalhaven people will be given career opportunities.
Last year Mr Connelly Jnr was acknowledged by Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt for his work in sharing Jerrinja culture and language with the local community.
"I want to make sure business stays local and the community and our roads are kept safe.
"What I would like to see [if I am elected] is that the truth gets told about our culture here. I'd like to make sure that our indigenous and non-ingenious communities live in a safe environment and have safe roads."
The next council election will be held on Saturday, September 4.
