Cr Neville Kschenka was first term as a Narrandera Shire Council councillor was 1987-1991. He was re-elected as a councillor in 2016, and then elected Mayor at the September extraordinary meeting. Cr Kschenka was re-elected as Mayor for his second consecutive two-year term in September 2018, followed by re-election in 2020, 2022 and 2024.
Neville was born in Culcairn NSW, educated at Pleasant Hills Public School and then at Coolamon where he lived and worked on his grandfather’s farm until commencing work with the PMG. The job brought him to Narrandera in 1963 as a telegraphist. Neville married Carmel Newton, a life-long Narrandera resident. From 1965 he spent a total of 15 years in the Automotive Industry, a further five years at Richards Department Store as Office Manager, then Manager of Furniture, Electrical and Floor Coverings.
Neville and his family have operated a regional musical instrument business from 1982 until the present time, and he was Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce for several years during the early 1990's. The business is also licensed to install security systems and sound equipment. Neville has been doing live music performances since age 10.
Neville believes that with the changes in society that have taken place over the years, towns in Narrandera Shire also need to look for other sources of income such as travellers and visitors to remain viable and retain vital services needed by the Shire residents. He understands that country towns were originally established to service the rural community and, now that there are far fewer land holders, the rate burden is spread amongst less rate payers to maintain the same number of roads. Heavy vehicles are also much larger than in the past, requiring better road surfaces. Council should keep abreast of the needs of established industries and well as encouraging new business and industry to establish in the Shire.
Neville is a founding member of the Narrandera Business Group and the Rockin’ on East committee, represented council on the Sesquicentenary Planning, Lake Talbot and Environs, Arts and Community Centre and John O'Brien Festival Organising Committees. He has also chaired various fund raising committees since the 1960's.