West Wimmera Shire Council election candidates

A strong voice for West Wimmera I understand many residents of West Wimmera Shire feel disconnected from upcoming Local Government Elections. There's a sentiment that some current Councillors are out of touch with everyday issues affecting our communities. Now is your opportunity to voice your dissatisfaction and vote for change and a cohesive council! For over five of the past eight years, I have served as a Councillor, striving to be a strong voice advocating for fair equitable support for all residents. If re-elected, I pledge to speak up to: Prioritise road repairs and reconstruction across our Shire. Advocate for upgraded telecommunications to eliminate ‘black-spots.’ Develop and promote tourism, supporting local providers and boosting our local economies. Push for Shire support in rezoning and releasing more housing blocks, thereby encouraging housing investment, benefiting schools and sporting clubs. Proactively lobby for our fair share of government grants, ensuring support for childcare, aged care, hospitals, medical facilities, and recreational activities. My extensive professional background in international agricultural and community development, with international project management experience and two degrees in agriculture, positions me to contribute effectively our Shire. Re-elect RICHARD HICKS, and I will continue to advocate for you and support our Shire!

It’s time for a fresh perspective to progress West Wimmera. As a committed and passionate advocate for our region, I am dedicated to fostering community and growth. I believe that communities working together are best positioned to understand their needs, and I will support community-driven solutions. I have followed every council meeting and attended every community consultation since 2020. Across the region, it’s clear the community’s voice is not being heard. I am running to secure a seat at the table and be the voice our community deserves. My family has farmed in this region since 1882, and I’ve called West Wimmera home since 1994, building broad connections across the Wimmera. If elected, I will listen to you and make decisions that are fair and transparent. I am committed to ensuring council’s limited resources are managed effectively. I will work to encourage economic vitality by supporting initiatives that grow local businesses, attract investment, and create jobs, ensuring West Wimmera remains a financially viable place to live, work, and play. Housing, roads, aged care and seeing projects completed on time and in budget, are our community's top priorities. My commitment is to always listen, engage, and make informed decisions.

I have always lived in the West Wimmera Shire, living and farming at Minimay. I have been a councillor for the past eight years. For six of those years I was Elected Mayor or Deputy Mayor. Over this time I have gained invaluable insights and experience, as well as forming strong networks and relationships within the government sector. To ensure our Shire is vibrant, sustainable and meets the core needs of our residents, we need successful development whilst remaining viable. To keep progressing we need to strategically plan for opportunities that support growth, investment, employment and education. We must continue to support agriculture/diversity/production and new and existing business. Our road network must be prioritised and maintained. We must have full access to up to date technology and digital connectivity. Our residents need stable and accessible health services and adequate infrastructure in our towns. I understand the challenges and will always listen and follow through on concerns from our residents. We need to work together, adapt, source and provide opportunities, and commit to building a strong and resilient community so we can adequately meet the needs of the people who live in our Shire.

I am excited to seek your continued support on the Council. After two years as Mayor, I am extremely proud of what we achieved over the last term. Key highlights have been upgrades to community sporting grounds, the establishment of a childcare service in Edenhope, commencing a major overhaul of our planning scheme, and maintaining financially responsible budgets. Roads have also been a constant focus over this time. Our community deserves a council that prioritises the maintenance and improvement of our roads which are vital for connecting residents, supporting our businesses, and ensuring the safety of our residents. I am committed to advocating for increased funding and resources for repairs. Beyond roads, investing in community infrastructure is crucial for enhancing the quality of life in our area. Whether it’s improving playgrounds and kindergartens or upgrading recreational facilities and other community assets, I will strive to create an environment where everyone feels proud to live, a place that attracts families and businesses alike. I would be honoured to represent your interests and will continue to work tirelessly for the future of our council. Thank you for your support!

I am fourth generation in Harrow, Victoria's oldest inland town. I attended Harrow State School, St. Malachys Edenhope and Monivae College Hamilton as a boarder I have four children, single parent, three daughters were in Victorian Regional Netball Academy and my son played AFL with West Coast Eagles I am a Woolclasser by Trade, shorn in every state of Australia except Tasmania also worked in New Guinea, USA and England. In 2012 I was Awarded the West Wimmera Citizen of the Year Award. I am a Life Member of the Horsham and District Football Netball League and the Harrow Balmoral Football Netball Club and President of the Football Netball Clubs for seven years and past President of the Harrow Recreation Reserve for twenty years. I worked with present, State Labour Government for introduction of Female Friendly Sporting Facilities. In 2021 I won the AFL Country Award. Two Terms, eight years as a Councillor one year as Deputy Mayor seeking Third Term. My long term plan for the West Wimmera Shire is to halt the population Decline.

I have lived all my life within the West Wimmera Shire, and have been a long term Councillor. I take very seriously the responsibility for financial management, and honesty when making all decisions. By being active in many local sporting and community organizations I believe I can understand the needs of the various communities that make up the Shire. By making the Shire financially strong we now see the results of being able to support new facilities for both community and sport. Recently the Shire has been able to move forward in partnership with many organizations for their improvement, which would not have been possible if money was wasted on projects that only benefit a few, and generate very little return. We are going to need strong experienced Councillors to keep moving forward as grant money will be harder to obtain in the future. Our road network is what drives the Shire economically and always should be our priority. There always should be the desire to provide local jobs and not contract out work that can be done by people that live here and support their own communities. I support help for families and the aged across the Shire.