PENNY FLYNN is the latest Horsham Rural City resident to declare her intent to run for the council at October's Local Government Elections.
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The GWM Water legal administrator has been a vocal critic of the council's decision to outsource its home care services to a private provider.
It is this development that she says she will seek to prevent if she is elected.
"I don't believe it is something they have to do," she said. "Victoria is one of the last states to have this delivery model, and just because other states are doing it differently doesn't mean Victoria has to," she said.
"I heard from one person that their mother is widowed and lives alone. None of her children live close to her. That service provided by the council is her only support and contact within the community."
Ms Flynn has also been a past president of the Rotary Club of Horsham East. Aside from home care services, she said she would advocate for "shovel-ready projects" to begin. She perceives such projects to be a remedy to the region's COVID-19-related economic difficulties.
"We might be in a position to advocate for more social housing or services for family violence," she said. "It might be a state or federal responsibility, but I think the council can put us at the front of the line to say 'Hey, we need these things in our community'."
Ms Flynn said she grew up in Horsham, and said the council needed to be future-focused, similar to the councils that oversaw the development of Horsham Town Hall and Horsham Aquatics Centre.
"My campaign slogan is it's about the community: We want to see good services, infrastructure and jobs. That's what I think we need," she said.
"I love governance. A lot of people don't, but it's something I thrive on."
The other candidates so far announced:
Mandatory training reminder
Hindmarsh Shire Council has reminded residents interested in standing for the council that they are required to undertake mandatory candidate training before nominating.
"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mandatory candidate training will be held online through Local Government Victoria," it said in a statement on Monday.
"The mandatory candidate training covers vital information potential candidates need to know about being a councillor, including understanding conflicts of interest, roles and obligations of being a councillor, code of conduct, confidentiality requirements and support available to help undertake the role of councillor.
Council chief executive Greg Wood said: "Training will take about an hour to complete, and serving councillors, past councillors and anyone interested in running for Council must complete the training to stand in the upcoming October 2020 elections."
Further information on the mandatory candidate training can be found on the council's website or Local Government Victoria's website.
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