Elections 2020: Meet the candidates for West Wimmera Shire Council

I live at Minimay where together with my husband Craig, we run our family farm.

We have three adult children who all live locally.

I have been involved in agriculture all my life and realise now, more than ever, the importance of supporting this industry.

The flow on effects keep our towns and small communities thriving, which is vital to sustaining our local population and economy.

I have just completed my first four years on Council and want to sincerely thank everybody for their support. This position requires strong leadership and effective teamwork, and I have been fortunate to have experienced both over my time as a Councillor.

During these four years it was an honour to be elected Mayor for two years, followed by Deputy Mayor, which gave me invaluable experience and the opportunity to develop networks and build strong relationships across the whole government sector.

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We have been successful in securing funding opportunities due to our committed and well-connected Council combined with a forward thinking, diverse and well-prepared advocacy plan.

I offer commitment to supporting agriculture and production, investment, tourism and diversity, new and existing businesses to create growth, viability and opportunity for the next generation; improving access to technology and support, our road network, improving infrastructure, quality education, health and aged care services. I understand change is inevitable and challenges will arise, especially after Covid19.

I believe that if we work together, listen to one another, adapt and find ways to create new pathways, and use the opportunities available to us, we have the ability and the resources to keep moving forward.

My aim is to build on the existing strength and viability in the West Wimmera Shire by ensuring we remain resilient and prepared for the future while providing the best outcomes for our residents.

What is your vision for the municipality of West Wimmera Shire Council?

To strategically plan for opportunities that support growth, investment, employment and education. We need full access to up-do-date technology/digital connectivity and support, and ensure we have suitable road networks and provide essential infrastructure. We need to support agriculture, grow tourism and ensure stable and accessible Health Services.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

Four years experience on Council, two as Mayor, where I have formed strong networks/relationships within the government sector. I understand how business operates and am an active volunteer in community life. I listen and follow through on concerns of residents and am dedicated to the future success of our Shire.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes.

I have lived all my life in the West Wimmera Shire.

I am married with three adult children. Together we run a family farm in the Kaniva district.

We are fourth and fifth generation of farmers in this area.

I have taken a keen interest in community affairs all my life and have served in numerous positions across many organisations.

These include sporting clubs and others like the Show Society.

I am a life member of the Kaniva Bowls Club, Kaniva Show Society and Tatiara Cricket Association.

Also have held positions of responsibility in the Presbyterian Church.

Serving on both the Kaniva and West Wimmera Shires has given me a wealth of experience to draw upon when needed.

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It is important to understand the ways of being able to advocate for better funding for our shire and support community groups to obtain grants for their needs.

Unless we continue to work in partnership, our district facilities, and management groups, will not be able to keep themselves afloat financially. Strong financial management is critical to this Shire's existence.

I take the responsibility of spending rate money very seriously.

Our priority always should be the road network because it is the focal point of what drives the Shire economically. It also provides local jobs in construction and maintenance.

Mental health outreach needs to be continued and supported, as well as all our family networks from the young to the elderly.

What is your vision for the municipality of West Wimmera Shire Council?

A Shire that is a great place to live in and work in. Financially strong, with good infrastructure and fair support to community organizations and individuals.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

25 years of local government experience. Knowledge of the Shire as a whole, and a strong work ethic needed to be a councillor. Expectations always of honesty and self sacrifice.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes.

I am a member of a fourth generation of Harrow Family, the 2012 Australia Day West Wimmera Citizen of the Year and a strong supporter of Volunteer organisation in the entire West Wimmera Shire.

I am a past President of Douglas Harrow Miga Lake and Harrow Balmoral F. N.C's Life Member.

Currently I am President of Harrow and District Recreation Reserve Inc. for the last 21 years where I have been successful with seventeen grants raising over $2.5 million for the volunteer organisations and on the Horsham and District Football/Netball League Board for the last 13 years where I am a life member.

I'm an active anti-drug campaigner having accredited Harrow/Balmoral F.N.C Inc to Level 2 of the 'Good Sports Program'.

I work with the local Police as a liquor Licence holder for the Football/Netball Club Inc. for the past 24 years.

I am a single parent of four all who have played sport in our shire, represent their club and shire at higher level - two daughters at Vic Country regional academy level netball and my son played AFL.

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I am a vastly experienced volunteer, CFA. 49 years Conniewirricoo/Harrow, Bike Vendura, B&S Ball, Stockmans Challenge and all sporting groups as I support all volunteer organisation and their volunteers throughout our shire.

Some of my biggest aims for the West Wimmera Shire is to have the Wimmera Mallee pipeline extended - now know as the West Grampians pipeline - which I have chaired, as I believe water surety is essential to our shire. And to sort out the Kaniva Hub debt as I believe the major tenant cannot be held responsible for major construction debt.

I am a strong supporter of keeping our rates low and have and will always represent the interests of my constituents. Thankyou for reading. Tom Houlihan

What is your vision for the municipality of West Wimmera Shire Council?

To come out of this Covid 19 Virus with similar population and businesses to January 2020. To gain funding for the extension of the Wimmera Mallee Pipe line through the West Grampians which includes West Wimmera and Southern Grampians Councils.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

Four years Councillor experience, Fourth Generation family member living in this Council. Volunteer who has raised over $2.5 million in grants for a volunteer organisation. Forty year experience as chair person, president of successful volunteer organisation.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes.

I was fortunate to grow up on a farm in Kaniva, and even though I spent some years away, I always felt a strong connection with the people and the way of life here.

After finishing high school in Kaniva, I completed a BA (Hons) from Adelaide University, before joining the SA Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure as a Policy Adviser for Ports and Logistics, providing advice to the Minister on freight and related infrastructure, building relationships with key industry bodies and overseeing multi-million dollar projects.

After deciding it was time for a change and to see the world, I spent six months as a volunteer teacher in Tanzania, before moving to the UK, where I set up and ran a multi-award winning brewery.

In 2008 I moved back to Kaniva and have been involved with the family farm ever since.

I am passionate about our local communities and have been heavily involved in many of our sporting clubs and organisations, including serving as the Tatiara Cricket League Secretary for a number of years, currently the Lawloit CFA brigade Secretary-Treasurer and a member of the Kaniva-Leeor Football Club Committee.

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On all of the committees I have served, I have built strong working relationships with many successful outcomes.

I will be a strong advocate for making sure we get our fair share of government funding across all of our shire.

Still in my early forties, I have the energy and will be fully committed to the role.

I will always put West Wimmera first.

What is your vision for the municipality of West Wimmera Shire Council?

Not answered.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

Not answered.

Are you currently a Councillor? No.

I am locally born and bred.

A farmer, business owner and supporter of the West Wimmera Shire.

I put my hand up to be a councillor four years ago to give back to this community.

I've worked hard, listening to concerns, and helping residents work their way through red tape.

Keeping an eye on budgets, staff and timeframes to ensure projects from the previous council were completed.

We have new and improved buildings and parks in our towns.

I voted for improved roads and footpaths and support for sports and community groups.

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I am proud I helped get regional tourism back on the agenda.

I entered 2020 confident to end my first term with a strong handover.

Then Covid happened turning daily life on it's head.

While some businesses and residents have been safe, many families, workers and businesses are suffering. There are years of hard work ahead.

I'm lobbying for support for the vulnerable, giving a voice for the public and for common sense.

We need doors open, produce selling and hope returned.

I will help businesses ( in town and farms), local groups and community events rebuild.

I want Covid safe projects big and small, including sporting facilities, safe playgrounds, community buildings, fun events, outdoor dining, agribusinesses, pipelines and new tourism ideas.

Many people are leaving bigger cities- for a day, a week or a lifetime.

So, we have opportunities for new residents and new ideas. I will help reduce red tape, encourage new developments and support volunteers.

Councillors need to ask the hard questions, defend ratepayers rights, demand community consultation and make sure all levels of government listen, so grants flow to the community and we support people living in towns and on farms.

I am determined to see this through for the best possible outcome.

What is your vision for the municipality of West Wimmera Shire Council?

Although remoteness has kept us safe we must address population decline through jobs and lifestyle choices and work to restore the services we have lost. Connectivity and accessibility really stands out now when residents are having to travel to other areas to access what everyone else takes for granted.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

One four year term on council. A long history of leadership and advocacy in the aquaculture industry. I haven't missed a council advocacy trip to help our community. I have replied to every personal email and phone call I've had and have advocated on their behalf as best I can.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes.

Richard W. Hicks is re-nominating to be a Councillor for the West Wimmera Shire Council, having first being elected to the Council for the current four-year term from 2016-20.

Richard is a keen supporter of equitable, transparent, viable and sustainable services, community groups and development opportunities throughout the Shire for the benefit of all residents.

Richard is 64 years old and is semi-retired.

His rural property, "Pleasant Hills", near Kaniva has been farmed by the Hicks family for more than 140 years, and he currently crops wheat, barley, faba beans, vetch and canola.

After completing his Bachelor and Master degrees in Rural Science from University of New England, Armidale, NSW, for several years Richard worked for the Department of Defence and the Grain Elevators Board in Melbourne, and the Victorian Department of Agriculture in the Mallee.

While his professional qualifications are in dryland agriculture, for more than 25 years Richard embarked on an extensive executive-level international consultancy career managing and implementing multi-million dollar international agricultural and community development projects (financed by major international donor and government agencies) in the Middle East, Former Soviet Union, Balkans/Eastern Europe and Asia (including almost ten years in war zones and immediate post-conflict areas).

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These projects focused on community and agribusiness reconstruction and development, value chain analysis, trade competitiveness, financial management and institutional/organisational capacity building. After semi-retiring from his successful international consultancy career, Richard returned to Kaniva in 2006.

If re-elected, these qualifications and experiences equip him to provide an extensive range of skills for the benefit of the whole Shire.

What is your vision for the municipality of West Wimmera Shire Council?

I am a keen supporter of equitable, transparent, viable and sustainable services, community groups and development opportunities throughout the Shire for the benefit of all residents.

I would like to see the West Wimmera Shire develop as a thriving multi-sectoral region, that nurtures, values and supports our whole community.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

After completing tertiary education, my extensive executive-level international consultancy career managing the implementation of complex projects focused on community and agribusiness reconstruction/development, value chain analysis, trade competitiveness, financial management and institutional/organisational capacity building provides me with an extensive range of skills for the benefit of the whole Shire.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes.

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