Meet the candidates: Yarriambiack Shire Council Elections 2020

Note: No statement was provided by the candidate to the Victorian Electorial Commission

What is your vision for the municipality of Yarriambiack Shire Council?

That Yarriambiack Council and communities work together for the benefit of all.

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

Background in sheep, wool and grain production and Ag supply business.

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Have learned much about governance and procedure in past 4 years as councillor.

Very hands on in community being office bearer of several organisations.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes.

Note: No statement was provided by the candidate to the Victorian Electorial Commission

What is your vision for the municipality of Yarriambiack Shire Council?

A strong supported community and community groups.

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

I am approachable and willing to communicate.

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I understand the important role of Council and collaboration with Councillors to achieve the best outcome for communities.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes.

I have been a Councillor since the 2016 election and I am wanting to be re-elected for another term.

I am 42 years old and live in Hopetoun with my partner and three young children.

I think Hopetoun, like many places in our shire, is a good place to raise children and I don't want this to change.

The newly elected council will be responsible for putting together a ten-year strategic plan; I have a vision for our shire and want to be involved with this plan.

Whilst agribusiness is one of our highest economic drivers, I think our long-term development needs to include tourism alongside agriculture.

Just like any profession, I think its important for Councillors to undertake professional development and in the past four years I have undertaken governance, finance, and legal training, all of which has given me a better understanding of how local government works; there are many overarching Acts and regulations.

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One vision I have is for a greater distribution and access to defibrillators.

I would like to see our shire pilot a scheme that enabled our smaller towns to have public access defibrillators through a coordinated approach between government agencies and different tiers of government.

I think another important role of council is to lobby on behalf of our communities for grants and funding opportunities.

I have a good relationship with members of Parliament from both ends of the political spectrum and have always committed a large amount of time advocating for our shire and greater region.

I have always been considerate of my fiduciary duty and acted fairly, honestly and impartially as a Councillor.

I am young, enthusiastic, and prepared to do everything to the best of my ability to make sure that our shire is a great place to live and work.

What is your vision for the municipality of Yarriambiack Shire Council?

I want our shire to be a great place to live.

Whilst our local economy is driven by agribusiness (the Council should continue supporting the ag sector), I think there is an opportunity to diversify our economy by developing a stronger tourism market throughout our shire.

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

I have been a Councillor for the past four years and during this time I have undergone governance, finance and legal training.

I also have experience in previously holding positions of office in incorporated organisations.

I have a good understanding of meeting procedure and enjoy meetings.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes.

Having been born in the Patchewollock area and farmed here for most of my life, I am passionate about the needs of our community.

I have been secretary of the Speed Field Days for ten years and I am proud to work with the Lions Club of Speed to support the many community organisations that raise funds through this event.

In addition to this I have almost fourteen years of experience as a councillor with four terms of office as Mayor and I understand how to get things done.

In my previous terms I helped to drive such initiatives as the community consultation local visits, upgraded Hopetoun railway, environmental and recreational water allocations, additional funding for roads, drought funding and the Murra Warra wind farm, as well as securing a kerbside recycling service.

In the future I would like to see a fairer funding model that would reduce the rate burden from farmers without increasing the burden on commercial and residential premises.

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I believe that this could be achieved via increased support from both State and Federal Governments as well as cost saving efficiencies.

I would also lobby for the recycling of materials such as tyres and plastics to be made into useable products and not stockpiled or ending up in landfill.

If elected, I will resume my advocacy to increase the funding desperately needed to improve the appalling condition of many roads throughout the shire.

I also want to help secure more opportunities for the youth of Yarriambiack as our successful future is dependent on us being able to retain a younger demographic.

I also undertake to be available to listen to your concerns and seek your input as I have done in the past.

Thank you for considering my candidacy.

What is your vision for the municipality of Yarriambiack Shire Council?

To improve the standard of living for all by providing increased access to key services and generating opportunities for our young citizens as well as making sure that our elderly citizens are cared for in their own communities.

Roads, rates, and rubbish!

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

Almost 14 years as a Yarriambiack councillor (four terms as mayor).

10 years on Mallee Track Board, 4 years as executive board member of Grampians Wimmera Waste, chair of Sunraysia Highway Committee 3 years, Creek Improvement Committee 13 years and 10 years GWM Committee, Secretary Speed Field Days 10 years.

Are you currently a Councillor? No.

I am standing as a candidate for the Hopetoun ward in the up coming election.

I have lived and work around the Mallee all my life mostly in the Hopetoun area, 34 years of my working life was on the Yarriambiack and Karkarooc council doing most jobs on the outdoor crew from cleaning toilets to grader driver then becoming a works supervisor and finishing in the Warracknabeal office as works Co Ordinator.

Outside work my interests are most sports, travel both inside and outside Australia and gardening.

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Since retiring in December 2018 l have retained my interest in the council and think the 34 years of experience working within council gives me a good understanding of what ratepayers expect and what council can deliver.

So I am putting myself forward as a candidate.

What is your vision for the municipality of Yarriambiack Shire Council?

Maintain and improve road network, build on the wonderful work done on tourism in the last 15 years, support local employment and business.

If possible ensure we keep all services in our smaller town not just the major centres.

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

34 years experience working on council, knowledge of the roads and towns in the northern area of the council and will remember that ratepayers are the people councillor work for not the administration.

Are you currently a Councillor? No.

WARRACKNABEAL WARD

I love Warracknabeal.

I grew up here, my family has lived in Yarriambiack shire for 6 generations now.

I have travelled overseas and lived in a few different cities in my 20s and 30s but this has always been home and the place I now choose to raise my own family.

Do you share my passion and excitement for the future of Warracknabeal and the Yarriambiack shire?

Would you like to see council continue to support small businesses, and encourage the growth and creation of new economies and industries?

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If you appreciate a tenacious, question asking, optimistic spokesperson who hates waste of any kind and is determined to get things done representing you, then you should vote for me.

I am someone who will listen and consider every idea and if elected will work with my fellow councillors and council officers to achieve the best possible outcomes for our shire.

Lets make the Yarriambiack shire a community where ideas, people, and programs are supported and encouraged to be the best they can be.

What is your vision for the municipality of Yarriambiack Shire Council?

My vision for our community is one of continued growth and innovation.

To support and improve our local economies whilst also encouraging the creation of new industries.

Along side it remaining an enjoyable and safe place to live, connect and prosper.

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

As a member of the "Finish what you started" team that successfully lobbied for the Warracknabeal Education precinct to be funded, I used my skill of being able to talk to people on all levels and learned the importance of building networks. I believe in fairness, innovation and stability.

Are you currently a Councillor? No.

I have been a passionate and active resident of Warracknabeal for 16 years and have focused on assisting the local community where possible.

Much of my time has been directed towards volunteering in the local Warracknabeal community, including over 11 years on the Woodbine Ladies Auxiliary, which manages the Opportunity Shop.

I have served as President for the past 6 years.

At the Opportunity Shop, I am fortunate to meet and interact with a cross section of citizens in our wonderful town and the many visitors from all walks of life.

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Having been so actively involved in the Opportunity Shop and interacting with the people supported, I offered myself as a member of the Woodbine Board of Management and was elected in October 2018.

I have been an active member of the Warracknabeal Ladies Probus Club since 2005 and have been president on four occasions.

I am currently serving as Vice President.

I am an optimistic person and always keen to seek and support opportunities to improve people's lives and the services that they access in their community.

Through my voluntary work in the community, I am familiar with areas of disadvantage and the potential for connections that may assist in their resolution.

My service on the Board of Management at Woodbine, an organisation that deliberately places itself in positions where it may contribute to community life, has also provided me with knowledge about many of the main themes that face people living in smaller rural areas and the many opportunities for partnerships to help combat disadvantaged.

I am offering myself as a friendly and approachable candidate who will provide sincere advice and promptly respond to enquiries and requests for information and support.

What is your vision for the municipality of Yarriambiack Shire Council?

I would like to think that I, and Council lent an ear for the community and worked in that direction especially in areas of business and tourism.

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

I am community minded for both young and old. I care about people.

But I also want to do something to help.

I love the Op. Shop and what it stands for.

Are you currently a Councillor? No.

I am seeking your vote to continue working hard for our Warracknabeal community.

I am committed and dedicated to ensuring we have a thriving agricultural and business sector, a community where residents have a voice, sustainable services and infrastructure that supports development now and into the future.

My experience as a Councillor demonstrates my ability to achieve outcomes including advocating for funding, representation upon boards and committees, focus upon strong leadership and engaging with community and external organisations to ensure that our community is well represented.

My advocacy for funding, promotion and engagement for outcomes coupled with my ability to work hard for change are skills I bring to the role as a Councillor.

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I am a dedicated community member holding numerous volunteer roles: President Warracknabeal Secondary College school council, foundation WORDS committee member, member of Swimming and Basketball committees, Yarriambiack Youth Action Council, Vice Chair of Rural Financial Counselling Services (Victoria Northwest) and member of Yarriambiack Chaplaincy Council.

I have played an active role in advocating for funding in many areas including: Early years literacy programs, Education Precinct, 15 hours of funded kindergarten, establishment of the Youth Action Council, return of library services back to our local community and promotion of our amazing silo art trail bringing growth to businesses and tourism to our Shire.

My aim is, and has always been, to ensure our community is sustainable, vibrant, and positive.

A proactive town in which to live and work for generations to come. These challenging and unfamiliar times call for experience.

A dedicated, professional, knowledgeable community-minded candidate who works hard to ensure positive outcomes for our community and will continue to do so into the future.

Experience, community knowledge, focus and my passion for Warracknabeal will achieve outcomes with our community, for our community. Vote 1 Kylie Zanker.

What is your vision for the municipality of Yarriambiack Shire Council?

Create and work toward a robust council plan that focuses upon strategic direction for our Shire incorporating good governance, strong economic growth, sustainable long term financial management, service retention and growth of services while effectively engaging with the community to ensure that the council plan addresses community focused needs.

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

I have excellent communication skills, can liaise and engage people from varying and diverse backgrounds and have an approachable manner.

My strong knowledge around policy, process, legislation, financial literacy, governance, audit and risk, objective decision making skills and strong core ethics enhance my ability to work collaboratively with others.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes.

I am seeking your support for another term as one of your Warracknabeal Ward councillors.

I have had the privilege of serving the community for the past eight years and over that time I have given special attention to promoting the essential features and services expected by our community.

I am knowledgeable and experienced in council processes, policy and governance.

I have strong advocacy skills.

As a councillor and mayor I have positively promoted Warracknabeal and the shire in my roles with Wimmera Development Association, Yarriambiack Tourism, Municipal Association Victoria, Rural Councils Victoria and North West Municipalities Association.

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I came to Warracknabeal in 1976 and taught History at the secondary college until retiring in 2010.

During that period I assisted my students in researching and compiling books on Warracknabeal's old homes, local war memorials and World War 1 military service.

I have collaborated with committees from the Rotary Club, the Fire Brigade, the Bowling Club, the Brim community and the Ladies Rest Room to record and publish their histories.

For over forty years I have been actively involved with the community and served as secretary and president of the Lions Club, president of the Historical Society, treasurer of Warracknabeal Golf Club and a board member of both the RSL and Warracknabeal Neighbourhood House.

I have a sound understanding of local needs and concerns.

I have fostered closer council consultation with the volunteer organisations that provide the range of activities and services that benefit our residents.

I have the commitment, passion and experience to serve my community for a further four years.

I pledge that I will insist that council continues to deliver sustainable programs and works that will provide us with a safe and healthy place in which to live.

What is your vision for the municipality of Yarriambiack Shire Council?

I see a continuing strong relationship between council and residents to ensure that we retain and deliver the programs and services that will make our community a safe and sustainable place in which to live.

I see council encouraging growth in tourism, promoting community events and supporting Warracknabeal Action Group.

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

I have a sound understanding and knowledge of local issues and strong advocacy skills.

I am conversant with council policies and procedures.

I have eight years experience as a councillor, including four years as mayor.

I have the passion and commitment to serve the community for another term.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes.

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The contents of candidate statements and questions were provided by the candidates to the VEC. Any enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate.

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