The Campaspe Shire Council election is fast approaching with a total of 12 candidates in the running to fill the nine vacancies. Below are the candidates’ responses to the candidate questionnaire on the Victorian Electoral Commission website, which includes two questions:
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1. What is your vision for the municipality of the above council?
2. What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of councillor?
Candidates are below in the order they will appear on the ballot paper.
SHARROCK, Luke
1. Infrastructure, environment, roads maintained. Support growth assisting business, agriculture and industry. Animal shelter to stay. Original tourist information centre reinstated. Rein in unnecessary spending. Opportunities need to be established for the whole shire. Vote me, I’m IT.
2. Experience as the IT manager for the Murray Shire Council has provided me with knowledge and insight on how councils function. Exposure to budgets, time constraints. Ability in the balance between providing effective service with minimal resources. Level-headed approach to make our community one we can be proud of.
ZOBEC, John
1. As a rural council, Campaspe needs to be responsive, adaptive and improve the liveability of our communities. It needs to support our diverse communities through education, tertiary and university to improve employment opportunities, attract new sustainable businesses, industries and tourism visitor economy and improve infrastructure and road networks throughout the Campaspe Shire.
2. As a current councillor, I have the skills to ensure strong community engagement, transparency and equitable delivery of projects and ensure accountability to Campaspe ratepayers. I am committed to prudent financial management and drive economic efficiencies. I will be a strong voice, approachable and listen to the concerns of our communities.
MARWOOD, Tony
1. I want to ensure that our shire and our community is strong, proud, caring and prosperous and that the organisation will continue to improve service delivery and operational performance. We need to make sure we have the right infrastructure to retain our young people and be an attractive destination for others.
2. I’ve had many different roles and training, Campaspe Shire Audit and Risk Committee for four years and I’m currently Deputy Mayor. I have been on the Bonlac Supply Board for 12 years and chairman for nine years. I was on the Australian Dairy Industry Council water taskforce for six years and am currently in the GMID water advocacy group. I have undertaken the Massey University Governance Course and Institute of Company Directors Course.
COOK, Zoe
1. Council has an important role in ensuring that all of us thrive and that our local environment is protected. Together, we can continue building a supportive, vibrant and diverse community by delivering the infrastructure and services we all need.
2. As a young woman deeply embedded in our community through sport, community groups and volunteering, I understand our community and what we need from our council. As your Greens councillor, I’ll always put our community first.
MACKRELL, Daniel
1. The vision for Campaspe is that we thrive as a community and for it to be a liveable, safe and vibrant place to live. Somewhere that we all work together to make things better. Improve our roads, community and places where we can grow and achieve our potential.
2. Some of my roles over the years include chair of a neighbourhood house, Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning member, EMTDA board member, president of Echuca Business Chamber and farmers market treasurer. I also served eight years as a councillor and 11 years as a chief executive officer and I am a successful local business operator.
MITCHELL, Jessica
1. I want to create a supportive environment where everyone has a voice and opportunities to participate. I envision a future where our community thrives through innovative solutions, strong leadership and collaborative efforts.
2. With over a decade of experience in employment services and various qualifications in leadership and management, I believe in a holistic approach to engaging with others, ensuring individuals are part of the decisions that affect them.
WESTON, Adrian
1. Campaspe is a great place to live where everyone is welcomed and respected. It has diverse communities and is set within a unique landscape. Our community spirit is strong and resilient.
2. Twelve years’ experience as a Campaspe Shire councillor, including four years as your mayor. I have completed the Australian Institute of Directors course and am currently a director of two organisations. I am financially literate and understand what constitutes good governance. I am well connected with Campaspe communities and value strong working relationships.
FARRANT, Michael
1. For small businesses to thrive. For the Shire of Campaspe to be a place of destination.
2. I have over 30 years’ experience in business, therefore an abundance of experience in managing people, managing budgets, forward planning/thinking, negotiating and an overall professional demeanour and mindset.
OULD, Brett
1. A municipality which is safe, promotes local businesses and attracts new investment to our community. Supports sustainable development, improving our roads, public transport and allowing residents the opportunity to have an input into the overall infrastructure of Campaspe, which is crucial for all our daily lives.
2. Being a former councilor and my role as a general manager for NDIS. Proven community engagement experience. I have worked in both the public and private sectors, always in a community engagement environment. I have the ability to listen and understand and work with the community to achieve our goals.
JARMAN, Paul
1. Together, we can build a stronger community by embracing new ideas, fostering collaboration and ensuring that every community has opportunity and the infrastructure and services needed. I am committed to working tirelessly to create positive change and make our vision for a better future a reality. Let’s make it happen.
2. I am a person who has been in or owned small to medium businesses my whole life. I have strong expertise in organisation skills, finance, strategic planning and marketing. I have a strong sense of community from across the shire. I have lived in Rochester, Ballendella and Echuca
CHUMBLEY, Deb
1. A vibrant, inclusive and resilient community where diversity is celebrated and every individual feels valued and connected. Support for economic vitality. Commitment to equity and fairness. An inclusive community attracting people and businesses, boosting our economy and helping our region thrive with deep respect for our environment and cultural heritage.
2. As a senior health executive and wide-ranging board member, I bring with me a wealth of experience in management, governance, project management, community engagement and advocacy. As a long-term resident I support ratepayers’ priorities and am determined to work to achieve the greatest public good from finite public resources.
AMOS, Rob
1. My vision for Campaspe Shire is a thriving, inclusive community where every voice is heard. I’m committed to fostering economic growth, protecting our environment and enhancing local services, all while ensuring that community input shapes our future together.
2. I have served four years on the Campaspe Shire, including two as mayor. With 24 years’ experience running my own finance business, I bring practical experience. I served 12 years as a volunteer firefighter, four as captain of Echuca CFA and proudly served Australia for 10 years as a soldier.