I was born and raised in our region, and I am proud to call Mooroopna home. I am standing because I believe that having a younger voice on the council will make sure that both current residents and future generations will be able to proudly call Greater Shepparton home. At the end of the day, I want to make sure that when I have kids and grandchildren, they can be proud to call Greater Shepparton home.
Serving the community has been embedded in my blood, being raised to always look for how I can serve my community and help others. I am a proud Rotarian, have served as the chairperson of Mooroopna’s Flood Recovery Committee, I am active member of the Mooroopna Steering Committee, as well as being involved in running and emceeing the second Mooroopna Town Hall, as well as advising government policy as a Victorian Youth Congress member.
Being raised by a small-business owner on our side of the river, I have seen the impacts that government decisions at all levels can have on small and family businesses. We need to make sure that the decisions made by our council prioritise the needs of local business, and advocate for our local industries.
Having worked across local and state government, as well as within the not-for-profit sector and politics, I have a better understanding of how the systems actually work, and what it takes for those in power to influence change for our communities. I feel as though this is a significant strength for any potential candidate, being able to blend the understanding of the outside world with the operational requirements of governance.
I have already been out and about speaking with different communities about the issues they are facing, whether it’s the fundamental three of roads, rates and rubbish, the drainage issues afflicting our communities or the feeling of voicelessness that many in our community are feeling, it’s essential to me to be a voice for our community and to fight to make sure that I leave Greater Shepparton better than when I found it.
Rowan Farren, candidate for Goulburn River Ward
