Council & Politics
17 October, 2024
Election candidates outline vision for Northern Grampians Shire Council Q2
Council candidates share their skills for the role of councillor
Voting continues for the Northern Grampians Shire Council election and voters were expected to receive their ballots in the mail from Monday, October 7.
Fifteen hopeful candidates across three wards - Central, Grampians and Kara Kara - are hoping to be elected to the council for the next four years.
In September, The Stawell-Times News invited all candidates to provide a 300-word profile and respond to two questions.
This week, we wanted candidates to look beyond roads, rates and rubbish and outline the skills they believe they have that will suit them in the role as councillor.
Here are their responses in order of the VEC listing.
Q. What expertise or attributes do you have that would help you undertake the role of Councillor?
Jenny Greenberger, candidate for the Central Ward.
The platform on which I am standing for council is that of integrity and respect, values I hold dear. In my work and in my voluntary contributions to my community I have developed the skill set to affirm and encourage people, to bring people together to collaborate and work together to achieve positive outcomes. I am able to deeply listen and think strategically to plan and implement projects.
Kevin Erwin, candidate for Central Ward.
I bring to Council passion, community experience, enthusiasm and valuable skills. Having been born here and lived here all my life, operating a farming business, being a family man and a member of many local volunteer organisations and sporting clubs, I have extensive knowledge of the history, the heritage, the landscape and the people in this Shire. I have extensive business and financial management skills, emergency management knowledge, leadership qualities, teamwork expertise, integrity and diligence to see fair, equitable outcomes for the good of all.
Having been re-elected to Council each term since 2003, I am known to be easily approachable and to always listen to residents' concerns, ideas and suggestions, to answer questions and seek advice for them, and to strategically think of resolutions that can be taken to Council. Having served six terms as Mayor, I have the respect of a strong network of contacts in all levels of government to advocate and negotiate on behalf of Council for beneficial outcomes on Council matters for all our residents. Vote 1 Kevin Erwin.
Lauren Dempsey, candidate for Central Ward.
As a first-term councillor, I have had the opportunity to spend the last four years learning about all aspects of local government and understanding the role of a councillor. I have undertaken training and professional development, including the prestigious Australian Institute of Company Directors course to further enhance my knowledge and skills so I can become the best possible councillor for my community. I also pride myself on being approachable, respectful and transparent. I have strong communication skills and have spent a decade working in health promotion and partnership brokerage. These skills are highly transferrable to the councillor role as I am able to build strong relationships with community members and key stakeholders in order to advocate for best outcomes for our shire.
I have undertaken a term on council where I have learned many aspects of the local government sector and the councillor role. I now have an even stronger understanding of the role's requirements and have undertaken the necessary training and professional development to complete the role to the highest of standards.
Lachlan Eckert, candidate for Central Ward.
A real understanding of the challenges general society face day to day. An understanding of business operations including staff management, client relationships, contract and policies management. Strong connection to the farming community and everything they contribute to society.
Rob Haswell, candidate for Central Ward.
I have experience as both a councillor and Mayor. As a company director with over 25 years experience, I will apply the highest level on integrity to the administration of public funds, and as a conciliator I will help bring diverse groups together and work very hard on a daily basis for all to be inclusive.
Karen Hyslop, candidate for Central Ward.
I have a proven ability and the skills needed to undertake the role having successfully completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course (2023); in governance, the legal environment, risk and strategy, financial literacy performance and achieving board effectiveness and having completed Leadership Wimmera 2013 Regional Leadership Skills through Wimmera Development Association. I have a vast experience in Local Government in my role as a Councillor with the Northern Grampians Shire Council. I have established strong connections with numerous local community organisations and community leaders. Having lived in the Central Ward most of my life I understand the needs of my community. I am the voice on Council that represents our community.
Trevor Gready, candidate for the Grampians Ward - did not provide an response.
Justine Hide, candidate for Grampians Ward.
"I have the ability to work cohesively with people from diverse backgrounds, a skill I've honed through a range of eclectic and challenging work environments. This is a key attribute in ensuring productivity, progress, and good governance. Additionally, my strong connection to the community and small businesses through various channels enables me to act efficiently and serve as a bridge between the community and the council.
Jack Blake, candidate for Grampians Ward.
With my background in mentoring teenagers for 5yrs in the uk and the work I've been doing with the L2P program alone with my training in teenage mental health I'm so looking forward to repeating what has already been very successful in other areas. I was questioned the other day about my experiences in communication in the UK and how will it help our shire? Well communication is key to being together all communities from all backgrounds, winning people's trust by showing respect and that in itself is probably the biggest asset a person can have.
Lisa Whyte, candidate for Grampians Ward.
As a 'New Generation' Councillor, I bring a strategic mindset and a commitment to turning innovative ideas into tangible results. With more than fifteen years in Local Government and ten years in the Finance Sector, I bring an expansive skill set across community development , economic development and relationship management.
Murray Emerson, candidate for Kara Kara Ward
As I have been a councilor and Mayor over the past twelve years, I believe I have the experience, qualities and knowledge to help lead the Northern Grampians Shire into the future. I believe I have the score on the board.
Mr Hudson did not provide a response.
Terence Robertson, candidate for Kara Kara Ward
I have just been advised by the CEO that there are new legislative requirements for councillor induction training that must be completed within four months and the training program is very tight to meet that timeframe. Obviously, all this will need to be accommodated at the same time as a successful candidate will be very busy in consultation with the community as well as coming to grips with the workings of the council.
Personally, with all my working life in large corporate organisations, focussed on efficiency, value add and value for money, it will be a different challenge to contribute within a council when the role of a councillor is to concentrate on strategy and governance. However, I believe that my skill as a financial analyst will be very useful.
Karen Probst, candidate for Kara Kara Ward.
The standard answer would be to say that I have a law degree, economics degree (accounting major) and 30 years' experience as a solicitor running my own business now employing 7 people on flexible work arrangements. But I think the more important answer is that I care. I care for people, for our community, for listening and involving people in the things that affect them. I have an open mind. I ask questions, analyse, look at issues from different viewpoints, and suggest ways that we can do things differently, often just little tweaks that can make a big difference.
John Farrell, candidate for Kara Kara Ward.
Mr Farrell did not provide a response.