Ararat Rural City Council election candidates

Hi, l am running for my second term on the Ararat council. I am determined to see projects currently underway by the council through to fruition. Projects that will be such a great benefit to our local shire. It's so important that our town develops business infrastructure, jobs, and housing to thrive well into the future. During my term, we were voted by the community as 1 of the best councils in VIC. The community has recognised the great work we have done in the last 4 years. I'm not ready to rest on that yet. I still believe there is more to do for our community. I have lived here all my life, I think that I bring to the table the voice of the average resident. l just like to get things done. I hope we can continue to run the council as a business, keeping rates to a minimum by making smart decisions with the money we have, to serve our community. We can’t keep everyone happy all of the time. We can, focus on what's best for the community as a whole and I believe by doing that, everyone will benefit in the long run.

Elected in 2016, I am seeking a third, final term on Ararat Council. I was a member of the Victoria Police for 29 years, owned the Kinglake West General Store for 7 years and worked as a Disability Support worker retiring in 2016. I volunteer three days a week at the Ararat Neighbourhood House Second Bite food program. I am passionate about helping young people and am a mentor for the L2P Driver Program. I am Past President and current member of the Rotary Club. I have been active in all parts of the municipality and supported community projects. I supported the restructuring of Council, and, in the past seven budgets, there has been no overall rate rise but an improvement in services. I support appropriate development and increased business activity. Without appropriate development, there will be no population to support the services we have which are the envy of our neighbours. I believe targeted development will mean that Ararat will be the community where people will want to work, live and stay, especially our younger generation who need to see a future for them in Ararat. If we do not encourage sustainable growth, the city will not survive.

Hi, I'm Fiona. As a single mother and carer, I chose Ararat as my home four years ago, drawn by its spirit and sense of community. With over two decades of working in the disability sector in the Grampians, I have deep roots in Ararat and a genuine love for this town. If elected, I am committed to strengthening our community bonds, embracing innovation, and celebrating the unique spirit of Ararat. As a proud First Nations Palawa woman, I was raised with values of inclusion and respect for all. I believe in focusing on our strengths and diversity, while honouring and respecting our elderly for their wisdom and skill. Let’s keep community front and centre in all that we do.

Hi my name is Luke Preston, I’m a 32 year old father of three and I was born and bred in this great rural city of Ararat. After living away for a few years in my early twenties, my partner and I decided to move home and raise our family in the great rural community that Ararat is. I believe the Ararat Rural city needs a young voice, someone that understands that it needs to move forward and keep up with current times and also understands that our family’s have to live with these decisions. I am currently the owner of two local business’s which specialize in vehicle repairs that employ a team of locals. The Ararat rural city has a great future and I look forward to contributing to its growth and continuing with the great work that has been done

My name is Daryl Scherger. If elected, my priority will be a more balanced approach to development with an emphasis on a more liveable community that's both climate and energy resilient. I believe Ararat needs more shade trees and parking spaces in busy location like the railway station and schools. Walking and cycling around Ararat and other townships should be easier and safer with more pedestrian islands and cycling lanes on busy roads. I will push for traffic lights on High and Albert Street as well as Lambert and Lowe Street intersections to breakup highway traffic and improve local traffic flows. The Aradale Nurses Hostel is a large, unused accommodation facility and council should facilitate its refurbishment to provide housing for women fleeing domestic violence and the homeless as well as accommodation for seasonal and short-term workers. Despite already hosting a number of wind farms and more renewable energy installations planned, energy costs for Ararat Rural City's residents, businesses and farmers remain too high. There are a number of Victorian councils facilitating community owned renewable energy projects and I believe Ararat Rural City should actively support a community owned energy project to help reduce energy costs locally.

Ararat residents are increasingly frustrated as council rates rise, yet we see fewer returns on services. Roads are deteriorating, with patchy repairs and overdue maintenance putting safety and accessibility at risk. Meanwhile, the council is overreaching with taxes like the windfall gains tax, unfairly burdening property owners. Instead of focusing on essential services, council currently diverts resources to unnecessary areas and shows no accountability for overspending on projects outside its responsibilities. Our current council needs to change. It's been corrupted by leftist propaganda, and abandoned its core values. I promise to hold the council accountable for budgetary wastage, ensuring every dollar is used to benefit our community. I will put an end to reckless spending and direct resources where they are needed. I am committed to stopping the leftist infiltration of our beautiful Shire of Ararat. Our council should serve the people, not push political ideologies that don’t reflect the values of our community. It’s time for an efficient, transparent, and responsible council that focuses on core services, Roads, Rates and Rubbish, rather than overstepping its role. Together, we can hold council accountable and ensure it works for the people of Ararat, protecting the values and priorities that matter most.

I am standing for my second term as a councillor. In my first term I have been Deputy Mayor twice and Mayor for the past twelve months. At all times I have been very active in promoting Ararat as a go forward Rural City and prepared to make changes to enhance all aspects of life in our Rural City. We have seen great growth in industry, population and housing which has put Ararat in the top performing Rural Councils throughout Victoria. Our customer satisfaction numbers have grown at a staggering rate because we have been able to get things done. We have had an average no rate rise for seven years and yet our spending on assets has grown over this period. The ARCC has been at the fore front of the recovery of the Pomonal and Bayindeen fires which has seen me be the face of council in those emergencies which rocked our community. I have no agenda items to push except that we continue with a council that is united and transparent in their approach to the future of the ARCC which has never been as successful as it is now.

"Fellow Ararat residents" I am excited to stand for Ararat Rural City council. As a dedicated community member. I will work tirelessly to ensure our region thrives. My vision is for a vibrant, sustainable and connected community, with services supporting well-being and prosperity. I will focus on 1. Supporting local businesses and attracting more to come creating jobs for locals 2. Enhancing and supporting community facilities 3. Vibrant cultural events, celebrating our heritage and diversity 4. Protecting our environment and natural assets. I will engage with residents, listening to concerns and ideas collaborate with local organizations. 25 years of experience in public services, businesses and leadership role. I possess the skills to effectively represent our community's interests. I will listen to your concerns, be transparent in my decision-making and collaborate with fellow councilors to achieve the best outcomes for Ararat. Let's work together to build a brighter future for Ararat. I would be honored to earn your vote and serve our community. Sincerely Osman Kokcu Mob: 0418376475

I congratulate all candidates on their decision to stand and serve their community and stand for council. I have learnt a lot by hearing the views of many people in the community in all walks of life. In nearly all cases, there is a concern for fairness to all residents that live in the municipality. I endorse that attitude and if elected will seek to see that all residents are treated with fairness and respect. Community consultation on important matters is to be encouraged, as long as the following actions reflect the peoples views. All people who know me know that I am very community minded, approachable and a very good listener, a person who the community can trust. My wife Rhonda and family enjoy living in this municipality and offer myself again to represent the residents and rate payers at the council table.

My name is Teli Kaur, and I have proudly called Ararat home for 13 years. I am a mother of two children, aged 17 and 6, who attend local schools. I arrived in Australia in 2008 as a student at Federation University in Ballarat, and this country has since become my home. I moved to Ararat in 2011 and worked at the Ararat RSL for 11 years. Since May 2022, I’ve been serving as the Manager of Ararat Neighbourhood House, where I’ve closely collaborated with many of you to address community needs, focusing on food insecurity, fostering connections, and making a positive impact. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of community-based leadership. I am deeply committed to addressing our challenges and passionate about creating positive change in Ararat, I am honored to stand for election to the local council in 2024. If elected, I will prioritize listening to community needs, supporting local businesses to stimulate our economy, and organising inclusive events to celebrate Ararat’s cultural diversity. By fostering unity, we can build a stronger and more vibrant Ararat.

A Vote for Me is a Vote for a Thriving Ararat. As a fourth-generation Ararat resident, I’ve spent my entire life deeply rooted in this community. My family, parents, children, and grandchildren are all part of this vibrant region, and it’s for them and every one of you that I’m running for council. I am committed to ensuring your voice is heard, our recreational parks are preserved, our main streets are revitalised, and our rates are kept manageable. Affordable housing and industry support are also priorities, as they are crucial for sustainable growth. My candidacy is driven by a vision of Ararat Rural City that prospers with careful, ethical, and inclusive management. With over 40 years of active involvement in local community groups, sporting clubs, and emergency services, I have a proven track record of dedication to our region and its people. Professionally, I bring experience in agriculture, government, and small business management, with expertise in policy, compliance, health and safety, and security. I value the contributions of our farmers, local industries, and businesses, and I’m committed to supporting them to enhance our community. Together, let’s ensure Ararat continues to thrive for generations to come. Vote 1 Peter Joyce

Since you first elected me in 2016, I have strengthened governance, integrity, and stability at Ararat Rural City and served four years as your Mayor and two years as Deputy Mayor. My strategic focus is a driver of huge improvements in outcomes for ratepayers and residents, through respectful teamwork and building consensus. My vision remains strong and relevant: a vibrant future for this generation and beyond, balanced by economic sustainability. Improved service delivery and asset renewal should continue while cost to community is carefully controlled. Good councillor leadership is being an advocate, ambassador and ally. I listen to and understand the diverse needs and wants of local people, community organisations, and businesses. I want Ararat Rural City, and our local pride, to keep growing. Expanding opportunities across our business, agricultural and industrial sectors, and early to end-of-life care services, demands greater housing choice to welcome more people to make this home. I love my connection with rural life farming with my husband Pete at Yalla-Y-Poora for 34 years, raising four children and volunteering for a range of community groups. Fairness and equity matter for everyone belonging to our community. You can trust I’ll do my best for you. Facebook @JoArmstrongArarat