Baw Baw Shire Council election candidates

Councils look after local issues. And I promise to concentrate on the local issues important to Ratepayers. Since being elected to Council eight years ago I have a track record of delivering projects for our community. There is more to be done. The biggest issues in Warragul are the poor road network and lack of infrastructure to cope with our growing town. I want to see more money spent on roads, footpaths, walking tracks and parking. I support the reconstruction of Sutton Street and I want more playground equipment and more sporting and cultural infrastructure. I want to see the development of a new large Sports facility between Warragul and Drouin. I will continue to advocate for a new hospital. I offer extensive knowledge of Council practices and the know how to seek government grants. I have wide financial experience (CPA) and understand that Councils find it easy to recklessly spend other people's money. I have a proven record of being able to connect with and assist Ratepayers with problems and issues. If you are looking for a Councillor who is accountable, approachable, dependable and can lead and deliver then please vote for me. I won’t let you down

My name is Suzanne Allen and I am taking my commitment to the community further by running in the 2024 council elections. With over 35 years as a Registered Nurse, I've dedicated my career to being honest, kind, and devoted to helping others. Having grown up in Fumina South and lived in Baw Baw Shire for most of my life, I have a deep connection to this area and I want to do more to make a difference and have a positive impact for the whole community. Throughout my career, I’ve developed valuable skills in management, fiscal policy, and problem solving. I’m ready to collaborate with residents, local businesses, and fellow council members to build a better future for both our current and future generations. My goal is to represent everyone in Baw Baw Shire with integrity and respect, ensuring your views are heard and valued. I’m particularly focused on improving local roads and infrastructure, pursuing the promise given by Government for a new hospital, supporting local businesses and tourism with community engagement and advocating for transparent governance with a return to fortnightly Council Meetings. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community.

As a long-time resident of West Gippsland and a local business owner, I have deep community ties and a strong work ethic, shaped by my upbringing on a Shady Creek dairy farm. Raised by Adrian and Marcia Keeble with five siblings, I learned the value of hard work early. My father’s role as a Councillor and Council President sparked my lifelong interest in government and local issues. Through my business, Ray White Yarragon, I’ve built a reputation for integrity, straight talking, and a commitment to service, values I’m eager to bring to the Baw Baw Shire Council. My focus is on getting back to basics: advocating for strong leadership, keeping personal agendas and global issues out of local governance, and ensuring transparency in council operations. I believe in using every council dollar effectively and prioritising the needs of all Baw Baw residents. I bring strong leadership, a community focused approach, and the experience necessary to drive real change. Outside of work, I’m married to Michael, and my son Cory Melbourne runs his own engineering business. I enjoy riding my Ryker motorcycle and traveling. Vote for me, and together we can get back to basics.

Hello Baw Baw! I am standing as your independent candidate in Central Ward in these Council elections. Our shire is experiencing rapid growth. Like many residents I want to see sensible and sustainable development. I support necessary growth while protecting our precious natural environment and unique rural landscape. Development should be driven by community needs and extend beyond financial gain. Baw Baw’s small businesses are the heart of our community and local economy. They provide jobs and connect us. We need a Council that provides solutions to make it easier for small businesses to establish, operate and thrive. With our population growing, Council must invest in services and infrastructure that benefit everyone living in our shire. Our townships, neighbourhoods and spaces should be accessible and welcoming for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. Local roads and footpaths should be safe and well maintained. Arts and events should be inclusive and celebrate us all. We can build our reputation as one of the most liveable and attractive areas in Victoria. The people of Baw Baw Shire deserve leadership. I will work to create a place we can all be proud of now and in the future.

As your Independent candidate for Central Ward, I bring my skills and background in health and wellbeing to help our community thrive. I’m committed to advocating for equality and fairness, ensuring everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of gender or background. I want our community to be a place where everyone feels welcome and respected. I will push for strong planning to support our region's growth so we’re ready for what lies ahead. We need to build more infrastructure to meet the needs of young families, creating a better environment. I’ll also work to capitalise on opportunities for healthy, active living so everyone can enjoy a better quality of life. As a supporter of trust, respect and gender equality, I urge you to vote 1 Denise Azar, 2 Farhat Firdous, 3 Jules Cole.

Baw Baw is a wonderful place to live, with rich natural resources and friendly, resilient communities. However, we’ve missed opportunities for visionary planning and development that could take advantage of our unique location and create stronger, fairer communities. As our shire grows, we will need innovative thinking to manage the challenges ahead. With over 25 years in public health and education, I am familiar with the complexities of evidence-based planning and policy and can drive positive change. As a mother of four who’s lived in rural Victoria my whole life, I have the skills and experience to strengthen Council to nurture our social and cultural environments. I am a change agent; optimistic, strength-based, person-centred and family-focussed, able to think outside the box to bring forth innovative solutions that address the complex issues we face today. We have neglected children, teens and families for too long. We need Councillors who appreciate our rich assets and diversity, who can plan for future generations. Be sure to number every box. Vote me number 1 and then Jules Cole and Farhat Firdous 2 and 3. Let’s make the next four years count!

As one of Victoria’s fastest growing regions, Baw Baw Shire council must do much more than the 3Rs basic services - Roads, Rates, and Rubbish. It's time that the council invested in long term planning for sustainable growth. My priorities will focus on better processes, transparency in planning decisions and investment in infrastructure. With recent weather events, our community has suffered greatly. As a councilor committed to community wellbeing, I will push for better disaster planning and response. Being a parent of teenagers interested in soccer, arts and drama, I understand the importance of investing in youth activities. I will fight for investment in better sporting facilities, youth friendly spaces, and the activation of the Cultural and Connection Precinct. As your councilor, I am known as a strong advocate for fairness and inclusion. I will continue to advocate for fair and respectful engagement with people from all backgrounds. Your vote matters. Please elect genuine independent representatives with open minds. My commitment is to a future where our community thrives – not just for a few, but for everyone. Vote 1 for Farhat Firdous for an inclusive and thriving community.

I’ve decided that instead of sitting & watching along again for another 4 years, it’s now time to put myself forward to represent our community. As a life long resident, husband, father of 3 school aged children, a past & present member of many community & sporting groups, business owner & qualified accountant, I have a variety of skills that if elected, will compliment the passion I have for our community & it is my intention to help create a progressive shire we can all call home & enjoying living in. We know we live in a rapidly growing shire that needs a clear & sustainable plan created & actioned to support this growth. I’d be an approachable councilor, open to input & feedback, and make considered recommendations & decisions, with a primary focus on Sports, Health, Infrastructure, Roads & the Environment. I won’t be afraid to make the tough calls to ensure things happen. I’m confident that if elected I’d serve our community well & would be grateful to be given the opportunity to do this. If you want to know more about me or have a chat, feel free to contact me. paul@tempgroup.com.au or 0407268392.

My name is Adam Sheehan, If elected I will work to ensure a practical and pragmatic approach is adopted across all elements of council, not limited to the core responsibilities being "roads, rates and rubbish". These are uncertain times that require a sensible approach in providing local opportunities, support for our economy and balancing both growth and sustainability to bring added value to livability across the shire. Having lived and worked in Baw Baw all my life I understand the importance of maintaining our grass roots and regional foundations, along with an awareness of the impacts of the "bigger picture" issues. I'm an established local business operator with a background in farming and the bush. I am involved in the sporting and recreational activities that our landscape provides and am proud of the strong connection I have with Baw Baw and its people. I share a passion to protect and preserve what we have to ensure that Baw Baw remains as somewhere special for future generations. My core values of honesty and integrity are key to my ongoing commitments with community groups across the shire and the opportunity to represent our community as a local councilor would be a privilege.

Since 2016 I have been your strong voice on council for smaller towns, rural and remote communities. As a long term resident and business owner in a remote part of the shire, I know the challenges faced by so many. In fact, with an expanded East Ward which now covers 95% of the shire, it’s crucial that you have a councillor who is fully committed to you. I am that councillor. It’s vital that there is a fair share of capital works funding. In a highly competitive financial environment, I am your experienced and passionate advocate to argue your case. For example, roads are the lifeline of our communities, connecting residents, businesses, farms and services. I will continue to fight for more investment in our roads, local sporting infrastructure, new footpaths, parks, placemaking, planning and community facilities. I vow to ensure your needs are heard and that every community, no matter where it is, has the resources and attention they require to thrive. Much has been achieved, however, more needs to be done in a financially responsible way. My ongoing commitment is to be active, visible, approachable and dependable with a positive "can do" attitude. Thank you for your support.

As a candidate, I am committed to delivering real improvements in our community, with a focus on fairness, transparency, and key issues such as roads, rubbish, and rates. Having owned and operated a micro nursery for over 15 years and regularly attending local markets, I understand firsthand the needs and challenges faced by our local businesses and residents. My strong community background, combined with my hands on experience with small businesses, gives me the insight and passion to bring real, practical solutions to the council. My involvement with local not for profit organizations and the local farmers markets has further deepened my understanding of the issues that matter most to you, particularly as we navigate the rising cost of living. I am dedicated to ensuring our council supports sustainable and small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economy. I also recognize the importance of well maintained roads for safety and convenience and will work to ensure that our infrastructure receives the necessary attention and funding. I will advocate for fair and reasonable rates that reflect essential services, without overburdening households and businesses. Vote for me to make our community a better place to live, work, and grow.

My name is Darren Wallace and I have lived within the East Ward of Baw Baw Shire my entire life. I have a long history of serving my communities through School Council’s, CFA and as your Councillor for the past eight years. I’m a university graduate and also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I’ve worked in technical roles within the water industry and I understand all the financial and technical nuances within Local Government. I certainly understand the term Roads, Rates and Rubbish. A lot has been achieved in the past eight years within the East Ward. An Early Learning Centre and Turra Pavilion in Trafalgar, netball and tennis facilities in Willow Grove, purchase of the old primary school site in Yarragon and netball and football facilities in Darnum plus many more projects scattered around the vast East Ward. I am committed to representing our Region in a professional and dedicated manner focussing on the core values of Local Government being. Roads, Rates, Rubbish, Recreation and Planning. There’s still a lot more to be done and now is not the time to change your councillor!

Brendan is a 3rd Generation East Ward resident. He has strong ties with the sporting community and the business sector in this area with Life memberships at the Yarragon Cricket Club and the Trafalgar Chamber of Commerce. Brendan also served on Dowton Park Rec Reserve committee for 16 years and a former secretary of the Yarragon Football Club Brendan's business experience saw him elected as the inaugural chair of the Baw Baw Business Advisory Board as well as a seat on the Victorian Small Business council. He has operated a business in Trafalgar for 25 years. He is running for council as he is concerned that the resources raised from our ever increasing rates is not being spent to the advantage of the smaller areas. The East Ward is over 90 % of the Shire area and we constantly see resources spent in Drouin and Warragul. An over flowing bureaucrat system that sees our rates being squandered on high paying, unnecessary staff and consultants, while our roads are falling apart. By voting for Brendan you will get a person with generational knowledge of the area that will represent and fight for the smaller towns in this large East Ward.

Do you feel under represented at the council table. Communities outside major towns often feel this way and I want to correct this by representing you at the table. I have chosen to became a resident of Baw Baw Shire, from a neighbouring council in the last 12 months. The area offers so many experiences that many other areas lack. Many of you will ask what can I do for you. In a nutshell I will listen and tell your story. I will represent you, your wants and needs and your voice. From my research, for many years the same style of candidate has represented you. It’s time you had fresh eyes and a voice and that person is me. For many that don’t know me I like to be involved in my local community. I have become involved at the Yarragon Football Club and a Food and Fibre Gippsland Board member. Sit on numerous committees as part of my political junkie life. I am also a student, mum and grandmother. It’s time East Ward let me fight for you and fairness within the Shire. Vote 1 Jannette Langley

Liveability: the degree to which a place is good for living in. Council's role in making Baw Baw Shire a great place to live is so much more than roads, rates and rubbish. As your elected Councillor with a vision for a thriving future, I would focus on all pillars of liveability. Jobs, transport, environment, health, culture. This is a pivotal moment for Baw Baw's future. The local economy is struggling. Rampant growth is harder to manage. Frequent weather events wreak havoc. We need strategic, courageous community leaders who can listen and act for the community first. A councillor team who can put their differences and politics aside and work together to make big decisions that serve the whole community. I'm standing for Council to be part of the change I want to see. I'm qualified and experienced in business strategy, leadership and change and am known for my ability to co-create solutions to complex problems. With your support, I would relish the opportunity to be part of a Council that works together to rethink the future, realise our regions full potential and make our beautiful Baw Baw Shire an even better place to live. Vote 1 Kate Wilson

I will utilise my extensive Business Management experience for the benefit of the BawBaw Community. With no affiliation with any political party or special interest groups, I will maintain a practical focus on core Council responsibilities – ‘roads, rates and rubbish’, Community Wellbeing, Maternal Health, and Early Learning. To this end, I will ensure Council avoids being drawn into non-core matters. I will ensure Baw Baw Council maintains roads and drains to a satisfactory standard at reasonable cost, and will have sufficient infrastructure available in a timely manner to cope with the forecast Shire growth. I will actively support increased Community involvement and Council transparency, ensuring Council receives Value for Money in all Administration and Operational areas. I will strongly participate in increased advocacy to State and Federal Governments in areas of financial assistance and grants to assist the Baw Baw Community. My previous management experience, frequent attendance at Council meetings, and submissions presented to Council and VCAT Hearings will enable me to hit the ground running should I be elected. My nomination is endorsed by our outgoing Councillor Peter Kostos.

My name is Jess, and I am running for a position on the local council because I care deeply about our community and want to preserve the country values that make our area so special. As a mother of two and a Longwarry resident, I am an active participant in local sports, I understand the importance of maintaining a supportive and close-knit community where individuals feel valued and heard. If elected, I will focus on addressing the critical needs of our area, including the progression of much-needed infrastructure improvements such as roads, schools, and specialist services. I am particularly committed to advocating for the upgrade of our local hospital, which is essential to ensuring that all residents receive the quality care they deserve. I believe that young families like mine need a strong voice on the council, and I am ready to be that representative. With my down-to-earth approach and genuine concern for our community, I aim to make sure everyone feels comfortable coming to me with their concerns. Together, we can ensure that our community continues to thrive, holding onto the values that make it a wonderful place to live. I humbly ask for your support and your vote.

Do you want better leadership on Council? A stronger focus on good governance and representation of diversity? Then please vote for Brenda McDermott. I am a proud First Nations woman, mother of five children and grandmother to four. For 30 years, I have lived in Baw Baw Shire, working as an early childhood educator and public servant. I am a committed volunteer. My life experience is supported by tertiary qualifications in social work, education and public administration. My children attended schools in Longwarry and Drouin. I have volunteered on community groups, kinder and schools and advocated to Council. I am known for my values of respect, integrity and fairness. I will apply my education and experience to prioritise care of the environment across our growing shire. As your representative, I will work to create natural, healthy and safe spaces for our children and communities to enjoy. My vision for Baw Baw is one where families and future generations can thrive. But we need good planning and effective leadership to drive this. As your councillor I will fight for a community where people are heard, feel safe and are supported. Vote 1 Brenda McDermott.

Hi, I'm Marion, usually people call me Maz. Originally from Melbourne, I have lived in the Baw Baw area for 35 years. I'm retired & interested in life and the beautiful area we live. I love travel and am a keen photographer enjoying the outdoors. I volunteer for a number of organisations which keeps me updated on current issues whilst mixing with many people. I have volunteered for Scouts, health organisations, CFA, op shops & have been on many committees using my knowledge and skills. My interests are finance and law. I'm known for my resourcefulness as I love assisting people locate information about things that are relevant to them. I’m a regular user of the app Snap, Send, Solve to identify maintenance issues. My priorities for the Baw Baw Shire are roads, improving health services to all, general maintenance and that the infrastructure is able to withstand the pressures of the future. I can be relied upon to take ratepayers concerns to meetings to achieve the desired outcomes and/or hopefully work on alternatives. I’m committed to represent all ratepayers within the community and will make myself available to represent your views.

As a former small business owner and secondary school teacher, I’m passionate about education, health, and fostering a strong sense of belonging in our community. In my role as an experienced councillor, I've dedicated myself to providing accessible, inclusive, and genuine representation. Rapid population growth over the past four years has presented many challenges, making robust representation for the West Ward crucial. My efforts have led to significant achievements, including the development of Bellbird Park Pavilion, the new carpark, soccer pitch; upgrade of the Drouin Recreation Reserve oval; the creation of the Drouin Community Hub; and the forthcoming Weebar Rd roundabout. Additionally, I have championed improvements in Longwarry’s footpath connectivity, drainage and the Sand Road shared path. I’m a strong advocate for investment, business, and job creation within our shire, and I’m committed to preserving our natural environment and maintaining the unique character of each town. Transparency and accountability in decision making are essential for community cohesion as we advance. The progress we have made together highlights the power of collective effort, but there is more to be done. With your support, I can continue to ensure value for money and meaningful progress. Vote 1 Tricia Jones.

My name is Ben Lucas, now more than ever there is a need to restore common sense to council with a focus on roads, rates & rubbish. We are decades behind on critical infrastructure such as the Drouin bypass, Weebar road roundabout, Weerong rd roundabout, Drouin mainstreet traffic congestion, general quality of our roads as well as an upgrade to the bellbird park sporting precinct, a long term plan for AFL facilities in Drouin, the Longwarry rec upgrade, the Geoff Watt athletics track and the list goes on. I come with a boots on the ground mentality of having grown up and being involved within the community of Drouin and surrounds. I spent 7 years in the Australian Army, 4 years as a plumber and for the last 8 years I have owned a gym in Drouin and recently opened a wellness center in Warragul. I believe in a mindset of compassion and a fair go for all but with an underlying mentality of Aussie grit and resilience. I have already had the experience of 6 months in council and was able to impact and achieve a lot, I am excited for an opportunity of a whole term.

Who am I? How can I benefit the community? There are many questions that you may wish to ask me and I hope with time I can respond. My family and I moved to Labertouche in 1982 “seeking a bush change”. We selected the area for its community spirit and the services it offered a young family. Our decision was the correct one and I have been part of this great community for over 50 plus years. I have had the honor of serving two terms as a shire councilor with Buln Buln and Baw Baw Shires. I was also privileged to be awarded Citizen of the Year for Baw Baw in 1996 and given an OAM in 1997 for services to the local community. I have been involved in the formation of a community bank, a youth house, and management in businesses throughout the shire. I have also been a dairy farmer, recycling of green waste, and many other community organizations. Currently I am working in the disability sector. I have a passion for maintaining our agriculture industry and our natural landscape. I believe in the power of the community phone 0418 513 092.

Having served as your elected representative these past four years, 2 years as Mayor, I seek your support for re-election. I will continue to advocate to make Baw Baw Shire a great place to live, work and play, to raise a family and to retire. I live in Drouin, I work in Warragul (as a paramedic), it’s important to me that as the Baw Baw Shire grows, it prospers and meets the needs of our community. Proud achievements include delivery of the new Bellbird Park Pavilion, upgrades to Bennett St tennis facilities, funding to resurface the Drouin Recreation Reserve and advocating for the roundabout construction in Main South Road as well as advocacy to improve Longwarry’s drainage and plans developed for a second oval and new pavilion at Longwarry Recreation Reserve to name a few. Fixing the heavy traffic through Drouin’s CBD remains a key priority. I am celebrating 30 years of marriage and raising 4 wonderful daughters, you will appreciate the commitment, partnership, honesty, generosity, respect, patience, compromise, open mindedness and communication skills involved. This is who I am, this is what I value, and this is who I will continue to be, as your representative. Vote 1 McCabe