Benalla Rural City Council election candidates

I want to see improvements in the council’s financial stability. I am also looking for a term with meaningful community engagement. I know that community building through volunteering is vital to the wellbeing of towns and I am involved in many community groups. I am the Presidents of Benalla Migrants Association, and in this role I have brought important events to the town including our school holiday program which provides free school holiday programs with a snack and lunch and has been enjoyed by many kids in Benalla. I am also involved with the Benalla Rovers Soccer Club and have lead the re-start of the social soccer program. Community priorities should be at the forefront of council budgets, plans and strategies. Changing weather patterns and frequent natural disasters are already creating budgeting challenges. This means our asset management costs are going increase every year. Expensive repairs from recent natural disasters have created a budgeting problem, so we need to prepare our community to face the challenging times ahead or we will face an increasingly difficult financial situation. We need to develop sustainable financial goals which will include reducing the amount residents and ratepayers have to pay in rates and charges.

I need your support to help build a brighter future for our town. I bring a diverse and grounded perspective as a businesswoman, horse-breeder, farmer, I am well-acquainted with challenges facing the rural sector and positive about improving our future. I’m focused on ensuring community projects provide great value and are completed on time and budget. Together, we must focus on improving our infrastructure, roads, footpaths and drainage. Whilst looking to the future by supporting local businesses, and ensuring our landfill continues to serve Benalla. I am committed to providing essential services and ensuring they meet the needs of every rural townships. I’ve been pushing the redevelopment of the Barkley Street site to preserve the heritage and address the issues facing the precinct. Significant state and federal funding is secured, I will work with all sides of politics to invest in Benalla Rural City. I support future projects like the circular economy initiatives, Tip Shops, Repair Cafés, textile and soft plastic recycling which will ensure an ongoing profitable landfill. I passionately believe in our region and the future possibilities it offers to those who live and visit Benalla. I promise to work hard for our communities. Vote 1 Bernie Hearn.

I stand for more car parking spaces in the Benalla CBD. Benalla has the privilege of Rural City status. We are located alongside the Hume Freeway linking Australia’s greatest cities. As a regional centre we service agriculture, have a manufacturing hub, and an emerging renewable energy focus. I want to see our city prosper by maintaining steady, well planned growth, with jobs for everyone who wants work. Whilst being smaller than Shepparton and Wangaratta, we must find our niche. We are constrained by ageing infrastructure. I would like to see an audit to see what we can fix within our budget constraints. Repeated flooding is a major issue for Benalla. We must get Lake Mokoan opened back up for flood mitigation. Each flood event means a significant cost to ratepayers. We need councillors and an economic development taskforce that can lobby for Benalla in both Melbourne and Canberra. I have farmed at Benalla for sixteen years. I have substantial past experience as a contractor to local government; with a business degree from RMIT. Vote 1 Philip Murphy, Vote 2 Jillian Merkel, number every box. Let’s advance Benalla.

Is accountability and transparency in council operations and expenditure important to you? Benalla Rural City Council should be completely focused on the immediate and long-term prosperity of local families and businesses in our region. Cost of living crisis is affecting every facet of our daily lives, and we cannot ignore the deterioration of our road infrastructure, which impacts everyone, from local farmers to small business owners and families alike. We need greater scrutiny on council expenditure and start looking inward at expenditure in all areas, ahead of rate increases which places further burden on our community. It is the job of the Government to assist communities and businesses to prosper, not burden and stifle progress with excessive taxes and Governmental red tape. As a team player on council, I will work to get back to basics, striving to ensure the council invests in infrastructure wisely. Councils should show transparency in its decisions and ensure all public expenditure meets or exceeds community expectations; where all are held accountable if that standard is not delivered; without exception. We need a local council that is completely focused on local issues. I humbly ask for your support in this Benalla Regional City Council election.

If re elected, I will continue to communicate and support our community, also acknowledging our generous volunteers. I will encourage the youth to participate in Council. Benalla is a fantastic place for people to live work and retire. Council needs to maintain adequate services facilities, and the workforce to support our ageing population. Council needs to cater for both Rural and Residential Ratepayers, by maintaining roads, drains, footpaths, walking and bike tracks and supporting recreational facilities. Council must continue to support our existing local businesses, whilst encouraging new business ventures to our town. It is important that Council strives to sustain a strong financial position, whilst minimising rate increases. Council needs to streamline planning procedures and most of all have a can do approach. Transparency is critical if we are to maintain credibility with our Ratepayers. Many of you will know how passionate and vocal I have been in representing you in the past, I will continue to listen to your concerns and act on them. I would like the opportunity to continue to represent you in Council. Please vote 1 Peter Davis.

Wanting to see a young adult contribute to the municipality? Are strong values, energy, and passion important to you? Unsure who to vote for? If any of the above sound like you, Vote 1 Nathan Tolliday. Currently, I work as the branch manager of the Benalla Goulburn Murray Credit Union; I am also the current chair of the newly reestablished Benalla Business Network. I am a passionate local who has been born and raised in Benalla; recently becoming a homeowner within the Benalla municipality. I live here with my fiancé and 4 month old daughter. I want to see a Benalla that is prosperous, with bountiful opportunities for all who choose to call it home. I want to see the redevelopment of the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre come to fruition, seeing the project through. I'm committed to positively managing the requirement of road & pavement improvements, whilst seeing value for money for our ratepayers. Youth, health services, responsible financial management and local businesses are also important to me. I am passionate about the entire municipality and know the importance of being a voice for all. If you are ready for an energetic restart in your council, Vote 1 Nathan Tolliday.

In the lead-up to my campaign, a conversation struck a chord: “these days, local Council is more than just the 3 R’s: rates, rubbish, and roads.” While this vision sounds enticing, I passionately believe that for Benalla and its surrounds, we must refocus on these essential services before we invest in other areas. Local Council should be about listening to the community and managing their money with accountability. As a local business owner, I understand the importance of ensuring our voices are heard. It’s important we address the cost shifts from the State Government and bring our focus back to the essentials. And while using less emissions is important; it shouldn't be at the cost of families and business’s as more and more fall into financial difficulty. During this cost-of-living crisis, lets prioritize roads, rubbish, and rates before diverting funds to additional infrastructure. My background in Farming, Insurance and Business, and living abroad has developed my resilience, equipping me to address these core issues. If elected, I promise to work with the community, not against it. Your support will help us get back to basics and build a sustainable future for all. Vote 1 Merkel, Vote 2 Murphy.

My name is Annette Borradale. I am running for council because I am committed to addressing the challenges we all face and advocating for opportunities to make our community succeed. I will prioritize upgrading and maintaining our infrastructure to ensure safe travel for all. I will push for cost effective waste management systems. I believe in making decisions based on common sense, together we can implement solutions that truly make a difference. It’s clear that we have significant issues with all health services, I am dedicated to advocating for better health services and supports to ensure every individual receives the care they need. Addressing homelessness and supporting housing developments are crucial. I will support initiatives that provide affordable housing and offer pathways out of homelessness. I will support new business developments to simulate growth and provide more opportunities for everyone. Our farmers, tradespeople & health staff are the backbone of our community. I support initiatives that drives success. Creating new job opportunities and keeping our youth engaged are top priorities. By supporting new businesses and employment initiatives, we can provide pathways to success for our younger generations and foster a vibrant community. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community.

For over thirty years I have demonstrated my commitment and passion for our community with leadership roles in our sporting clubs and the local branch of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Since 2012, I have been an active member of the Benalla Festival organising committee and, for the past ten years, a Tomorrow Today Connect 9 mentor. In 2017 I was named Benalla Rural City Shire Citizen of the Year and two years ago was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to the Benalla community. If elected, I am committed to ensuring that your council assists with the current cost of living crisis by keeping its charge increases (including rate increases) to a minimum. I am also committed to working closely with council staff to attract investment that creates real employment opportunities and a future for our young people. As a land owner at Swanpool, I am committed to attracting increased funding from state and federal governments for our rural roads and bridges. I believe your council should be more proactive in eradicating noxious weeds such as blackberries that are a major problem, particularly in the south-east of the shire. I'm committed to working hard for you.

Vote 1 - For experience, dedication, and delivering results for Benalla. It has been an honour to have served the Benalla Electorate for eight years in local government. I remain committed to completing the work we, as a community, have started. My dedication to advancing Benalla is unwavering, and I am excited to seek your support for another four years. If re-elected, I will support current projects including the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, Benalla Art Gallery, the Fawckner Drive precinct (pump track), and the Churchill Reserve master plan. I’ll continue supporting investment in footpaths, roads, and drainage, and ensure our rural communities receive their fair share. I remain committed to financial discipline in council budgets while exploring strategies to help households manage cost-of-living pressures. I’ll work to bring more local events and entertainment to Benalla, while promoting our arts, culture, and tourism. I will advocate for local businesses while encouraging new ventures, especially retail franchises, to establish stores in Benalla. Additionally, I’ll support mental health initiatives, lobby state and federal governments for our fair share of funding, and support our community groups, sporting clubs, and volunteers. I will also work to developing local strategies to address climate change and more.

I am Suzie Pearce LLB (Hons) M Ag. standing for election because I believe Benalla deserves better local government and better outcomes for our residents. I know and love Benalla, know local government and know how to get things done. My family have lived in Benalla for 25 years, firstly as Stewarton farmers and now in town. My experiences qualify me to stand. I served two terms as a rural ward Councillor in the Geelong region from 1980s until council amalgamation in 1990s, always on the Technical and Environment Committee dealing with roads, footpaths, drainage, sports facilities and ‘the tip’ also as Board Member Geelong Regional Art Gallery. After amalgamation as inaugural member Geelong Regional Development Board, founding Board Member Geelong Otway Tourism and employed as Development Manager Geelong Performing Arts Centre. In Benalla I am known as President of Better Benalla Rail seeking to achieve the best railway precinct design, save the historic Nunn Street Signal Box from demolition and for highlighting the need to address homelessness, near homelessness and associated issues in Benalla. Benalla has no strategic plan to assist these matters.

As a proud 5th-generation Tatong local, I was born and raised in Benalla and have deep-rooted connections to the rural community. With over 32 years of experience running my own business, and as a father of two, I’m deeply committed to seeing Benalla thrive and to provide opportunities for our young people to build their futures here. I promise to focus on four key areas to drive our town’s growth and prosperity. I will prioritise fixing the state of our roads, ensuring safer and smoother travel for everyone in our community. Improving phone service and connectivity is crucial in today’s digital age. I’ll work diligently to enhance our region’s infrastructure to keep us all connected and competitive. Supporting our local community groups is also a top priority. These organisations are the heart of our town, and I will advocate for more resources and support to help them flourish. Additionally, I will champion greater transparency in leadership to ensure you are always informed and involved in the decisions that impact our town. Finally, I am committed to bringing more business to Benalla. By fostering a vibrant local economy, we can create more job opportunities, retain our young talent, and stimulate growth.

I am seeking re-election to continue my advocacy for all in our community. During my career as a Community Nurse at Benalla Health I developed a valuable understanding of the varied concerns and priorities of our diverse community. I live on a cattle farm with my husband. I am very aware of the financial challenges facing those in agriculture and business as well as households. I want to follow through with the important projects that have been funded in this term, the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, the Fawkner Drive Precinct bike pump track and the Benalla Art Gallery upgrade. My priorities include ensuring responsible financial management, efficient and timely delivery of essential services, develop strategies to reinvigorate the retail sector, progress development of a youth council and a community centre that is fit for purpose, strategic planning for green spaces and streetscapes, working further with community on climate action, consultation with rural communities on their priorities, work with community groups to assist the disadvantaged. My values are inclusiveness, respect, integrity, honesty and openness. Benalla’s profile is changing and councillors need to keep abreast of this so they can respond effectively. I will do this by active community engagement.

I’m seeking election to Benalla Council. Why? Because I see a huge need for improved transparency and genuine conversations with all parts of our community to inform Council thinking. We need a new vision of where we must go based on your preferences. Council decisions must better reflect the whole community’s needs and aspirations. I have the skills, qualifications, passion and experience to help make this happen. I’m a Civil Engineer with an MBA; my experience is in infrastructure, planning and project management. I’ve worked for state bodies and Councils in Victoria, interstate and overseas, and chaired Ministerial Committees and Planning Panels. Locally I’ve held roles as President of the Benalla High School and College Councils, President & Secretary of Benalla Lakeside Probus; currently I’m President of Benalla Sustainable Future Group and now on the Golf Club Board. I am passionate about renewable energy and was instrumental recently in getting solar panels on two Benalla Preschools. I spent 2009 in Myrtleford and 2020/2021 in Corryong on volunteer bushfire refencing, volunteer at RedB4 and the Golf Club, and formerly for Meals on Wheels. I aim to build a better, brighter future together with you for a revitalised, sustainable and cohesive community.

My name is Kevin Smith and I ask you to vote for me to represent you on Council I possess the necessary talents and skills which will enable you to have confidence in me. Local knowledge of community issues enables me to identify what is important in Benalla Rural City. There is a mix of urban and rural members each with its own unique issues. An ability to recognize community issues, to act impartially and professionally, to strive for excellence in customer service delivery, and an awareness that at all times I am engaged to responsibly meet the needs of those persons. Transparency, accountability and integrity are values that I possess. I have the ability to focus on what I believe is best in the community's interest. Regular monitoring of performance and the ability to constantly strive for improvement will enable me to best suit your needs. The key to being a successful Councilor is to actively pursue community consultation and engagement and to make decisions that are made in the best interests of the community. Good communication skills is the key and I know that I can make a difference and change in my role as your Councilor