Campaspe Shire Council election candidates

I have lived and worked in the shire for twenty-seven years. Ten years volunteering as a first responder to the local community with the Marine Rescue Moama unit, holding different positions and currently serving as the Unit Commander. The 2022 floods brought many challenges that highlighted the need for effective partnerships to assist emergency services. Rein in consultants. Meetings more transparent. Farmers and industry need support. Overseeing Infrastructure, environment and road maintenance. My exposure to budgets and time constraints, and my ability to achieve balance between these, providing effective service with minimal resources is proven. I’ve worked within many different businesses and industries from the home office though to large corporations, including Echuca Regional and Cohuna Hospital. Experience as the IT manager for the Murray Shire Council has provided me with knowledge and insight on how councils function. We are a major tourist destination with no easily accessible centre for visitors. While focus and spend are directed to the port precinct, tourist operators and destinations across the shire are isolated. Opportunities need to be established for the whole shire. I offer a level headed approach to make our growing community, one we can be proud of. Vote me I'm IT

My name is John Zobec, a proud local member of the Campaspe community, I reside at Kyabram where I was born and currently live on the family property. As a current Campaspe Shire councillor for the past 2 terms, I believe there are challenges and community issues that require attention to ensure accountability to Campaspe ratepayers. I am re-standing for council to be a strong representative for Campaspe residents and communities, be available, approachable, and act on concerns raised by the residents. To ensure all communities are treated fairly and represented equally across the Shire. I have the skills to drive economic efficiency and prudent financial management. Ensure strong community engagement, transparency and equitable delivery of capital works and council program initiatives and empower the community groups and or individuals to make it happen. As a Campaspe Shire councillor I have continually advocated for improvements to communities facilities, road infrastructure, transport, education and Campaspe flood study-reference committee and re-view the rural and regional land use strategy. I am totally committed to keeping our outdoor pools open. If re-elected as your councillor, I have the skills, local knowledge and understand the issues across our Campaspe Shire.

During my first term our community faced significant challenges. Rebuilding has been a consistent focus of my service. We"ve tackled these challenges directly, working for our community's recovery and growth. I am committed to continuing this work. In my time serving as Councillor and Deputy Mayor we've achieved several significant outcomes.The implementation of an organisational reset with a new CEO and executive, led to improvement in our service delivery survey. At the last election, I committed to upgrading Victoria Park. Since then, we secured a $11.2 million federal grant for Victoria Park and additional annual road funding of $2 million for 5 years. Last year our $42.4 million capital works program has benefited communities across Campaspe. Looking ahead, I am committed to improving our organisation and service delivery. Securing funding for the Rochester pool is a priority, also investing in shared pathways and footpaths across the shire. Enhancing our road network a key focus. Economic developement and Tourism a priority shire wide I'm committed to balanced development serving all residents, from Rushworth to Kyabram, from Rochester to Echuca. With your support, I'll continue to address our community's needs and lead us through the ongoing process of rebuilding and improvement.

I’m a local cricket player, amateur thespian and netball umpire for clubs across our shire. I love living in our community, where we care for our neighbours – something I experienced living in Rochester during the devastating 2022 floods. But as we all struggle with the cost-of-living, rental/housing and climate crises, we need councillors who’ll prioritise: [1] pushing genuinely affordable and sustainable housing such as ensuring new developments have a minimum of 30% public and affordable homes; [2] investing in safe walking and cycling infrastructure like separated bike lanes and trails, footpaths and walking tracks, and safer pedestrian crossings; [3] better connected and more frequent public transport [4] expanding essential services that will assist in alleviating cost-of-living pressures, such as maternal health, community childcare and recreation like sporting facilities and playgrounds; and [5] bring down your power bills and take climate action through solar bulk-buying, including for renters, and supporting households to get off gas. You can find more information at http://greens.org.au/zoe-cook or reach out at zoe.cook@vic.greens.org.au. Put our community first by voting [1] Zoe Cook.

Campaspe Shire has been home to four generations of the Mackrell family with strong ties with family, sport, community and business. By voting 1 on the ballot for Daniel Mackrell you will get a voice at the table due to 8 years' experience in local government, a successful small business operator, board experienced and a highly motivated person that says and does what is needed. Having been born in Kyabram and raised on dairy farms in Wyuna and Tongala it has shown that if we give it a go and put in the hard yard's things get better. Lots of people feel like they are not being listening to or are not given a fair go in their local area. I am here to make sure you are heard. There are no more council wards, so it is important that you are represented, you may live in a small town, be a farmer, in small business, part of a community group or a family that has fallen through the gaps. I also want to see the Campaspe Shire Economic Strategy implemented so we can thrive. By Voting 1 Daniel Mackrell gives you a voice at Council.

Hi, I'm Jesse, and I am a proud resident of Kyabram. I seek to represent the Campaspe Community as a Councillor for the Shire of Campaspe. My commitment is reflected in my belief that "If I have a seat on council, so do you." As a mother, wife, volunteer and passionate community member, I understand the importance of a supportive and connected community. I moved to Echuca as a teenager and, after starting my career in Melbourne, returned to Kyabram in 2019. Living in Campaspe with my family has given me a first-hand appreciation for the unique offerings, opportunities and challenges of our area. I am committed to improving community engagement and participation, supporting residents to understand the role of Local Council, and fostering a resilient shire through volunteerism and active involvement. My approach to representing Campaspe involves being an active listener, open communicator, and advocate for all residents. With over a decade of experience in Employment Services and Education, I bring a wealth of knowledge in developing people, building teams, and managing community projects. My experience equips me to address complex issues and work collaboratively for positive change by connecting Community to Council.

My name is Adrian Weston. I have lived and farmed in Southern Campaspe for most of my life. I have been your councillor for twelve years, working to strengthen community and council partnerships. I am dedicated to continuing the efforts to support agriculture and fight to keep water in our region, to ensure sustainable financial management and efficient delivery of services, to deliver local projects and services for all communities big and small, to listening and working with community groups on the things that are important to them, and to facilitate economic development, growing communities and regional prosperity. If re-elected I will continue to act and make decisions with honesty and integrity. My key focus will be always putting people first, ensuring council continues to deliver community driven outcomes, and to work with all councillors to support sustainable communities. Support me to be your strong and trusted voice in council.

My name is Michael Farrant. I am a local boy, born, bred and still living in the Gunbower District with my family. I have always had a passion for community, and as such I have always tried to participate in community events. Over the years, I have been involved with several of the local football clubs, have been the master of ceremonies at our local Anzac Day service at Gunbower, and have just finished a 20year tenure with the Gunbower Racing Club of which 14 of those years I was President. I was a past member of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System committee, and was also a board member of the Cohuna Retirement Village for several years. I am very proud of our community as it is and will always strive to see any progression as a positive. Having owned and ran several businesses of my own and been involved in the local dairy industry, I believe I have the knowledge and passion to help this sector within our local Shire to continue to thrive and succeed. If I am privileged enough to be elected, I will strive to represent our local community to the best of my ability.

Hi my name is Brett Ould. I believe in the potential of our community to grow and thrive together. For me it is ensuring our community is safe, providing an ear to listen and the ability to represent the community ensuring residential and rural communities have a say. Promoting local businesses, attracting new investment. I support sustainable development, improving our roads, public transport having an input into the infrastructure of Campaspe, is crucial. I believe in a transparent, accessible government that listens to the community and ensuring all residents of Campaspe have an equal say. I like to travel and listen to people, having a presence across the municipality. Being a former Councilor and currently a GM for NDIS, I have proven community engagement, working in both the Public and Private sector. I will listen and work with the community to achieve our goals. I like the diversity in Campaspe, the mix of rural and residential. The opportunities to live, experience the culture Campaspe has to offer, from shopping centers, to rural areas, markets, arts, festivals and sporting facilities. Allowing me opportunities to be involved in the growth of Campaspe.

The Job isn’t finished yet! A Unified Approach: Campaspe Shire is large and its needs are diverse. I believe in a collaborative approach to address these needs, ensuring that our strategies and solutions are inclusive and effective. My vision is for a Shire where every community is heard and thrives, where economic opportunities grow, and where our quality of life continues to improve for all communities. Together, we can build on our strengths and work towards a future that honours our past while embracing new possibilities. I am committed to serving with energy, integrity, passion, and a deep respect for the unique communities of our Shire. Over the past 4 years I have advocated for, funded and delivered on 1) Roads: largest spend since amalgamation 2) Sport and Recreation Infrastructure throughout the shire 3) Community Grants Increased 4) Parks and Gardens 5) Community Services Growing 6) Community Consultation 7) Art and Culture Funding Increased 8) Environment and Water Advocacy 9) Footpaths and Walking Trails. I have worked continuously on Flood Recovery & Mitigation for affected Residents. Let’s move forward with unity and purpose to make Campaspe Shire the best place to live, work, and grow.

I have lived in the Campaspe Shire for the past 32 years and am deeply invested in our community. As a physiotherapist with an established career in public and community health, I have held various roles across the region, including outreach positions in our smaller communities. I am currently a project coordinator in a public health setting. I bring with me a wealth of experience in management, project management, community engagement, and advocacy. I have raised my family here, with my three children and their families all settled locally. A dedicated volunteer with strong community connections, I am a strong candidate to bring residents critical concerns to council and fight for solutions. As a passionate advocate for gender equity and the LGBTIQA+ community, I hold a board position with Echuca Moama Pride. I am a well-established advocate for social justice and equality, and my extensive experience and dedication make me a strong candidate to represent and serve the Campaspe community. Running for council, I strongly believe that the human impact of decisions, projects, and strategies should be at the forefront of all discussions. Strong, inclusive communities flourish, attracting growth and tourism, and supporting economic development. Email me at: info@debchumbley.com.au

Four years ago, I ran for the Campaspe Shire Council with a commitment to serve our community with integrity and dedication. Thanks to your trust, I’ve had the honour of serving as a Councillor, and for the past two years, as your Mayor. I'm excited to announce that I’m running for re-election. Serving as your Councillor has been both a privilege and a responsibility I take very seriously. My passion for our community is unwavering, and I am committed to continuing the important work we've started together. Engaging with so many of you has been the highlight of my time in office. I believe in an independent approach that prioritises transparency, accountability, and community consultation. My focus remains on strategic planning that benefits us all. I’m determined to provide the fair, responsible leadership that our region deserves—leadership that listens and acts on your concerns. I ask for your support and your vote so I can continue to be your voice on the Council.