East Gippsland Shire Council election candidates

John White Experienced Councillor for 8 years. Deputy Mayor 2018/2019, Mayor 2019/2020, supporting and representing community during bushfires. Established productive relationships with government agencies and emergency services. Initiated recovery funding, Active Landcare member for 40-years, CFA member for 50 years. My objectives are to make Council decisions open and transparent, put the community first. Always ignore vested interests. Insist on responsible Council decisions that prioritise resources to meet the community’s primary needs. Ease cost of living pressures for ratepayers/residents by managing expenditure to get best value from Council rates and external funding. Defer non-urgent expenditure until economic recovery. Stop cost over-runs, financial waste and funding loss with accurate, professional and cost-effective project planning and implementation. Ensure Councillors adherence to the Councillor Code of Conduct. Push for Council to be accessible and responsive, and for Councillor decision-making in the best interests of the community. Personally, I am not aligned with any faction/group or political party. My job is to represent everybody and fight for everyone’s right to be heard. I believe that the team is greater than the individual. I will not trade my vote for personal advantage. I will maintain my independence and support my community. Vote one John White

I’m passionate and committed to advocating for good governance, strong financial management & ethical decisions based on my values of honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability. Living in Paynesville and as an experienced business owner, I understand the significant challenges impacting our economy. I developed deep insights into our community’s real needs through leadership roles in Business & Tourism, a Neighbourhood Centre, and as a Financial Counsellor helping vulnerable residents through the 2019/2020 bushfires and COVID-19. With qualifications in Business, Management, Finance, and Local Government Leadership and Governance, I will listen to you, and work to ensure genuine community consultation before accountable decision making. I understand your needs for more support for community services, volunteers, accessible infrastructure for all abilities and ages, together with development of business initiatives including innovation essential for growth. I will advocate for improvements to systemic issues such as the rate of homelessness, youth suicide, family and domestic violence, statistics which are among the highest in our State. I am committed to using evidence-based information to ensure our region is sustainable for future generations, while respecting our indigenous cultural heritage. I am dedicated to working for a Safe, Thriving and Sustainable Community. Vote 1 Jodie Ashworth.

I am a lifelong local who calls Bruthen home & I am passionate about seeing East Gippsland thrive. As a mother of a young child, I care deeply about our communities & region, & I will bring a fresh, progressive voice to our local government. I have deep networks across our region, honed during dedicated community work, including board member of FLOAT, East Gippsland Art Gallery, EGSC Youth Council & Regional Arts Victoria. I co-operate a successful arts collective - Foundry, in Bairnsdale - which supports 80+ local creatives. Our region is special, with a rich past & an exciting future. We have an opportunity to flourish as a creative, inclusive, innovative, sustainable & forward-thinking region. As a councillor I would work hard for our communities, & ensure that all voices, including First Nations, women, LGBTQIA+ & young people, are heard & respected in local decision-making. Support for families, small business, investment in social enterprise & new, sustainable industries, & access to education & opportunities are critical to ensuring the next generation of East Gippslanders can live, work & stay in the region. I am ready to be an inclusive voice on council, advocating for a beneficial strong, sustainable future, regionally.

I am running for Council because I want to help enhance East Gippsland so that our communities are thriving, not just surviving. I made the choice to live here and raise a family in beautiful East Gippsland ten years ago. From growing up on a dairy farm as a child and living in challenging conditions, I understand what life can be like for people in our community to face daily challenges to make ends meet. I believe everyone deserves a chance to exceed expectations and be given opportunities to have a go at new things without being held back. I also believe East Gippsland has so much potential to be an even more amazing place where locals are supported, our natural environment is healthy, and we all have a chance to prosper and live comfortably. With a background in natural resource management, I have experience working in multiple Local Governments and a passion to listen and learn about what East Gippslanders need and to then implement this through Council. I am proudly a part of Caring East Gippsland, as we care deeply about this place, the people and its’ future.

My name is Valerie Curtis and I am honoured to be a candidate for the upcoming council elections. I am passionate about the community I live in and I have participated in many organisations such as Fire Brigade, Community Hall management, Bairnsdale Christmas Committee, Tennis and others. More recently, running a small business that has served our community for 23 years.My business experience has developed skills that are necessary to deal with all facets of council, from budgeting and problem solving to engaging with people. known for my integrity, dedication, fairness and team work I commit to bring these values as councillor. My approach is always to do whatever it takes to get the job done and be team orientated, which I believe is essential for fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. If elected, my goal is to assist in making decisions that reflect the expectations of the community through consultation and research. I am particularly focussed on regional development and infrastructure, as this will help contain rate increases and encourage more people and employment. I am passionate about taking on the responsibility of serving my community. Thankyou for your time and consideration.

I am running for Councillor because I believe in the power of a connected community. I am committed to strengthening those ties, protecting our environment, and supporting businesses through sustainable and responsible economic development. With years of experience in community organisations, I’ve seen how powerful we can be when we work together. I will ensure that future growth in essential educational, medical and social services is sustainable. It is important to me that we address the urgent need for affordable and accessible housing. As a business owner, I know that small to medium businesses are integral to our community, and I will support economic development that benefits both the community and the environment. With deep family ties to East Gippsland, I have seen the impact that a positive and active council can have over generations. Transparency and accountability are at the heart of my vision. I am committed to making council decisions clear and accessible, empowering you to be informed and involved in shaping our future. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels connected, valued, and heard. I ask for your support in this election to help build a brighter,positive and more sustainable future for all.

Let’s work together to make East Gippsland truly exceptional with your vote! As a fifth-generation Lakes Entrance local, I understand our community’s strengths and challenges. I’ve raised a family and run businesses here, and my roles as a Justice of the Peace, MS Plus volunteer, manager of Brackenbush Unleashed dog park, and president of Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise Inc. (BREI) have shown me the power of listening and acting on behalf of the community. I’m committed to affordable housing, caring for our land, and supporting local arts, sports, and community groups, individuals, and their fabulous ideas. I believe in open dialogue, collaboration, and bringing positive change that reflects your voice. Together, we can create a vibrant East Gippsland where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to thrive. Your voice matters, so vote for me and let’s make it heard!

Vote One Sonia Buckley. As your Councillor over the past term, I have been a steadfast advocate for East Gippsland, focusing on what matters: effective council operations. I am dedicated to maintaining the rate cap to ease the financial burden on ratepayers and pushing for an increase to 1% federal funding to ensure our council's long-term sustainability. Central to my work have been transparency and accountability. We progressed a transparency hub and report for open briefings, so you can see exactly how decisions are made. Living in remote Benambra a fifth-generation cattle farmer and small business tourism operator, I have passionately fought for our region. My appointment to Rural Councils Victoria allowed state wide effective advocacy, building crucial relationships, and prioritising projects. Reform in planning and the Regional Land Use Strategy (RLUS) is vital. We must support and develop local businesses. I also champion the creation of an Arts Precinct in Bairnsdale to foster culture and engage our youth. My background in Sociology and Company Directors Course have equipped me with skills needed for impactful leadership. I deeply love this region; your vote is invaluable in allowing me to continue representing you. For more on my platform, visit https://www.facebook.com/sonialouisebuckley

I am a passionate East Gippslander, keen to represent every resident including those in rural and remote communities. Living in Buchan for 35 years I have a strong work history including, teacher at Buchan Kindergarten, Co-ordinator of Buchan Neighbourhood House and farming for 23 years. I also have a strong history of volunteer community engagement including acting secretary for the Buchan Neighbourhood House, Buchan Arts Council and Centre for Rural Communities. In 2005 I completed my Graduate Certificate in Regional Community Development through Monash University. I have always sought work within the Community Engagement sector because listening to communities should always be at the core of decision-making. I believe I have sound credentials for being an approachable and dedicated Councillor who will listen to and advocate for a wide range of community views. As a Councillor, my key priorities will include Working with community services to address housing shortages Supporting closing the gap for First Nations people Redressing disadvantage and domestic violence Protecting our pristine environments and supporting the emerging ecotourism sector Working to expand opportunities in arts and creativity across East Gippsland Promoting opportunities for youth development, training and employment.

Mark is an experienced Mayor, Councillor, Government School Principal and Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is seeking your support to continue his work on council. He is energised by working with communities in a period of rapid change. With qualifications, knowledge and experience in education, governance and change management, he will represent and advocate for communities in transition by ensuring key services are delivered with innovation and continuous improvement. He is a strong advocate for First Nations Peoples and will continue to value and embed culture and respect into operations, governance and decision making. He will promote and lead collaboration in council with other regional councils and state and federal governments to highlight regional priorities. These include transport and connectivity, disaster funding arrangements, housing and planning, health and education, economic growth and sustainability. He will focus on and prioritise community engagement using current best practices such as IAP2, financial responsibility through fiscal knowledge, public transparency with integrity, strategic management with future focus, and continuously improve service performance of the 100 or more shire activities within a rate cap. This will be underpinned by the social, economic, environmental, climate change values he holds true and drive his behaviour.

Ian Trevaskis stands for "Local!" Local roads and local priorities for local people. Ian's priorities are to reduce rates; streamline planning permits; support local health services; promote fishing, farming, timber and tourism; fix potholes and roads. The 2020 Black Summer bushfires convinced him of the importance of the Timber industry for fire management and employment. Ian is a 4th generation East Gippsland farmer focusing on creating sustainable environments to see communities and industries grow. Ian chaired the Environmental Management Systems committee, the Wairewa Bushdance committee (RACAB) and the East Gippsland branch of the Liberal party. He was a founding member of Gippsland Natural Beef Co-op and held executive positions in the Wairewa CFA, Landcare and local Pony Club. He is an active member of the 13th Gippsland Lighthorse and the East Gippsland Residents and Ratepayers Ass. Ian is married to Rosanne and they have 5 children and 6 grandchildren living locally. Ian believes councillors should be available and accountable to local residents. Please consider Ian for your 3rd, 2nd or 1st preference vote.

A resident of East Gippsland since 1981, I am standing for council on a platform of Listening, Caring and Doing. I have spent the last 30 years running my own Occupational Therapy practice for children and their families. I understand the complexities and challenges of running a small business and the need for them to flourish. I have a long history as a community volunteer and continue to be a leader in the Clifton Creek Bushfire Recovery Team and President of the local Tennis Club. 1. - Listening: I will seek out ideas, opinions and concerns from across the region. 2. - Caring: In these difficult times we must work together to support everyone. Our magnificent natural environment must be protected and enhanced for our children and grandchildren. 3. - Doing: I support decision-making that reflects current knowledge, proven facts and efficient, effective use of funds. Council strategies should focus resources on getting the important things done. I support policies that will allow us to thrive, while working and enjoying the beauty of our natural environment. I am committed to making East Gippsland a great place to live, work and play. - I will be working towards a better future for all.

Being a proud East Gippslander, my aim in standing for Council, is to pursue the best outcomes for East Gippsland now and into the future. Having a Civil Engineering degree, I have used this knowledge both in my teaching career (mainly in STEM subjects) and as a partner with my husband in our farming enterprise over many years. Our children grew up in East Gippsland and were educated in Buchan and Bairnsdale before obtaining university qualifications. I am delighted that their children are having the same opportunities to enjoy our diverse environment and facilities in health, education and recreation. If elected, so that East Gippslanders get value for rates dollar, my priorities include efficient council services such as building approvals, road maintenance, tip and transfer station operations, supporting business, parks and gardens, public safety and sporting facilities. Having a climate of extremes, bushfire and flooding is part of East Gippsland life. I have frontline experience of both. Excellent readiness and response by council is paramount and a critical focus for me. With experience and a vision of what is important to our communities, I am enthusiastic to be involved. All the best with your important and considered voting deliberations.

Vote 1 Tom Crook. For a better East Gippsland. I’ll continue working for: 1. A community focus in everything council does. I’ll listen to you and foster greater trust in our council. Make sure the council uses your rates to provide the accessible services and facilities our communities want and need. 2. Get Council basics right: I’ll work to improve customer service response times, speed up council’s planning department and fix the roads 3. Supporting local jobs and a strong regional economy: Council contracts to create local jobs and support local businesses. Promote and help economic development in tourism, creative industries, renewable energy, start-ups and drive investment in looking after our natural environment. 4. Provide strong advocacy for our region and residents to: Tackle cost-of-living pressures, improve healthcare, address the housing crisis, secure more funding for public land management, combat domestic violence, and take strong action on climate change. I’m a long-term East Gippsland resident and small business owner with an Environmental Science degree. Re-elect me to help drive a positive, long-term vision for our region. Your vote is crucial for a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable community. https://www.facebook.com/forABetterEastGippsland

Born and raised in Bairnsdale, I regularly travel the length and breadth of East Gippsland in the course of my work, as co-owner and operator of a small business with my wife, Sue. Growing up in a family business that ran for over 50 years, we endured the roller coaster of good and bad times. Planning and making critical decisions had to be made every day. East Gippslander's want Councillors who can make decisions and move forward, we need a stronger and more balanced leadership on the East Gippsland Shire Council. I will focus on the delivery of basic council services and strategies to ensure value for your rates. I will advocate for a faster and efficient planning and permit approval process within Council. I will visit, listen and participate in community meetings in our Electorate from Mallacoota to Lindenow, Lakes Entrance to Omeo and give all people across East Gippsland a voice in our Council. I want to see our Council roads and critical infrastructure are maintained and repaired. I will advocate for better ways to get our Youth into local employment. I will also advocate for improved services for the elderly.

Proud to be a 5th generation local of East Gippsland. Growing up on cattle and sheep farms in Ensay and Swifts Creek, I developed a deep appreciation for our region's natural beauty and outdoor activities. As a small business owner, I understand the importance of fostering a vibrant community where both current residents and future generations can thrive. I am committed to seeing East Gippsland prosper through a focus on industry opportunities and growth. My vision includes creating more employment prospects and supporting entrepreneurs who can drive innovation and sustainability in our region. I believe that by prioritising local industries, we can enhance the economic landscape while preserving the unique charm and character of East Gippsland. Together, we can build a prosperous future that celebrates our rich heritage and nurtures the next generation. I invite you to join me on this journey to create a prosperous community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Let’s work together for a brighter future for East Gippsland!

I grew up on Gunaikurnai country, exploring its fragile and diverse environment. As a 31-year-old musician, audio engineer, and maker/designer, I have a passion for creating and sharing. After 12 years in Hamburg, Germany, where I founded a music technology business and helped open and run a community maker space, I returned with extensive experience in community engagement. This experience has set me on a path to pursue similar initiatives here in East Gippsland. Through my volunteering efforts, I’ve learned the importance and power of community collaboration. I am committed to securing a safer, more caring, and cohesive future for the next generations and hope to see this realised within my lifetime. By working together and fostering collectivity, collaboration, and respectful communication, we can help improve lives. Key to this vision are nature-based tourism, regenerative agriculture, and affordable housing for those in need. Utilising local skills and knowledge, particularly from women and Indigenous people, is vital for driving community development towards a circular economy. Preserving our natural environment and protecting people and infrastructure from the detrimental effects of climate change is crucial.

Youth and young families are the future of East Gippsland. Elect me and I will ensure their needs come first in Council planning and investment. We must make East Gippsland attractive for youth and young families to live, work, and thrive. Let’s give those born here reasons to stay and newcomers’ reasons to settle. If elected, my priority will be developing a Youth strategy and my focus will be on ensuring our youth and young families can enjoy a vibrant community and increased access to affordable housing, support services, education and career opportunities. For example, over the next decade Gippsland will become a renewable energy powerhouse. Just down the highway offshore wind projects will create a massive demand for new graduates and qualified tradespeople to fill over 15,000 jobs during construction and 7,500 ongoing jobs. Seizing this opportunity will require Council leadership. However, 95% of a Councillors’ time is spent on governance and strategy so to be effective you need more than just a passion. With 25 years in public policy, governance and education and experience working at all levels of government, I know how to work the system and am committed to making it work for you.

Four years have gone quickly, I offered myself as a first-time candidate for the 2020 East Gippsland Shire elections and was thrilled when I gained the opportunity to represent you. I believe I’ve come a long way in keeping my promise to inject an enthusiastic ‘can do’ approach into our Local Government scene, being involved in a wide variety of local projects, ranging from the Bullock Island transformation to the Myer Street upgrade. I have also gained an insight into the finer points of regional administration, the most important being that Councillors be elected to represent the whole community and not just sectional interests. To listen to everyone’s concerns and respond in a balanced way. Being independent enables me to do this. Party politics do not have any place in grassroots government. The principal wish of most East Gippslanders is to have their roads maintained, their rubbish collected, and the services that make their lives liveable delivered. Not fringe issues, so often heatedly debated in inner-city councils. I have found this first term personally very fulfilling and respectfully ask for the opportunity to continue to do my best on your behalf.

East Gippsland has been home to my family for 8 generations and it’s unique landscapes, towns and people are the reason I live here. Deciding to nominate as a candidate requires much hard work and dedication, however my father often would say ‘if you want to get a job done, give it to a busy person’ ! I have worked at the family Motel business, managed a consultancy, continued a 25 year association working for Landcare and have taken up farming at a property at Glenaladale. Getting out and about and keeping busy is the ideal launching pad to stay in touch with local issues and challenges and situations that confront all East Gippslanders day to day. Having worked for a Shire Council for 10 years and being chairman of 2 statewide organisations has also enabled me to have develop skills around leadership and decision making at the level required of this position. I have a large family and an extensive network of professional and social contacts which is so important when recruiting information about how locals are faring and what the state of conditions are for those living in the area.

I believe that community connected councillor's are essential to the future of East Gippsland. As a returned serviceman, having served in the Army for over 20 years, I developed strong leadership skills and an appreciation for informed decision-making; which I brought to my role as owner of a General Store for over a decade. This experience allowed me to build strong relationships residents and supporting businesses. Currently, I work part-time in postal delivery and as a Disability Support Worker; roles that keep me closely connected to communities and allow me to fully commit to being a councillor. I am involved in several community led organisations. These include being an office bearer with the local Citizens Association, Neighbourhood House, Recreation Reserve and Captain of a local Fire Brigade. I also assist in RSL community support. These experiences have taught me the importance active listening, and understanding the impacts of council decisions. I am committed to a balanced approach, adopting a pragmatic viewpoint to community and business projects. I will seek to engage with community and business sectors alike, including representing our farmers; maintain transparency, and work tirelessly to deliver a cohesive plan for East Gippsland’s future. A commonsense, conservative approach.

I live in Cabbage Tree Creek, where I have raised a family while working in community health and welfare. I love East Gippsland's natural beauty and independent people, but too many are doing it tough. In East Gippsland, health and welfare employs almost twice as many people as farming and forestry combined. These services are essential. Like many, I have had to travel – and pay - to access health services that meet my children’s needs. These services shouldn't be a privilege for those who can find and afford them. State government funding cuts threatening jobs and services in regional health need to be taken as seriously as the timber industry transition. Our Council has an important advocacy role to play. Neighbourhood Houses provide important supports – in our more remote communities they’re often the only services. Many provide food banks and community meals. But our Council doesn't support Neighbourhood Houses the way nearly every other Council in the state does. Climate change is making fires and floods more frequent and more severe. Council needs to support individuals and businesses to cut emissions wherever possible and better prepare for and respond to emergencies. Vote for health services, neighborhood houses, and climate action.

I am hard-working, energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about East Gippsland and its people. I’ve lived here for more than 30 years and love it. I have a strong background in education, community engagement and financial, business and project management. If elected I will push for a freeze on relentless increases in rates and charges, transparency in decision-making, improved financial accountability, timely and genuine involvement of communities in decisions affecting them, and prioritisation of works and programs that improve the lives of residents. The uniqueness of each community in East Gippsland is what makes it so special. We need a move away from heavily centralised decision-making that excludes the affected people and leads to ‘one-size fits all’ approach to development. I will support innovative and sustainable business and industries across the region – particularly in communities suffering from natural disasters and the loss of traditional industries. Together we can work towards a vibrant and prosperous future right across our region whilst ensuring that pressing local issues are addressed as a matter of priority. I am ready to listen to and act on your concerns. Find out more about me and let me know what you want from Council at my website https://vote1joanneeastman.com/.