Gannawarra Shire Council election candidates

I’m honored to seek re-election as your Councillor. During my first term, I’ve worked hard to ensure our Council’s management and resources are future-focused, adequate, and aligned with the needs of our community. I’m committed to supporting projects that benefit all of us, like the Cohuna Pool. I’m especially passionate about the development of the Cohuna Airfield. Right now, the new King-Air Air Ambulances can’t land in Cohuna in rough weather, and that’s a serious problem. Improving the airfield could save lives, assist our local health services, and make sure we have access to the best healthcare possible when we need it most. I’ll continue prioritizing sensible and pragmatic budgeting so that every dollar we spend brings value to you, the ratepayers. Transparency, sustainability, and effective service delivery will stay at the heart of everything I do, and I’ll be a strong voice and attentive listener for all. Our Shire—from Kerang to Koondrook, Cohuna to Quambatook, and everywhere in between—is a vibrant, beautiful place to live, work, and visit. I’m grateful for your support so far and humbly ask for your vote to keep making progress together. Let’s continue building a bright future for Gannawarra!

I seek your support to be your representative on council. I believe we need a return to focus in Gannawarra to essential services & key infrastructure that has come at a cost to tourism spending over the past years. In towns such as Koondrook too many roads are still unsealed & lack footpaths, presenting a danger to our pedestrian population, with similar issues in Murrabit. I have shared concerns with paramedics about the Cohuna hospital redevelopment which sees the removal of the heliport. This puts onerous burden on our ambulance service to transport patients out to the airport in a timely manner in cases of emergency. We know Kerang's effective stormwater infrastructure is long overdue. As a health practitioner of more than 25 years experience in this area I believe the contest of ideas in the delivery of services is lacking. Governance, growth and good policy in all areas are important factors for a good council. Ensuring the basics are seen to in the area of key infrastructure, above ongoing tourism spending, needs immediate attention for all ratepayers. I hope to be your advocate to return focus to these important areas.

As a candidate with no party affiliations, I am committed to improving Gannawarra’s economic and social outcomes. I aim to foster sustainable growth across agriculture and industry and expand opportunities for tourism to showcase the area’s natural beauty. With experience and family in farming in the area and as a professional engineer, I bring many tools and experiences to help better understand and consider the needs of all stakeholders, ensuring accountability and transparency to achieve the best outcomes for the community. Since moving to Gannawarra four years ago to assist with the family business, my partner and I have made this community our home. I am passionate about creating positive, lasting change, supporting local businesses, and enhancing our region’s prosperity while preserving its unique character and diversity for future generations.

Born in Cohuna, I’ve lived, worked, and raised a family in Gannawarra, retiring from GMW after 30 years. I’m a life member and President of the Murrabit FNC. Over the last 4 years, I have been honoured to serve as a councillor and for the last 12 months as Mayor. Throughout this period, our communities have encountered significant challenges, COVID-19, our second major flood event, and heavy rain events, all of which have posed substantial tests for Community and Council. The next four years will be increasingly challenging. The Federal government's Buybacks threaten our irrigation districts. VNI West, and renewable energy projects, challenge our communities' acceptance of change. Navigating change is undoubtedly one of our journey's most difficult but essential aspects. My role in Council requires an understanding of the nuts and bolts of day-to-day operations, but the emphasis should be on the long-term strategic vision and strategy for Gannawarra. The Council needs to focus on our future and what we need to do to position Gannawarra in a rapidly changing environment I remain committed to delivering transparent, sincere, and respectful leadership. Working with community members and organizations to generate more prospects and opportunities for every resident of Gannawarra.

My name is Robert Jarman - I relocated to Kerang with my family in December 2001 following my appointment as Chief Executive Officer to Kerang District Health. During my twenty year tenure the health service achieved the following - 1. the relocation of the Ladies Auxuliary Opportunity Shop - 2. the building of a Helipad - 3. the establishment of the Kerang Mens Shed - 4. the appointment of our first Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer - 5. the purchase of one of the GP Clinics in Kerang - 6. the formation of a Committee of Management for the Cohuna Neighbourhood House - 7. the successful application for $36M in capital funding from both the Commonwealth and State Governments to upgrade all buildings - plant and equipment. I currently enjoy watching local sport and held the position of Treasurer at the Kerang Turf Club from 2005 to 2012. My family owned and operated the Royal Hotel in Kerang from May 2012 to December 2018. If elected I will -support any initiatives that result in the improvement of council services and infrastructure - encourage economic growth within the Shire - support the development of additional land for housing in Kerang and look at ways of encouraging more community engagement between council and residents.

My name is Anthony Troy - If you vote for me my priorities are for the council is that it gives better value for money. Has better communication with people without social media. And that members of the shire views are listen to when asked about projects and the larger communities views not small groups matter more. That Councillors visit all areas of the shire and speak with Communities on what they want not the Shire.

After four years as a Councillor, I haven’t changed, but I know I’m not the same. I never thought I would be refused details of millions of dollars in the budget. Or denied copies of legal advice used to stop Councillors doing their job, even though the community paid for it. What made it worthwhile is the support I have received from every corner of Gannawarra. I believe Council is not complicated. Understand the issues, represent the community, be accountable, be transparent and speak the truth. I have always represented the community interest, not the council. I have not hesitated to stand up for the community, both behind closed doors and in public. Issues like pools, electricity development, Kerang drainage and simple value for money for the rates we pay. The council has a new CEO and leadership team. Now we need a new Councillor team that will stand up to be counted on issues like the threat to our irrigation system. Or the bad deal we are being offered on VNI west and renewables, that will forever change our landscape. I will continue to provide a no nonsense, strong voice in Council for our community.

My name is Pat Quinn I have lived in the Gannawarra Shire all my life. I started dairy farming in partnership with my brother and father in 1977. I played football for Macorna and tennis with Mincha West. I am married with four grown children. I was involved with school council for 10 years with 5 years as president. I was on the Macorna Football Netball Club committee for a long time holding roles as President, treasurer, and many more. I am now a member of Cohuna Golf Bowls club holding roles as president and a board member. I have been on the board of Pyramid Hill water services committee for 7 years. We run a family farm of 750 cow dairy and 5000 acres of irrigation and dry land cropping which involves 2 sons and 10 employees. The shire has been supportive of our developments and now it is the time to put something back. I will be advocating for continued economic growth in agriculture and manufacturing. Providing services of childcare and aged care with a big emphasis on swimming pools. I look forward to your support to represent you as your Gannawarra Shire Councillor.

I will concentrate on the three R's, lower rates, remove rubbish and fix roads.

With the support of my family and friends I have decided to nominate again. I have lived in the area for over 50 years and operate a family farm at Lake Charm with my wife Joanne. I am a current Board member of Northern District Community Health. Also a member of the GMW Torrumbarry Water Services Committee, a committee member of the Murrabit Football Club, treasurer of the Lake Charm Hall Committee and a member of several other local community groups. I was fortunate to be your Mayor for 3 years and several years as deputy Mayor. I have served on the Audit & Risk Committee for the past 7 years. If re-elected I will continue to take a keen interest in our children services, strategic planning, local roads, drainage and recreation and ensure prudent use of our rate payer funds. We live in a wonderful part of the country with diversity in farming enterprises, industry, environmental features and people. I will continuously advocate on behalf of our region so that the Gannawarra Shire continues to progress. As a result we can showcase our region to visitors and continue to make it a fantastic place for us all to live

I have enjoyed serving the Gannawarra Community as a councillor over the past 4 years and I am seeking re-election to continue the journey towards making the Gannawarra Shire a destination of choice for business and tourism alike. During my time on council I have been committed to working with residents, council staff and community groups to deliver strategic initiatives that prioritise sustainable development, community engagement, and improved public services and amenities. There have been many exciting capital works projects completed or nearing completion that have improved the liveability across the shire. Along with an ongoing commitment to improving the existing core functions of council, if re-elected I'll continue to work alongside our key stakeholders around improving public safety, advocating for greater health services including mental health, supporting youth and the vulnerable members of our community, collaborate with partners on strategies to reduce incidents of family violence, securing long term employment opportunities and working towards unlocking land to assist with the current housing shortage. We need to continue to address drainage issues and maintenance of shire roads. Together, we can build a sustainable, resilient, safe and inclusive community for current and future generations. Together we can continue to Grow Gannawarra.