Golden Plains Shire Council election candidates

I am one of the longest-serving councillors in the Golden Plains Shire, with over 30 years of dedicated service, including multiple terms as Mayor. As a lifelong Farminig resident of the northern Shire, I understand the unique challenges faced by our local communities, particularly the farmers who have often felt underrepresented in council decisions. I believe that the northern parts of our Shire deserve a stronger voice. My experience and deep roots in the community make me the ideal advocate for fair representation and better services. If re-elected, I will prioritise addressing key concerns such as inadequate road funding, the need for a fairer rating scheme, and the importance of strategic, planned growth that benefits the entire Shire. With a track record of advocating for practical and progressive policies, I know that good governance comes from listening to the community and acting decisively. My aim is to ensure that the council makes informed, strategic decisions that reflect the needs of all residents, not just a select few. I stand ready to bring my wealth of experience, commitment, and passion for local issues to ensure a brighter future for Golden Plains Shire.

I am a husband, a father to two young boys, and currently a resident of Bannockburn. I have lived in the Golden Plains Shire for my entire life, and over the years I have watched our local council get bigger, slower, and less effective while our rates continue to rise and the outer parts of our shire get ignored. I want that to stop. We need to get back to basics and focus on the three Rs - roads, rates, and rubbish - for all of the Golden Plains Shire. As your councillor I will prioritise the maintenance of our roads, collection of our rubbish with reasonable frequency, and reducing rates. I will vote to increase council transparency and accountability, to improve community consultation and awareness, to cut spending, and to allow people to do what they want with their own property. I will actively vote against anything that would raise your rates. If you want a council that is small, driven, and focused on only the core functions of a local council, please consider voting for me.

A mum to five incredible kids, two having been through Inverleigh primary, I know what it takes to raise a family. I’m a qualified social worker and equine assisted psychotherapist practicing locally. Our family is actively involved in the Inverleigh football and netball club and l am a strong believer in using locals for local jobs. We have fostered 55 children and l am a dedicated volunteer providing emotional support and psychological first aid to disaster affected people particularly during bushfire seasons. As a social worker l am used to fighting systems for the marginalised, the disabled, the elderly and those struggling with mental health. I am proudly known as a social justice warrior. It’s these very skills I want to bring to council. l will fight for: Better local mental health supports Greater access for facilities for our children But, more importantly l will listen to you and what is important to you. I will fight for our fair share from the state and federal government and work to make Golden Plains a better place to live and work in. I will fight for this because the role of a councillor is not about me, it is about you!

I am asking for your vote because I have strong connections with the community and the right skills to be an effective councillor. I am active in local volunteer organisations, and I know how much these groups contribute to making our shire a great place to live. I grew up on a dairy farm and was the first person in my family to go to university, studying law at La Trobe. My career in public service and consulting has given me a deep understanding of government decision-making. I am committed to building trust between council and the community it serves. As your councillor, I will represent your interests and concerns. Effective and genuine community consultation must be a focus for council. I will listen and collaborate to address our community’s needs. For me, safety is non-negotiable. Council is not matching your expectations on road maintenance and other core services. These services are essential to keep us safe, by reducing road accidents and enabling emergency response. This is a critical area for improvement. I want to shape policy that keeps our community safe, strong, resilient and future-ready. Please use your vote to help me better serve Golden Plains Shire.

If elected I will work to make our Shire a better and more sustainable place to live, now and in the future. I am passionate about improving our community infrastructure such as safe street crossings, a public pool, more public open spaces, cycling and walking tracks, better parking, streetscapes and transport options. I have a strong track record of commitment to and understanding of all the people and environments of Golden Plains Shire, both as a recent Mayor and a Teesdale local with over 20 years of community involvement. I support appropriate energy transition projects and the strategic use of the money which will have massive benefits for our shire. My first term as a councillor has demonstrated I am dedicated and capable and, if elected, my priorities will be: (1) Mitigation and adaptation strategies for local climate change impacts. (2) Community infrastructure (as above) (3) Protecting and valuing our unique environments (4)New public and active transport options, and tracks and trails (5) Proven strong local representation and advocacy for grants and improvements (6) Fairness for all residents. Vote [1] Gavin Gamble for a strong voice for community wellbeing. 0410 505 936

What do you want from your councillor? A fair and unbiased voice for all residents, towns and businesses within the shire. Being proactive with new ideas and the promoting of new business opportunities for our growing shire. I will ensure ratepayers, farmers and businesses have equitable rates and a rating strategy yearly to ensure everyone has a fair and just rates notice. Communication, listening and observing, this is how we will change the dissatisfaction of roads and implement new intervention levels for unsealed roads, while continuing to ensure drainage is improved to maintain our assets. Sealed roads are also a high priority. A developer register for councillors is pivotal with our growing shire. This would provide transparency and honesty on all levels. Having independent views on policies, procedures and strategies in regards to playgrounds, open spaces and halls is vital while finance and governance are the overall hierarchy in delivering your plans for our rural community. However working as a group of councillors and being a team player is what achievements are made up of. I am willing to ask the hard questions and I will continue to be a voice for you. Vote 1 Helena Kirby.

As a dedicated councillor with eight years of experience and a former Mayor, I seek your support to continue representing our community. My commitment to local government and business background drives my approach to delivering quality service and accountability. I advocate for responsible planning, transparent decision-making, and practical solutions. I have completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course to enhance my skills in local government. In the next term, prioritising roads and rates is crucial. I opposed the current rate increases, advocating for a fairer rating system, and voted against recent media policy restrictions, strongly supporting that councillors' voices be heard and not partaking in block voting. For eight years, I have kept residents informed and engaged through my independent social media page. I am dedicated to maintaining open communication and ensuring residents are well-informed on key issues. As a business owner, husband, and father of three, I understand the importance of sustainable growth and financial responsibility. My focus remains on achieving the best outcomes for ratepayers and our community. If re-elected, I will continue to bring a professional, results-driven approach to council, ensuring our local government is responsive, transparent, and truly representative. Thank you. FB: owensharkeygps | 0417365607

My name is John Crowe, and I am nominating as a candidate for the Golden Plains Shire Council Elections 2024. I am a resident at Inverleigh and have been for most of my life. I have been involved in local sporting and community organisations. My professional background was in senior accounting and administration roles in building, tourism and hospital fields. If elected as your councillor, I would listen to, and understand your concerns. I believe my professional skills will greatly assist me in assessing the financial viability of all policies for economic benefit for you the ratepayer. I would adopt a balanced approach on key areas of Council policies, such as budget, rates, road maintenance, asset management, community groups, seniors and youth opportunities, to name a few. As the Shire is in a rapid regional growth phase, there is a big responsibility that Council makes the right decisions affecting the environment today, so that the Golden Plains Shire continues to be a great place to reside in. I would welcome the opportunity to play a part in this role. I would appreciate and thank you for your vote and support by following my voting preferences.

Since settling in Gheringhap in 2005, Dom Cook has become an integral part of the Golden Plains community. A husband, father of two children who attended the local St Mary McKillop school, and an accomplished lawyer, he works for large Geelong organisations in public liability matters. He set up a successful Geelong office that now employs 12 people, bringing both jobs and legal expertise to the region. Dom's deep connection to the land extends beyond his sheep farm. He’s played an active role in environmental efforts, planting 5,000 trees through Koala Clancy charity organisation and contributing to riverbank revegetation. He is a board member of the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, while locally, he chairs the Meredith parish team. Having witnessed the growth of the Shire, Dom understands both the opportunities and challenges ahead. He believes in fostering local engagement to help residents adapt to change without losing their sense of community. This can range from addressing rubbish dumping on the back roads of the Shire and local road drainage issues, to local traffic speeds outside our schools and local playgrounds. For Dom, the future of Golden Plains lies in ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive together

My name is Brett Cunningham and I have lived in the Shire for over 40 years always having a strong commitment to being involved in local sporting, charities and community groups. Currently I am Chair of the local Neighborhood Watch Group and a member of the Bannockburn & District Grants Board. Four years ago I was given the privilege of being elected as a Councillor and have served as the elected Mayor for the past 2 years. If re elected I will continue to work hard and advocate on behalf of all residents of the Shire especially in the areas of a fair & equitable annual rating system. Responsible financial management of Council ,a more regular public transport system offering residents transport from the Shire to neighboring regional centers thus improving access to education,health services and providing social connection. Continued work needs to be done in the areas of implementing the required infrastructure to service proposed population growth, increased focus on required drainage & road maintenance through out the Shire. Thank you for your support and if elected I look forward to the privilege of representing, advocating and working on behalf of all residents of the Golden Plains Shire.