Greater Shepparton City Council election candidates

The great thing about people across the Greater Shepparton region is that you’re up front, you tell me what you want from me as your Councillor, and this allowed me to roll up my sleeves and deliver. The State Government has moved Council to the ward system, and I’m representing the ‘Balaclava Ward’ which has been my backyard for my whole life! So, what’s next? Greater Shepparton has advanced in leaps and bounds, let’s continue to get our products on the world stage! Attract business investment, for more jobs, opportunities, and prosperity for all. Premium foods grow here, we must protect this! More events can happen here, affordable events and experiences for everyone. Leadership, I’ll continue to work for greater outcomes for everyone. The Balaclava Ward is home to the region’s largest employer Goulburn Valley Health, large industry and businesses, together with pre-schools, primary and secondary schooling, and The University of Melbourne. The Balaclava Ward is a place you can live and raise a family with housing estates and access to education and sporting facilities. With your vote, I will continue to ensure that great things happen not only for the Balaclava Ward, but for the entire Greater Shepparton region!

As a proud resident of Shepparton since 2019, I'm excited to run for council to represent Balaclava ward. My journey began in Melbourne in 2008 as an international student from Zimbabwe. With a unique blend of experience in aged care, health administration, marketing, and event management, I'm well-equipped to make a difference. Currently, I work at the Main Hospital and run a business. I hold a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Deakin), a Masters in Health Administration (Latrobe), and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Swinburne) and was part of Shepparton Council's community leadership programme in 2023. I'm passionate about giving back to the community, having founded an outreach programme in 2019 to support families affected by infant and pregnancy loss. I serve as an elder and youth advisor at my local church. As your councillor, I promise to advocate for continuous infrastructure development, storm water drainage replacement, economic growth (including retail expansion), and more council run daycare centres in Balaclava ward. It is my goal to make informed decisions that benefit ratepayers, visitors, and all residents. My values are communication, collaboration, commitment, compassion, consistency, and creativity. Let’s connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, or call 0420624994. Vote 1 Rudo for Community-Engaged Leadership.

Council needs to refocus on local issues and ensure our rate dollars collected are spent carefully and appropriately. We must ensure that Council staff are capable, with skills to counteract money wasted on consultants. With ratepayers in deep debt to ensure a home for their families, it is more important than ever for council to spend wisely. I would like to see more affordable land opened for housing, especially for young families, as it was in the past. Drainage and flood protection needs planning and commitment to prevent ongoing disasters. Being able to travel safely on our roads and footpaths is important, and more attention is needed to fund this. With a background in farming and retail, I am aware of the value small business has. My children all live in Greater Shepparton and own businesses, giving me insight into the issues faced. Australia Day is the 26th January and Council needs to respect this by re-establishing our celebration on this day. I will push to return a weekly rubbish collection, free tip tickets, and quarterly hard rubbish collection. I was born in Balaclava and have lived in five different homes here, hence my commitment and passion for this Ward.

My name is Sherri Smith-Hoyer. I am passionate about community, agriculture and regional prosperity. I am determined to find solutions for the issues we face now for a thriving future. When elected, my primary goals will be strengthening regional economies, public transport access, housing, and homelessness and fixing our roads. My career experience includes leadership roles with all levels of government. I have worked in the Education, Health, IT and Agriculture sectors. In areas of service development, finance, strategic planning and decision-making. My most passionate community involvement is my representation on the Greater Shepparton Public Health Advisory Committee and for coordinating and chairing the Dhurringile Prison Community meeting held in August this year. Both of which have deepened my understanding of our community. I also volunteer as a writer/editor for the 3610-newsletter publication for Murchison Neighbourhood House and actively support the Murchison Historical Society. I’ve listened to people and have learnt what matters to them the most. I’m known for my integrity, honesty and open and transparent communication style. All of which I believe is essential for fostering inclusion and connection. Thank you for considering my candidacy as your councillor for the Goulburn River Ward.

The single member ward system is a positive change for the Greater Shepparton City Council that will ensure a fairer distribution of the Council budget. The Council has been Shepparton centric for far too long, and that must change. As your dedicated Councillor we will work together for the needs of The Goulburn River Ward. I will promote a council that listens to its constituents, makes transparent decisions and is accountable to the people it serves. I have advocated for the needs of Mooroopna for many years, as a member of the Community Plan Steering Committee for 13 years. We have been success securing many key projects such as the Mooroopna Main street upgrade, public toilets, Mooroopna Recreational Reserve upgrade and many community grants. For over 38 years I have volunteered and served my community. Council need to focus on Council matters investing in better roads, providing adequate services and facilities, better waste management and Not take away Australia Day. I want to see the Goulburn River Ward thrive. I have a proven track record of advocating and serving the community and I would be proud to be your dedicated voice at the Council Table.

I am standing as a candidate because I want to see common sense and a change of focus restored to Council operations and management. I support and will advocate for a back-to-basics plan to review the cost and effectiveness of all core and additional services and help identify underperforming and unnecessary programs that can be eliminated. I support price capping on rates and examining ways to reduce rates. I am a proud Australian who believes our history and traditions should be observed respectfully and joyously and embraced by all diverse sections in our community. I believe we are all one and should be united in our goals and aspirations for ourselves and our community. I do not support moving the date of Australia Day or changing the way we celebrate it, and I would advocate to remove the divisive Acknowledgements to Country forced upon us at Council events. My focus will be on services and local issues not social policy. I have post graduate qualifications in business management and wide experience in corporate, government and private business and have been a member of many community organizations including 5 years as a community representative on Greater Shepparton Council’s Positive Ageing Committee.

I am the 5th generation to a local farming family in Toolamba, I have grown up with a deep connection to the land and my community. Raised on a farm and locally educated, I have a strong work ethic and value hard work, sustainability and community involvement. Working from a young age supported my journey in owning and operating a small business in Toolamba. The Junction Hotel is a thriving enterprise that reflects my passion for local development and small communities. I am driven by my commitment to represent the needs of rural communities and small businesses. I have a unique blend of agricultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. I will dedicate this to fostering sustainable growth, improving local infrastructure, and being the voice of action for our community.

It’s time for change. I’m running because I want to make sure that Greater Shepparton is an amazing place to live when I have children and grandchildren, and be somewhere that everyone, including the next generation can proudly call home. Being a young person, a strong local government means so much more than just serving the residents of today, it means supporting our communities for the future. Before anything we need to get the basics right, ensuring that service delivery and infrastructure investment is done, and done well. We need to make sure that our communities receive their fair share of investment, and that our communities feel as though their voices are heard by council. Being a proud Rotarian, making sure that the communities voice is elevated and advocated for has been central to my roles, including as chairperson of the Mooroopna Flood Recovery Committee, Active Member of the Mooroopna Steering Committee, previous Member of the Victorian Youth Congress, and having a key role in many other advocacy projects. It’s time for a fresh start with a strong and active voice for our communities, not someone who treats serving their community as a hobby or secondary role.

My name is Paul Wickham and I have operated a pharmacy in Mooroopna for 17 years. I am excited to represent the locals of Mooroopna, Toolamba, Dhurringile, Murchison and stretching over to Arcadia and south of the Broken River. Following the flood it is clear that there is an opportunity to revisit the Greater Shepparton and Mooroopna 2050 Regional City Growth Plan to see how we can create a more resilient community to the west of the Goulburn river. I love the Goulburn Valley and believe we can all prosper if we work together. I am keen to listen to the needs of our community and inspire people to dream of big ideas for the GV. It is important to create a great community for our young people to thrive and for our elderly to live. The GV is a vibrant agricultural and manufacturing area and we can build on these assets and grow tourism around the Goulburn river. Sporting and community groups are another important asset that make us a great place to live. By listening to locals we can identify local issues, find local solutions and build local leadership. GV4ME

With Greater Shepparton City Council being separated into 9 individual wards this election it is now more important than ever to have a Councillor from Kialla with experience around the table advocating strongly for the people of Kialla. My experience includes 4 years on Council, 2 as Deputy Mayor, as well as Facilitator of the Fairley Leadership Program, careers in advising members of parliament, in education across the region and in customer service in Shepparton. Having chaired numerous sporting clubs and associations and educational boards I have the knowledge required and the drive to get things done. Much has been achieved under the current Council however much more needs addressing, such as infrastructure, land use, roads and footpaths, transport connectivity and pushing for community priorities under the Community Action Plan. I have lived, schooled, worked and raised a family in Shepparton. I live in Kialla, play tennis at Kialla Park Old Students Tennis Club, my service organisation Rotary Club of Shepparton meet in Kialla. Kialla is a great place to live, raise a family or simply retire. It's my home as well as yours and I ask for your vote, to be your voice for Kialla at the Council table.

Hi, I'm Kamal Dhillon, a proud resident of the Kialla Ward. I am married to Preet, and we have two children. I have run my own small businesses for over 12 years in the hospitality and transport industries and understand the challenges small businesses and our local communities face. I am running for council because I want to ensure the needs of the Kialla Ward are advocated for - and that we get our fair share of the budget. Currently this council is Shepparton-centric and that must change. I am an active member of the Kialla Planning Committee group, and I am also a member of the St Anne's College advisory committee. A number of suggestions have been raised for the Kialla Ward including recreational toilets, playground shades and water stations to name a few. I also have a petition with the State Government for a bus review lobbying for better transport service to Kialla and Seven Creeks. I want to work with the community, and I will be available and connected to the residents. I would be proud to represent you on the Greater Shepparton City Council, and together, we will make a better Kialla for the future.

Brendan Gosstray is committed to ensuring that Greater Shepparton thrives through strategic investment in essential services and infrastructure. With extensive experience in Local Government across both metropolitan and regional councils, Brendan understands the importance of delivering the core services that matter most, while maintaining responsible financial management. As a Councillor, Brendan will focus on core services such as road maintenance, waste management, and recreational facilities. Brendan is dedicated to applying rates efficiently to minimise increases and help address the cost-of-living crisis. By ensuring that ratepayer dollars are spent wisely, Brendan aims to ease financial pressures on local residents while maintaining high-quality essential services. Brendan will advocate for infrastructure projects that improve roads, public transport, and community facilities, ensuring they meet the long-term needs of a growing region. In addition, Brendan will ensure the Council holds state and Federal governments to account, pushing for increased funding in key areas such as roads, rail, education, hospitals, and health services. He is determined to ensure Greater Shepparton receives its fair share of investment. As a 23 year resident of Kialla with 25 years of experience in local government management, Brendan will be a strong representative for the Kialla Ward.

I am seeking your number 1 vote for Kialla ward at these important council elections. With a new ward system, we have a chance to get much-needed services and infrastructure down our end of town. There’s much more we can do for Kialla than getting the all-important roads, rates and rubbish services right. In coming years, Kialla will see thousands more residents, so it’s vital we plan to keep our area the livable place we know and love. Kialla is larger than many surrounding towns yet lacks basic services – we don’t even have a post office. We also need a community hub. I represent a fresh approach for Greater Shepparton at the council table – I don’t belong to a political party. I’m a respected national magazine journalist and former Shepparton radio host who has lived here for 16 years with my husband and two sons. I have experience on local school and health boards, have volunteered for many sports clubs and am a graduate of the Fairley Leadership Program. I am ready and keen to effectively represent Kialla Ward and Greater Shepparton. I need your Number 1 vote to do this. Feel free to contact me on 0427 767 171.

As a candidate for the Lower Goulburn ward in the Council Election 2024, I am driven to bring a fresh, professional perspective to local government. As a young parent raising my family in Greater Shepparton, I am dedicated to representing our vibrant, multicultural community and ensuring that our diverse needs and goals are well-represented. Our community faces significant challenges, including resource management and budget constraints, community engagement and representation, and urban and regional planning. Balancing our budget while meeting rising service demands requires thoughtful management. It is essential to ensure that every voice in our community is heard and included in local decisions. Additionally, we need to manage growth and development carefully while preserving our region’s unique character, addressing issues related to zoning, land use, and infrastructure. With my commitment to inclusive leadership and my active involvement in local volunteer work and support for nonprofits and small businesses, I am well-positioned to advocate for underrepresented groups, promote cost-effective waste management, and enhance historical preservation. By addressing key issues such as waste, rates, and roads, I aim to contribute to the well-being and sustainable growth of our community.

My name is Dinny Adem, I have lived all my life in Greater Shepparton along with a family history of almost a century here. With 12 years of service as a current Councillor, a former Mayor and deputy Mayor, I ask for the privilege to represent you the residents of the Lower Goulburn ward of Greater Shepparton. As the largest town outside Shepparton, Mooroopna is and has always been an integral and historically significant town of the Goulburn Valley. Smaller communities such as Undera, Undera nth, Coomboona and St Germains complete the picture of a true Town and Country ward. Lower Goulburn deserves strong advocacy for secure irrigation water, better flood recovery and mitigation assistance and a much needed second river crossing to name but a few necessities and aspirations. As the gateway to the west for over a hundred and fifty years Mooroopna’s expanding retail and manufacturing base along with its passionate sporting and community organisations need nurturing to continue its success. Together with my experience and commitment to results driven advocacy, we can take the next step in securing our economic growth, affordable housing for the vulnerable and harnessing the competitive advantages throughout the Lower Goulburn ward.

My name is Garry Alexander, I am nominated for the lower goulburn ward for the Greater Shepparton City council elections l am very passionate about mooroopna ,I am true local born and bred here I was educated at Tatura primary school and shepparton south technical school and I represented my school on shepparton junior council ,my family has been involved with the dairy industry for decades as complete 40years at Tatura milk and Bega cheese and three years in retailing , Been involved in apex in Tatura , lions in Tatura and mooroopna and tatura country fire authorities , mooroopna Kiwanis and mooroopna community steering committee My goals if I elected are as follows 1 make our rates go across greater shepparton 2 get projects like Leanne street pumping station and mclennan streetscape plan and Bike jump completed 3 make council accountable I hear to listen to each member of the community ,please give me a chance to be a voice for you and let me shake up current council for you thank you

My name is Kieron Eddy and I've lived in the Goulburn Valley my entire life. A vote for me is a vote to get back to basics and to get back to the core function of local government; roads rates and rubbish. Sure, there's big projects that need to be addressed, but without a conservative approach to the budget, these projects will remain out of reach and the basics will never be fixed. For too long certain members of council have used their position to push an agenda that does not serve the majority, only the minority and as a result, ratepayers are not getting the value for money they deserve. My agenda is simple 1. work to get council budget back to surplus 2. focus on rural communities and smaller towns in the shire to get their fair share 3. advocate for a return to weekly red bin collection 4. make our roads "carworthy" 5. investigate the efficiency of COGS and its departments and 6. above all else, listen listen listen to the community.

Hi, I'm Ben Ladson. I am proud to call Greater Shepparton home, along with my beautiful wife, adorable son, and another bundle of joy on the way. I graduated from Wanganui Park Secondary College, and La Trobe University - Shepparton Campus. My time is mostly spent teaching students with a disability, an immensely rewarding role over the past ten years. I opened Gamer's Resort five years ago, a Greater Shepparton business that provides a great opportunity for me to connect with the local community, and understand pressures on small businesses. My time on council has seen many positive changes, including a reduction to the deficit, a new CEO, endorsing local tender contracts, and officially opening the Vibert Reserve Pavilion. There’s lots of exciting projects evolving in the McEwen Ward, including the design consultation for a $33M sports stadium redevelopment, a new $1.7M BMX pavilion to attract world class events, and a new $24M campus for Verney Road School. Providing strong governance, listening and responding to residents, ensuring residents are getting value for their rates, and delivering the level of services the community deserve and expect are my key objectives. Please Vote 1, Ben Ladson for McEwen Ward. Thank you.

I agree with you, common sense is not always that common at the Council table. Councillors have been forced to accommodate woke agendas and a cancel culture that divides people as opposed to uniting them, and all at the expense of you the rate payer! With your vote I’ll be ‘your voice for common sense’ at the Council table, ensuring transparency, and greater value for your rate money. The McEwan Ward has been home to my family for 100 years! There are beautiful housing estates, retirement living, our premier golf course, the driver training centre, GoTafe education, bushland walking paths, the Goulburn River, natural wetlands, Numurkah Road dynamic businesses and the ever-advancing sports precinct. We’re so lucky that our river and wetlands allow us to get in and around the natural environment which delivers health and wellbeing outcomes for us all. My research confirms that the sports precinct has the potential of delivering a $70 million-dollar economic impact across the Greater Shepparton region, and this will benefit everyone! The McEwan Ward is the jewel in Greater Shepparton’s crown and will play a leading role in the economic health and wellbeing for the region… and ‘common sense’ will lead the way!

Born and raised in Greater Shepparton, I am a lifelong resident who is a proud and passionate supporter of the community. I have raised my family, built my home and grown my business here. Pine Lodge Ward is where I live and where my children go to school. Through my business Everyday Supplies, I have daily contact with residents who offer varied opinions and ideas on what is important to them, their towns, businesses, farms and sporting groups. This has driven my passion to be a genuine community voice for not only our Ward, but Greater Shepparton as a whole. I have grown up on the land, managed big business, worked in finance and sat on many boards and committees so I have the experience and understanding of what is crucial to representing smaller outlying and larger populated areas. I am here to listen, consult and be our voice at the council table. I am a Rotarian, Board Member of Greater Shepparton Business Network, Goulburn Valley Grammar School P&F President, Congupna Primary School Council Member and Congupna Cruzers Soccer Club Delegate. I have the background required and the vision forward to be the Councillor who will make our voice heard.

If elected, my goal is to optimize community spaces and enhance the health and wellbeing of our residents. As a small business owner locally, especially over the last few years has taught me to be adaptable in making decisions as the world around us changes. I have lived locally for 25 years and my wife and I have chosen to raise our two boys in Greater Shepparton. My Values: Transparency in government, open communication and connection with the community as that allows change to happen from a grassroots level. Strong communities are not built by individuals. It is built among individuals, in our homes, streets, neighborhoods, groups and schools. When you vote for me you’ll get a counselor that is focused on local government issues. Learn more on socials @PhillipChua4GS or reach out on 0448715209.

I was raised, schooled and started my career in Shepparton. I live in Katandra West and I am a country boy at heart. The Greater Shepparton City Council (GSCC) is a very large Business. It requires experience & expertise to understand the intricacies of a business this size. I have extensive experience in large corporate business and leadership. I am well versed in handling large Contracts, Tenders, Capital Projects and Key Stakeholder engagement including negotiating with State Governments. This means any issues you have, I will do everything I can to achieve desired outcomes. If there’s something I don’t know I will find the answer for you. I have a passion for sport and have strong & diverse community engagement skills, being a current volunteer for the People Helping People Group in Shepparton, Committee Member of the Katandra Cricket Club, Peer Support Volunteer for Cancer Connect Australia and a Member of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Consumer Engagement Team. The Pinelodge Ward and GSCC need someone who can genuinely represent and understand Rural Townships as well as the entire Council area. I will listen and advocate for the people in the Pine Lodge ward through Action, Integrity, Engagement and Accountability.

I am a dairy farmer at Tallygaroopna and grew up on our family farm at Orrvale on the Broken River. I have spoken to many across the Pine Lodge ward and this is what you told me. Delete the red tape, speed up process, and support local businesses and residents first. We are the very heart of Australia’s food bowl, we grow premium foods and we’re good at it, we must protect the farm water to grow the local economy. We must attract investment to ensure economic prosperity and opportunity. I’ll be your voice at the Council table and ensure that communications and decisions are transparent, fair and in the best interest of all people. The Pine Lodge ward has proudly been my family’s home for 112 years. I have 30 years experience advocating for our region with State and Federal government and have represented the region internationally. I have been elected and appointed to numerous boards, community and sport organisations and these learnings have afforded me invaluable experience and dynamic outcomes. I’m a businessman, farmer, employer and investor in the Pine Lodge Ward. I ask for your vote to assist our community for best outcomes at the Council table.

I am running for Council to shape a vibrant and prosperous future for all of us in Greater Shepparton. As a lifelong resident with a background in research and advocacy, specifically in policy, I have watched our community grow and understand firsthand the challenges we face, from the rising cost of living to our expanding need for better infrastructure. As the youngest graduate of the Fairley Leadership Program and a recipient of the Young Citizen and Young Volunteer of the Year awards, I bring a deep connection to our community and a solid track record of advocacy at the state level. Together, we can ensure that our council represents our collective interests effectively. My campaign is centred on strategic, long-term planning that supports local businesses, maximises the value of our taxpayer dollars, and secures the essential services necessary for our growing population. I am committed to transparency and accountability, pledging to publicly share the reasoning behind every decision and vote, because democracy doesn’t happen behind closed doors. Vote Saxton to elect a council that uses common sense to listen, act, and plan for our future. Let’s build a Greater Shepparton where we all thrive. Contact me at Tom.Saxton@GreaterShepparton.com

Hi, I’m seeking your support as a community representative in the Yanha Gurtji ward. It would be a privilege to serve as a councillor. Currently, I’m a member of Victoria Police with thirty five years service and am in the community engagement team, a role that I love. I did some growing up in Shepparton, attending, St George’s road Primary, Shepparton High and grew up near the Deakin reserve. I’m involved in local performing arts, sporting communities and currently sit on a board(all as a volunteer). I have in the past, been employed as Airlines cabin crew and as an army reservist. Have an interest in, community development and look forward to working with residents. Also, further supporting community group volunteers. In 2022 I completed the Fairley leadership course. I have in the past, served as an elected councillor at Hume, holding youth, arts and cultural portfolios. I have the best interests of community at heart. I am a father and also a grandfather to two beautiful grandkids. I have the knowledge and drive to be an effective councillor and am respectful and approachable. I will actively listen to community and be a measured advocate. Best wishes to all candidates.

I am a Registered Nurse and mother of three, who became your trusted Councillor in 2012. Yahna Gurtji (CBD) is at my front door and is a magnificent place to live and play. It stretches from north to south and contains the heart of Greater Shepparton. As our city grows, it is imperative we keep up with investment, infrastructure, services, employment and culture. I look forward to delivering beneficial community outcomes, whilst not compromising local identity. We must ensure all constituents are empowered through broad communication, under a banner of transparency, collaboration and respect. As a nurse, I will take a public health approach toward Council matters and strive to bridge the gap between organisational goals and community expectations. I am not afraid to challenge the status quo. I voted against changes to bin collection frequency, I did not support removing Australia Day and I objected to clustered social housing in Edward/Maude St. In my time, I have established off leash dog parks, implemented disability access grants and helped install shade sails over playgrounds. This term, I will fight for better connectivity around the rail line, RV friendly infrastructure, a wartime tourism strategy and promotion of our tertiary education precinct.