Horsham Rural City Council election candidates

Local government exists to support everyone in the municipality. Our current structure has not. This is why I am putting my hand up. If elected I will advocate for a council that makes decision in our best interests and strengthens all our communities by fostering a council defined by integrity, transparency, and strong community engagement. This will be through the development of community reference groups, where you can have a say on the future. Like the one I served on in Moonee Valley. I am a small business owner, dedicated to supporting and growing local businesses. We can attract new businesses and push for state and federal support to decentralize operations to our region. The pandemic has shown this is viable, and now is the time to expand job opportunities and drive economic development for the whole municipality. I am suitably qualified, holding a degree in leadership/management, two master degrees in education, a master’s in counselling, and I am completing a doctorate in counselling. My experience includes teaching business management at TAFE and law at the Victoria Police Academy. With my diverse background and commitment to our community, I am committed to moving our municipality towards the future.

My name is Dean O’Loughlin. I have lived and worked in our local region for the majority of my life. With extensive experience from a long career in community services, local government and community development, a vote for me would ensure positive representation for our municipality, greater community consultation, informed decision making, and confident governance. An active part of our community, I will continue to work hard to support greater access to family friendly recreation and social inclusion opportunities for all our local residents. I will offer a fresh outlook to the representation of our community, supporting opportunities for greater economical and capital growth for Horsham and surrounds. With your vote, I look forward to serving you and representing the best interests the local residents, businesses, families and community groups in our municipality.

As a fifth generation, southern Wimmera farmer, now living in Sunnyside, my fiancé and I plan to raise our family locally and spend our lives here. My decision to nominate, was born out of frustration in HRCC operations and processes, and I believe as a 30 year old, this creates an opportunity to inject fresh innovative ideas and viewpoints, ensuring that Council decisions reflect and address community expectations. My ongoing studies in accounting and law afford me an eye for detail to benefit with budgeting and planning for future growth, while maintaining a focus on development that addresses the needs of the community. I advocate for the introduction of fully researched, viable projects and cost-effective delivery of services, that provide benefits to the entire community. Farm life and management, prepares me for hard work and commitment while still having the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whereas skills for respectfully engaging with other Councillors and Community were gained from the HRCC Leadership Program. If elected with your backing, I commit to a focus on supporting financially responsible decisions, a fair rating system and having Community work beside Council to achieve better results for everyone.

Vote 1 HAENEL, Claudia for Horsham North Ward, Horsham Rural City Council. Born and raised in Horsham North and the third generation to have lived on the same street, vote 1 for me because I advocate for: 1. creating economic opportunities to help ease cost of living burdens 2. housing 3. childcare 4. securing funding and resources for youth, families and retirees 5. enhancing accessibility and connectivity 6. developing parks, playgrounds, and meeting places to promote health, well-being, and safety. I firmly believe a prosperous Horsham North leads to the overall progress of the Horsham municipality. Some accomplishments as a current Horsham Rural City Councillor include successfully advocating for the resurfacing under the shade sails at Horsham War Memorial cenotaph, tree and shrub planting with our youth at Horsham Cemetery, establishing Rural Care Week, accountability for our roads and weekly community consultation 'Coffee with Councillor Claudia'. I will provide sustained leadership and collaboration for the new council. With over 20 years of business experience, 13 years in media, and Master of Business Administration studies, I am well-prepared to serve. I ask for your No. 1 vote to give Horsham North the dedicated representation it rightfully deserves. claudiahaenelvote1horsham@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/councillorclaudiahaenel/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/councillor-claudia-haenel-horsham-rural-city-council-1a6b88189

Do we want our Council to be like our state government, Broke? If at every Council meeting a $1m project is passed paid from our rates, then 12 months is $12m and four years is $48m. Where is this money coming from? Your rates and Council reserves. We need to curb spending of project infrastructure and bring it back to supply our needs, and then to carefully consider the wants. We need to ensure our whole community has drivable roads, rates that are not impacting lives, and rubbish that conforms to healthy standards. Private enterprise manages spending according to income earned, government needs to do the same. Our Council must stop spending beyond its means to not be compelled to increase rates. My husband and I have run a farming business and survived through some of the toughest financial hardships with tight fiscal management. I have worked in state and local government, private enterprise and have a good understanding of process and legislation. I have volunteered and helped the community. I believe in honesty, truth and integrity. As a Councillor it would be my legislative responsibility to ensure the whole of the municipality is considered for better outcomes. Phone 0429882223

Hello I have lived within the Horsham Community since 1974 and have had the pleasure to see the ongoing positive development of our community from the Wartook Valley, the surrounds of Natimuk, the Kalkee plains and the regional city of Horsham. Over those years, my community involvement as a volunteer has included different community organisations (Blue Ribbon Foundation, SES, Horsham & District Football Netball league, Grampians Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group) to name a few. It has been a real privilege serving the Horsham community as your Councillor over the past eight years. If re-elected I will be available, transparent and approachable – to provide personal representation to everyone within our vibrant community not only the May Park ward. My fight for a fairer share of State and Federal funding and a fairer rate system for all will continue. My priorities will be business /employment growth, reducing domestic violence / suicide, better educational, medical, recreational facilities and transport opportunities. I believe in family, the strengths of our vibrant community and democratic principles. I stand independent and dedicated to work for the municipality, to listen, consult, and give positive leadership with a clear vision for our future. Vote 1 Les Power 0419922687

My name is Cam McDonald, I am your solid, trustworthy and reliable Candidate for May Park Ward. I am married with 3 adult children. I have operated a small business successfully for 35 years with integrity. My background is in Agriculture Science, Small Business and Outdoor Education. My vision is to restore the community faith in council and advocate for proper community consultations at every step. Real genuine answers to legitimate community concerns and a proper fiscal focus where projects are driven from the community and not dictated to by the council. I want to re-engage the community with the council to help us build a Healthier Happier Future for all our Horsham Residents, and to cement Horsham as the Capital of Victoria's Food Bowl. I bring to you a fresh no nonsense approach to the prospective council table. My priorities will be 1. Make sure road money is spent on roads and not redirected to infrastructure. 2. Helping Small Business in the face of strong economic head winds. 3. Review the "Shopper Stopper" parking meters. 4. More support programs for our youth and seniors. Let's get back to old school respected council values.

I’m standing for election because, while I love Horsham, I believe it can benefit from a reset and a back-to-basics approach. I was born, schooled, and married in Horsham. Our children were born here, and my parents are buried here. I’ve attended many council meetings, and I’ve worked in various roles. These include in pubs, at Centrelink, and CFA. I’ve also served as a CEO, Shire Administration Manager, and relieving Shire Services Manager. My role as a School Business Manager involved developing, and responsibly managing a large multi-million-dollar budget. With a collaborative leadership style that promotes unity and inclusion, I have successfully managed diverse groups, communities, and complex challenges. My skills in people and change management, combined with a strong commitment to integrity, effective communication, and community service, reflect my genuine care for people. I believe in building trust through honest conversations and actively engaging with the community, focusing on practical solutions that address real concerns. I will do my best to represent the voices and interests of the Oatlands Ward, ensuring their issues and ideas are considered in the broader discussions for the entire municipality. I’d like to work with you for a better Horsham.

My name is Dylan Hesselberg and I stand for community. The lifeblood of any community is its people. You. Us. Relatively new to Horsham but not to country living, and an advocate for regional Australia, I am passionate about making our local community a better place for all residents. Politics is a vehicle through which every voice should be heard and the community's needs prioritised in decision-making. I ask this election that you entrust the driver's seat of this vehicle to me for a term. My professional background in Civil Engineering, Project Management and the work I’ve done in strategic leadership roles within various state government departments and local government authorities affords me the skills, experience and an appreciation of the workings of government necessary to address our community’s challenges with courage and conviction. My key priorities include improving infrastructure, supporting local trade, promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing community engagement. I believe in fostering a vibrant community where families can thrive, and businesses can flourish. I am committed to making the Rural City of Horsham an even more desirable place to visit, live, work and raise a family. If elected, I'm determined to bring positive change to our community.

You may not be into local government and all the issues that go to making our community a great place to live, but I am passionate about it and eager to represent you on the Horsham Rural City Council. As a long-term resident of Oatlands Ward, where I’ve lived since 1997, I understand the challenges and opportunities in our ward. I believe in the power of putting community interests first, guided by transparency, inclusivity, practical solutions, and a commitment to listening to what matters most to you. My approach focuses on making decisions based on facts, data, and community feedback, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. I’m dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, enhancing essential services, and improving our local infrastructure to make Oatlands Ward and Horsham Rural City an even better place to live. On your behalf, I am committed to pushing for improved community consultation, engagement, communication and governance within the council. By prioritizing what’s best for our community and working together, I believe we can achieve shared progress that benefits everyone in Oatlands Ward and beyond. Vote 1 David Bowe

Hi. My name is Michael Bond and I am running for council. I have been in the area all my life and have been involved with various sporting groups and organisations, both as a participant and as a parent. As a farmer, part time now, and Post Contractor I get to see a lot of the area on a daily basis. I feel it is way past time to get some common sense back in to council. This area is rich in history and natural beauty making it ideal for tourism. It is perfectly situated for industry and commerce. There is much council can do to foster appropriate development and invigorate the local economy so that we all benefit. I will come in to council with no affiliations or personal agenda other than to do my best to listen to the whole community and advocate on their behalf and in their best interest. Suggestions and ideas on how we can achieve these outcomes are more than welcome. Thank you for your time and, hopefully, your vote.

HRCC must improve its decision-making by prioritising with sound governance, including cost-benefit analysis, risk management, and meaningful community engagement. Major projects are being undertaken without these crucial elements, and the community must be consulted before significant decisions are made, eg parking meters and wombat crossings, mining at the WIFT. Our rural roads are in a poor state, with gravel roads not maintained to a safe, drivable standard. A significant increase in funding is needed to address this. Additionally, our outer communities require better planning and strategies to improve the entire municipality. I have deep roots in this area. I farm with my wife and raised our family in an isolated corner of HRCC. I was locally educated, studied at Longerenong, and then returned to the family farm with many challenging circumstances. My community involvement includes playing for local football and cricket teams, 19 years in Apex, local churches, 12 years as Director on the GHCMA, and past Chair of my local VFF. I am currently Chair of the Kanagulk Landcare Group and have been an active CFA member for 46 years. I am independent with no political affiliations, and am committed to representing our whole community. Phone: 0409330603

My name is Toby Haynes. My wife and I moved to Horsham in 2018 because we fell in love with the area and the amenities it has to offer. I believe Horsham to be the best place in Victoria to live and I am passionate to see it grow in a way that is a win for everyone involved. I have worked in the state government and other corporate environments. I have also worked with my hands, outdoors and all over Victoria. I currently hold a leadership position within one of the local schools. If elected, I would work towards a more efficient council, reduce unnecessary spending and achieve outcomes that the whole community can enjoy. I work hard and smart to find the best possible outcome when faced with hard choices. We are in a time where there is a great need for genuine leadership that can help ease the cost of living crisis and I strongly believe I am the leader to achieve that.