Latrobe City Council election candidates

As an experienced Councillor and Mayor, I have had the privilege of serving our community. I have worked alongside many community members in our towns large and small who, like me, believe that a bright and prosperous future can only be built by harnessing our communities’ unique skills, talents and strengths. I have had a leadership role in our shared industry transition and advocacy work that has resulted in investment in infrastructure and development projects that have further enhanced our community. As a lifelong Latrobe Valley local, I take great pride in our past and the opportunities that generations of diverse community members have created. I will continue to communicate clearly and ensure that our community’s voice is not only heard but amplified as the driver of change and opportunity at all levels of government. As a proven leader in health, regional development and community, I will continue to advocate for strong economic growth, local jobs, educational opportunities, and enhanced health and wellbeing support and access. I will stand up for what's right and be strong in voicing our communities’ collective aspirations. I value my trusted relationships with our community and hope to continue our important work together.

Hi my name is David Barnes - but you probably know me as Barnesy from The Glen Pub. I am running because I think council needs to get back to basic and have successful business people looking after your rate monies. This council has not looked after local industries like the timber industry which has cost us hundreds if not thousands of jobs ifs time to put our focus back on local issues and look after our local roads, jobs, reserves and keep our rates lower. If you ask anyone that knows me they will tell you that I am committed to the local community and have volunteered on both in person and advise on many occasions. When in business I ensured that I employed local people and supported many local clubs such as primary school, football club, fishing club, mothers day classic for breast cancer, heart research, scouts, fire brigade just to name a few. Vote 1 for Barnesy

It's time for change. It’s time to get on with the job and focus on working for the community, local business, the environment and creating a thriving place to live and work. I was fortunate to have grown up in our community with five generations of my family proudly calling Budgeree home. My dedication to community engagement is paramount, ensuring that the voices of our rural communities and towns are heard and their needs prioritised. After narrowly missing out in the 2020 election, I am more determined than ever to make a meaningful impact. I bring extensive experience to the table, with years of working and volunteering in the community, including roles at Lifeline and as Secretary of Budgeree Hall. My focus is on creating jobs, pushing for public toilets in Churchill, and prioritizing a bike path connecting Boolarra, Yinnar, Churchill, and Morwell. I will advocate for allocating Hazelwood House funds to local projects and a stronger police presence and 24-hour station in Churchill. I am a leader who will get on with the job, advocate for the community, listen to your concerns, fill the role with passion and positivity and represent the whole community. Vote 1 Leanne Potter

I have decided to reverse my decision and run for re-election in the Budgeree Ward. I have a strong record of genuine care for our community and have consistently made sound decisions for Latrobe City and our ward. My career began and continues with hard work and commitment. Growing up in a low economic area and at 48 as a single mother, I have gained valuable lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges families face. My qualifications include diplomas of community services, counselling, not-for-profit governance and an advanced diploma in applied science. These have served our community effectively. I am also a graduate of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program. Industries I have worked in include Manufacturing, Agriculture, Social Services and Emergency Relief. If re-elected, I will focus on creating renewed opportunities in employment and improving infrastructure in Latrobe City. I will prioritise rates, road maintenance, maternal health services, animal management, town planning, waste management, and sustainable budgetary outcomes. As the current sitting councillor of the Budgeree Ward, I believe that I can continue to make a positive impact on our community. I humbly ask for your vote to continue the hard work I have already begun.

It’s all about community for me, which is why I should be your Councilor. I have been involved with community groups such as the Ratepayers Association, University Advisory Committee, District Associations, and Community Committees. I have served on committees of sporting clubs and associations involving cricket, football, volleyball, and table tennis. I have worked in many industries throughout my career, such as mining, power, timber, education, and farming. Enabling me to see the struggles of each industry, but the value they add to our community. I’m keen to maintain and improve the success of our arts Centre, libraries, recreational facilities, and waste management facilities. As your Councilor, I would focus on improvements that can be made to our car parks, streets, footpaths, and public areas. Through community consultation and engagement, I believe that the council can create plans and make decisions to take us forward and give Latrobe City the best future for us and our children. Influencing, attracting, and retaining businesses in Latrobe, enabling prosperity and success. I have lived in Latrobe all my life. I’m married, with two children, and three grandchildren. Nothing is more important than family, friends, and community. Vote 1 Peter Duncan to represent you.

I have lived in Traralgon most of my life and have worked tirelessly for the community. One project I fought hard for was the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre. I lobbied for 2 years each and every week to Politicians on all levels for this facility even when others thought it was impossible, I kept going as we deserved this. It worked, we now have this great facility. I am a Professional Bookkeeper, so I know how to make our dollar go further and in these times, this skill is very important to keep rates down. I have also been Treasurer on many Boards and Community Groups helping our town & region. I have watched what has been happening with our Town over the last 4 years and I believe we deserve better. Not good enough not to support the Timber Industry that employs many in our Town, not good enough changing the Governance Policy giving the CEO the right to veto Notice of Motions. I believe we need and deserve stronger representation. We need economical & social inclusion which we are lacking. I have the track record of tirelessly working for you, so Vote 1 Joanne Campbell

I am thrilled to announce my Independent candidacy for Councillor in the LaTrobe Council. Vote for Alexander Maidana. I am not here to be handpicked by bureaucrats, I am here to be elected by you. As a resident of Hazelwood North, Store Manager of a retail store, I am deeply connected to our community. I understand our challenges --and, more importantly, how to address them. Let's cut through the noise of empty promises and focus on what truly matters: real accountability for what has not been delivered. Choosing the same gets us the same. We can break this cycle together and forge a brighter, more promising future for Gippsland. Your trust is essential, and I am committed to bringing factual, actionable change to our community.

My name is Paul Howden. I have been a resident of Traralgon for 20 years and love the area. My goal as a Councillor will be to return the focus of council to local issues affecting local people not global issues. Focusing not only on the three R's Road Rates and Rubbish and child health but future employment prospects for the municipality and working with State and Federal governments where possible to achieve this. This includes the possibility of nuclear energy in the valley if the opportunity exists in the future if Federal policy changes. It is my belief that renewables do not supply long term employment. There has been a lack of support for local rural industries and this needs to change. I believe in allocating council resources fairly across all towns within Latrobe City and should focus on improving local amenities and affordable access for child and maternal health and kindergartens. I urge you to vote 1 Paul Howden and 2 Dale Harriman to advance Latrobe City.

Thank you for giving me a chance to run for council in the region of Loy Yang. Born, bred and still living in the Loy Yang ward of Traralgon, I know the potential this community has to offer. With your support, I will work hard on local issues, tirelessly promoting our region, helping strengthen our local businesses, schools, sporting and recreational organisations. I am currently serving as the president of the Cowwarr Football & Netball club, and have been involved in sporting organisations my whole life, so I realise the value of local sporting and recreational clubs.

I will continue to get council to focus on its basic services not run political or personal agendas. Focus on lowering rates, maintaining roads, keeping facilities clean and usable and maintaining our reserves and parks. I have spent the last 4 years on council fighting for this and to support or Native Timber and coal Industry jobs .For too long Council has kept quiet while our local jobs and economy disappears and families are forced to move away. I will also push to have more land made available for housing so that we aren't faced with every increasing house prices and rents , so people can afford to live . We have a great community but have been let down by some of our representatives over the past 8 years . I will continue to push local issues and support local jobs and keep the focus of council local , not appeasing those from inner city Melbourne. Let me be your voice so that council focus is firmly on roads , rates, rubbish and reserves ! Vote 1 Dale Harriman for a local voice committed to our local area.

I have decided to run for local Council this being the second time. I firmly believe that Council regularly requires new faces with fresh ideas into the role. In running for Council I believe that you need to be community minded and a team player. Working as a team of nine you are required to work together to improve the region as a whole. I am running as an individual who has no business interests of my own. In this role I will endeavour to represent Moe and its people vigorously and with transparency. I intend to continue to be very approachable to discuss all peoples individual concerns as they are brought to our attention. I also believe that Council needs to focus on our core business, this being local roads, parks and reserves and no rate increases. We have to continue to evolve and improve our already great region. My personal background involves having served in the Royal Australian Navy. I have also worked in the Disability sector, Hospitality and law enforcement. I am currently working in a Government role. My current community involvement includes being a member of the Moe Lions Club, Morwell CFA community level AFL umpire.

People before politics is what I believe in. I am proud to live and work in our community that is so caring and resilient. A vote for me will mean that I will continue to build on that community-minded spirit that we are so known for. I guarantee I will always vote and advocate for whatever is in the best interests of the majority of our residents. I have no business of my own, and I am not affiliated with any political party so the interests of all businesses and our community will all be important to me. I will continue to be approachable by holding regular public drop-in sessions, in convenient easily accessible places so I can listen to your concerns. As your Councillor I will work tirelessly to help our community to prosper and grow, as we deserve it. A vote for me will mean you are electing a genuine open minded and enthusiastic councillor that will always put your best interests first, as I truly believe in putting you the community first before politics. Vote 1 Adele Pugsley Moe Ward.

Married with children and grandchildren, I am an integral part of the local church. In nominating as Councillor for Morwell River Ward, I can be entrusted as a valued leader of Latrobe City. I believe a new vision can enrich the lives of families. Together we can rebuild a united community. As a governance team, restoring order to Council business and investment in both human and commercial capital should be of great importance. To share the desire to live in a healthy and supportive environment for generations to come is a worthwhile and achievable goal. Vote Dorothy Long 1

Hello to all of the people of the Morwell River Ward, my name is John Ellingham, I have lived, worked and volunteered in our community for all of my life. I am now retired having previously worked for an extensive period in most of the power stations in the Latrobe Valley and more recently managing a local legal firm. With my wife Pam we have three adult girls. Over my lifetime I've volunteered on both the Morwell Park and Kurnai school councils, the Morwell Community Health Centre, Latrobe Credit Cooperative, LV Life Education committee, LifeLine Counsellor. I'm currently on the Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service (GRICS), committee of Latrobe Valley's Biggest Blokes BBQ, Australia Overseas Foundation and Community Member Acid Battery Community Liaison Committee. I have a keen interest in fitness spending time riding my pushbike throughout the Latrobe area. I have an interest in men's health, particularly prostate cancer. I have a very keen interest in our community and genuinely believe if you want your community to succeed and develop then you have to be prepared not only to speak up when you see things needing to be fixed but be prepared to positively be involved.

As the current Deputy Mayor and a Councillor for Latrobe City, I am seeking re-election in 2024 as Councillor for the Morwell River Ward. During my time on council, I have championed initiatives such as the introduction of a hard rubbish collection service and the development of a social housing strategy. I have a proven record of standing up against inequality and injustice. I believe in a council that listens, takes action, and operates as a respectful inclusive team. For the past 12 years, my role as Manager of Morwell Neighbourhood House has embedded me in the heart of Morwell. This position has allowed me the privilege to understand and advocate for our community's needs and aspirations, shaping my commitment to delivering meaningful, community-driven change. My connection to the people of Morwell is at the core of everything I do. As we face the challenges and opportunities brought by transition of both our energy systems and economy, I will advocate for a future that benefits everyone in our community. I will continue to be a strong advocate for open dialogue and transparent decision-making, making sure that the needs and concerns of our community are always at the forefront of representation.

I have a proven track record of delivering great outcomes for our community, I work well with the community, council staff and other Councillors. Together, we have successfully built a new performing arts centre, new aquatic centre, expanded basketball facilities, lighting upgrades, new paths and tracks and other various projects across our City. Currently, we are enhancing the Seymour St Carpark and planning a new four level carpark between Kay and Grey Streets, creating an additional 400 car spaces. I have chaired the project working group for the design for the new pavilion at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve, which will begin construction in 2025. My service as a Councillor, and as your Mayor for the past 12 months, has allowed me to work closely with you to achieve significant milestones. Looking ahead, my focus will be on creating jobs and fostering economic development. I am proud of the progress we have made and committed to continuing to make Latrobe City a great place to live, work, invest, and visit. I am keen to continue serving with dedication and passion. Vote One: Darren Howe

Hello, I'm David Little and I am running for the position of council member. By voting for me, you will have a dedicated community advocate to represent your interests in local governance. I am committed to prioritizing the management of rates and government funding to benefit our community. My objectives are: 1. Develop a regional employment strategy to facilitate the transition from current fossil fuel power generation to renewable energy resources. 2. Enhance flood mitigation and response efforts in various areas within the municipality. 3. Provide inclusive support for all members of the community, irrespective of age or special needs. 4. Foster the growth of sporting and education organizations by improving infrastructure. 5. Continuously improve essential council services such as footpath, roads, stormwater, street lighting, waste collection, health and safety concerns. I have deep roots in our community, with a strong background as a Mechanical Engineer and extensive experience working in various organizations. I am also passionate about supporting community sporting groups. I believe that with fresh perspectives and your support, we can address the major deficiencies in our community over the next four years. Thank you for considering my candidacy and hope to have your support in this endeavor.

Local government has a huge impact on our day-to-day lives, from playgrounds to potholes, public health to performing arts. I’m running for Yallourn Ward because I believe in our civic responsibility to create positive change. A proud resident of Morwell, my goal is to create healthy, resilient communities and deliver powerful, sustainable change locally – ensuring a strong future for generations to come. I want a Latrobe City that is vibrant, connected, and centred around community needs, that’s safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all. We deserve a council that represents our diverse community. I will prioritise equity of service provision and infrastructure, focus on sustainable planning for our growing population and the value of our arts, culture, and heritage. I will be a voice for young people and workers as our region’s economy and identity transition. I want the people of Yallourn Ward to have equal opportunities to connect, succeed, gain meaningful employment, and pursue their passions. I bring a unique perspective as a community worker and an active volunteer with a background in performing arts and policy development. I’m committed to listening to and advocating for our community, and working collaboratively to achieve fair, just outcomes for all.

Most residents in the new Yallourn Ward (including half of Morwell) were previously within Council’s Central Ward, where I have represented you as your local Councillor for many years. I respectfully ask your support to continue to represent you. The decline in power/coal and paper/timber jobs will continue to hurt our community. You may be aware of my ongoing efforts to have Council stand up to State and Federal governments to honour promised replacement jobs - this continues to be my unrelenting mission. I do everything in my power to ensure residents are treated fairly and feel included in Council plans so that Latrobe City is a great place to live, raise a family, and retire in. In a cost-of-living crisis I want to ensure Council services to residents do not suffer, and that recreation facilities are maintained and regularly improved. Examples of projects relevant to your area that I have initiated and championed include the Morwell-Yallourn North-Moe Rail Trail and expansion of Toners Lane Reserve, as well as opening more land for housing. I hope you see me as an experienced, steady pair of hands who remains passionate about our community of Latrobe City, Morwell and Yallourn North.