Mildura Rural City Council election candidates

Currently 26 years of age, born and raised in the Mildura area with up to 5 generations of family history here. I've spent 5 years working in retail, which is the third largest employing industry in the Mildura area. Of that time I've spent over half of those years in positions of management and leadership. My reason here as a candidate running for council is to encourage responsible effective leadership and to attempt to deal with, even if only in a small way the ever growing issues that are affecting us today. The policies I am standing for to support are, improvements to public transport and infrastructure, including support to return the passenger train. Community groups, spaces and events to encourage new community and social connections. Efforts dealing with the changing climate through disaster mitigation and take action to help conserve both our native environment and climate. Promotion of economic growth for both businesses and individuals, this includes supporting reforms to our rates system to help keep the financial burden lower on the majority of households during the current cost of living crisis. I aim to lead this area to see it grow and develop. Vote 1 Eric Baumann.

Thank you for considering me as your City Gate Ward Mildura Rural City Councillor. I stand for community values and healthy development. Having lived here for over 20 years, I can see how wonderful our LGA can be, and the opportunities for improvement. I was a founding member of the Sunraysia Mallee Suicide Prevention Network and am currently on the Consumer Advisory Committee for the Mildura Public Base Hospital. I play Eightball with the Sunraysia Eightball Association and love enjoying local arts and community events. I am excited to get behind the programs that are working and change the ones that aren't. I can't wait to be a part of a team that will build on what we already have to make MRCC a more vibrant, supportive and inclusive community. Let's work with the local police to prevent the incidents of crime, as well as working on programs to prevent crime in the first place. As a dedicated secondary school teacher, I am hopeful that our future citizens will contribute to our wider community in a positive way and am willing and able to show them how. Vote 1 for fresh perspectives. Vote 1 Katie Clements.

I’m honored to be your candidate. I’ve raised two wonderful children and own a successful business in this Ward. I’ve been a councilor since 2019, including twice as your Deputy Mayor. I’ve been consistently showing up for my community since well before this time, serving on each school council my children attended, volunteering broadly, including tourism, arts and community organisations, and producing events across Australia leading to national and state recognition for my work. As an effective Councilor I have gained a reputation for integrity and results; asking hard questions and making tough decisions because it’s the right thing to do. I work hard for the people of the region not for personal power. As a long-time resident and former teacher, I know the challenges we face and my priorities include affordable housing, better services, removing obstacles to progress, sustainable growth, event driven tourism, investing in our youth and rate reform. My family arrived in the Mallee over 100 years ago. I grew up here, returning with my own family. I will continue showing up for you with enthusiasm and dedication to make Mildura an even better place. I am committed to listening. Tell me what matters to you: hello@helenhealy.com

My name is Liam Wood and I am passionate about our region and its future. I have a proven track record for working hard for better outcomes for Mildura. I have been the Mayor for the last 3 years. I have made sure there is a more collaborative approach between community, council and councillors. The next four years is a very exciting time for our community but we need strong leadership with strategic long term direction to make sure our region gets the maximum benefit. Key points I want to focus on are: - Grow the local economy - Support industry diversification - Attract major events - increase tourism - Respond to cost of living pressures - Lead by listening I have lived in the Henderson ward for 17 years and will continue to work tirelessly for our community. Please vote for me to create a better future for our region and its great people.

My name is Rohan, and I’m running for council in the Kings Billabong Ward because I believe in the strength of our community and the importance of development. With experience in not-for-profit, arts, events, education, and health, I’ve committed my career to achieving outcomes that benefit our region. Growing up here, I’ve always been actively involved in our community, from my time with the arts and festivals to participating in bands, cubs, scouts, and local sports. These experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of civic pride and a commitment to giving back. As a resident and business owner in Red Cliffs, and through my involvement in community groups and boards such as Regional Arts Victoria and the Red Cliffs Focus Group, Northern Mallee Leaders, to name a few, I’ve always worked to support our region’s growth and cultural development. Dedicated to being a voice for the whole municipality, but specifically the Kings Billabong Ward ensuring our region continues to grow and prosper. I ask for your vote so that together, we can build a future that reflects the values and aspirations of our community.

I am standing as a 30 year resident of the Kings Billabong Ward, born in the ward, as was my father. As a Councillor I have been instrumental in Council acquiring the old Nichols Point School site, the Merbein South School site, expanding the Red Cliffs drainage system to allow for more development, the upgrade and standardisation of the Mildura to Melbourne rail line and also the expansion of Koorlong Township. I have a strong vision for the future of the Ward and the MRCC region. Red Cliffs is ideally situated to have a freight and passenger transport complex built on the edge of the town as well as a new bridge over the Murray at Karadoc to allow for more efficient freight and eventually passenger services. The Cliffs at Red Cliffs and Kings Billabong have huge tourism potential for tourism which is largely untapped, along with Hattah and the Mallee track. As a Councillor I have listened to the public, I stand up for the public and I am fully committed to my community. I am always happy to be contacted by ratepayers with issues they wish to discuss, my phone number is 0409521886. Please Vote 1 Glenn Milne.

As a regional city in Victoria we must fight for our share of basic services, state and federal governments may have forgotten us, but we will survive and prosper. The cost of living pressures must be acknowledged and factored into all council decisions, the community's ability to pay higher Rates is at its limits, we must now reduce council expenditure. The cost of waste management is out of control, this council needs to priorities the collection of waste before trying to prevent it, if you need a bigger red bin you should get it. The safety of our streets and CBD must be a priority, we need to see more of the police rather than watch them drive by. Sunraysia must be a destination for tourism, businesses and families, this can only occur if we have financial stability, incentives to invest, housing supply, lower home owner costs and reduced local government bureaucracy. I was born here and have never left, I love this town, I have lived in the Lake Ranfurly ward for 30+ years. I will continue to fight to improve access to local services, provide more options for recreation and improve safety on our streets.

I have lived in this electoral ward for eight years, raising my two children here. As a committed member of this community, I believe my extensive leadership experience as a CEO, board director, and academic will allow me to serve as a highly effective councilor. With over 15 years of executive management experience, including my role as CEO of the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative, I have a proven track record in driving positive change across community-based organizations. I have chaired and served on several governance, finance, and risk committees, giving me a deep understanding of how to ensure accountability, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning. My academic background includes a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Human Rights Law, and extensive governance training. I’ve led initiatives focused on mental health, youth justice, and employment, always ensuring that community needs are at the forefront. As a councilor, I will work to create inclusive and sustainable policies that benefit all residents, support families, and improve local infrastructure, drawing on my experience to advocate effectively for our community’s future.

I will represent you with energy and determination. I have the skills to work for you with enthusiasm and dedication. I understand the business of council and its management issues. I don’t like making idle promises but will work hard to make Mildura an even better place. Over the last four years I have contributed to the development of the riverfront with the beautiful Powerhouse. Through my work in tourism and economic development I instigated the Light Project for Lock Island which will be the biggest tourism project ever undertaken locally. Importantly, I supported the rate reduction for residents and will continue to advocate for restraint and savings whenever possible. This must include efforts to reduce what goes into landfill because the state governments rules cost us real money. I have been passionate about the arts and culture over three decades and have contributed to many organisations from the establishment of Arts Mildura to working with the Hospital Foundation and much more in between. I want to make Mildura an exciting place as I would like my children and other young professionals to consider it a dynamic place to return to and raise their family.

I'm a mum, wife, lawyer, social worker, business owner, former Councillor & Deputy Mayor, and former Independent State MP. I know our community well. I lived in Mildura until I was 5, Irymple until I was 13, Sunnycliffs until I was 19 and Birdwoodton for two stints in between. I purchased my first home in Mildura at 27 and my second home in Nichols Point at 39. How do you choose one ward when you're connected to them all? Ultimately, my choice was practical and symbolic. Mildura Wetlands Ward is located at the epicentre of our municipality. It's comprised largely of the people I know best – residents and families. I work with families every day. Their needs drive my professional and political work. If elected, I would fight for local roads and public transport including passenger rail, for better disability and autism support, for a whole-of-council approach to children and young people, for a Kittyhawk Museum honouring our war history, and for regional rate reform, to address a major, local cost-of-living pressure. As State MP, I secured record investment for health, sport, housing, tourism, roads and schools. As Councillor for Mildura Wetlands Ward, I would fight just as hard. www.cupper4council.com.au.

My name is David Esposito and I'm running for local council in the Mildura Wetlands ward. I currently live in the ward and have done so for the past 28 years, I believe in my community and the importance of a strong, transparent and inclusive governance. My Priorities include 1. Improving Local Infrastructure which includes better roads, safer streets and well-maintained public spaces that reflect the pride we have in our community. An example of this is the 16th st and Deakin ave intersection and the dangers that intersection imposes over many years and the beautification of common spaces ie: the Wetlands creating a more family friendly space. 2. Helping small business in our community to success. 3. Environmental Sustainability: I am committed to promoting green initiatives that will protect our environment for future generations. This includes supporting sustainable development practices, improving public transportation. 4. Community Engagement: I will ensure that all voices are heard and being accessible to residents through various channels. I am dedicated to building a community where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered. I ask for your support to bring positive change to our community. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

As a third-generation resident, viticulturist and small business owner of the Millewa Ward, I am passionate about the future of our region. This is my third campaign and my ideas to grow our region remain the same. Supporting family farms, primary industries and local businesses which form the backbone of our community. These enterprises will sustain health services, community groups and schools, and are key to the growth of recreational grounds and sporting clubs. Council needs to reduce rates and accumulate/consolidate assets. We need foresight to maintain/upgrade, and build infrastructure and utilities, while attracting processing and manufacturing industries to our region. Prioritise the Fourteenth Street extension, linking Merbein and Mildura. Lakes Hawthorn and Ranfurly are untapped community and tourism assets that should be developed for greater enjoyment. Tourists need a quick and affordable way to get here. Our airport needs direct multiple ports to include national/international routes for passengers and freight. In 2024, it’s unacceptable that we still lack a passenger train. We must also prepare to meet the needs of our ageing population with higher standards of care and accommodation. We have so much potential. If elected, I will advocate honestly for the Millewa Ward and entire MRCC region.

I am a 3rd generation Dry land farmer at Werrimull, in the Millewa. I am a father of three children and my partner is a Doctor of Anthropology. I have been on two individual State Boards, involved primarily with Animal Health and Welfare, including Legislation, and Landcare, where I recently received a Highly Commended State Award for my contribution to Landcare. I have been a Councillor during the current term and have represented a conservative and well considered point of view towards providing benefit to community members across our entire municipality. I have and will continue to restrain Council Rate increases, arguing that the system is broken and cannot continue in its current form. I lived at Birdwoodton for 12 years and maintain, that Merbein and surrounds, is a significant community with an existing town centre which deserves more consideration and should be treated with higher priority. I also believe that poor Mental Health is a significant issue in our Municipality and needs far greater attention and support, which I have been and will continue to advocate for. I greatly appreciate your vote. Please vote according to my voting preferences.

My vision for Mildura is to provide a more transparent and accountable Council which is willing to listen to its community without services being restricted. Providing our Senior members with matters concerning accessing services, transport and healthcare, allowing them to have the ability to contribute meaningfully to our community. Support our Youth, be a guiding force within our region addressing issues such as unemployment, drug addiction, youth suicide and mental health. Our Children Our Future. A voice for our Growers on issues with regards to ever increasing rates and water security, the existing MOIA scheme and property restrictions. Growing a Community with a long term vision to boost tourism, local business, the motorsport complex: while maintaining respect to our heritage, history and multicultural community. My plan is to work closely with the community having a common sense approach, covering all our municipality near and far without political or activist affiliations. Its time for fresh faces who will work for the people, with the people, to be the heart for the people. Vote1 Julie Waters

My name is Annette Lambert, i am a third generation farmer in the Millewa with my husband and three children, I have been an advocate in local community groups and organisations for over 30 years. With your vote my priorities start with the connectivity of our community, in particular supporting rural people with access to health care, education and social opportunities. I will hold Council management accountable for their performance and spending within their departments and advocate for a fairer rates system for all. I will challenge the overall expenditure of council and priorities the communities aspirations. I am also passionate about our environment and support sustainable farming in all primary production industries. I will work hard to challenge state laws that directly impact our rural communities. I will strive to hold community expectations to a high level and have your issues addressed across the whole municipality. I love the Millewa as much as you do, please support me to be the voice for our region.

My priorities are. Fairer rating system for all. Holding all levels of council management accountable for spending and performance in their departments. Pushing back against red/ green tape and state laws that are not in the interests of our local community. Road maintenance for rural and urban roads

I am running for a position on the Mildura Rural City Council, representing Millewa Ward. As an active member of this community, I am committed to making positive changes that benefit us all. With a background in community work and health promotion, including serving as Chair of the Board of Rights Information Advocacy Centre and Secretary of the Merbein Development Association (MDA), I can bring to Council a unique blend of skills in leadership, advocacy, problem-solving, and community engagement. In my role as secretary of MDA, I secured council funding for the Merbein Library Hub play area and led the Merbein Pedestrian Safety Petition. Millewa Ward encompasses a vast range of unique small communities from the Merbein township, through to Lake Cullulleraine and our strong farming communities which are the foundation of the Millewa region. As a resident of this diverse Ward, I understand the importance of all the communities in the Ward being heard. These include ensuring that our diverse and growing population has access to the necessary infrastructure and services to thrive and making our community spaces accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Together, let's build a stronger, more inclusive community where every voice is heard.

Nowingi Ward, a location I’ve been associated with for over 40 years. I assisted in raising 3 children in Eunvea Drive sending them to St Pauls School. I spent some of my childhood in Magnolia Avenue. My contribution to this Ward stretches 20 years and as your current Deputy Mayor and past Mayor. I will work toward residential growth, thoughtful use of the Recreation Reserve and George Chaffey Bridge approach with the continued Marina development. Consisting of scenic river views, entertainment facility and residential precinct. My community & industry consultation will continue for the opportunity of a 5 Star Hotel Convention Centre on Nowingi Parking site. During the Rate review, I was a strong advocate for reducing the percentage of residential rate 2022/23 budget and will continue to work towards equity in the rating system. I value the critical importance of Health services, Aged care, education and housing. This Ward relies on the wellbeing & financial sustainability of the whole municipality. My experience with the on-going current strategies, Industrial Land Use, Integrated Transport Land Use & update the 2040 Vision all to be delivered in the next council. I’m approachable, experienced, challenging today and building for tomorrow. White Ribbon Ambassador

Living in Nowingi Place means that I shop here, I eat here, and I understand the challenges people face. I live it, and I can bring that local experience to council. Leadership to me means modeling respect, communication, and collaboration — with fellow Councillors, council staff, and the community. While my experience as a scientist, Councillor, and community member means that I bring a structured, evidence-based approach to decision-making, grounded in facts and careful consideration of all viewpoints. I have big aspirations for our future, but we can’t achieve them without getting Council culture right first. Effective councils thrive on collaboration, not political power-broking. A council divided by political allegiances will struggle internally and fail to meet community expectations. I’m committed to continuing to apply a team approach to council if I'm re-elected, working towards a shared vision for the future of Mildura and Nowingi Place. In 2020, I promised to prioritise economic diversity, and I’m proud that diversifying our economy is now one of Council’s core aims — an example of what teamwork and shared purpose can achieve. Together, we can shift the focus from the politics to building a thriving, connected community and a better future.