Northern Grampians Shire Council election candidates

Having lived in this great community for around 35 years, I have deep roots here. I am married to a local and am proud that our two sons attended Stawell West Primary School and Stawell Secondary College. My professional background spans a variety of roles, reflecting my commitment to serving and enriching our community. I have worked as a secondary school teacher and chaplain, owned and operated the Pomonal Store, managed the Stawell Neighbourhood House, and taught piano. Additionally, I have served as a civil celebrant and am now semi-retired. I am passionate about the wellbeing of all community members, regardless of their age, ability, or location within our Shire. I am deeply invested in preserving our environment and ensuring that we are well-prepared to respond positively to the impacts of climate change. Good governance and active democracy are principles I hold dear, believing that local government, being the closest level of government to the community, plays a crucial role in our daily lives. Talk to me for I would love to represent your views and promote your ideas. Vote 1 Jenny Greenberger for integrity and respect on Council.

I was born in Stawell and have lived and worked here in NGS all my life. I am married, have two daughters and eight grandchildren. I have been involved with many community and sporting organisations ever since being a young student, committed to making our community as safe and as strong as it can be; a good place to live, work and enjoy. If elected I will be supporting improvements to our roads and bridges, as well as maintaining our streets and parks. I will be supporting jobs, either growing local businesses or supporting new enterprises. Times are tough. I will work for prudent financial management and efficient delivery of services. Housing is short and I will support building of additional housing of various types. I will support keeping our towns clean and attractive to make locals proud and to entice visitors. I am passionate about listening to those who have issues to be addressed, or ideas to be discussed, and for working diligently, honestly and with integrity to achieve good outcomes for people in the Shire. I believe I have the passion, enthusiasm, knowledge and skills required to represent the people of the Central Ward. Vote 1 Kevin Erwin.

Isn't it about time we brought Northern Grampians Shire Council into the 21st century, with true community representation? As a first-term councillor, I’ve been dedicated to ensuring every voice is heard through genuine engagement and transparency. I’m passionate about our shire and focused on creating a thriving future for all. Known for my advocacy for equality and diversity, I operate with the community’s best interests at heart. My “Coffee with a Councillor” sessions and regular updates demonstrate my commitment to keeping you informed and involved. My priorities include increasing housing supply, fostering economic development, and maintaining essential services for all ages. Good governance is crucial, and I champion transparency and strong financial management. I’ve enjoyed serving as your councillor but I still have so much more to give. I seek your support for re-election to continue building a collaborative, inclusive, and community-centered council. Vote 1 Lauren Dempsey.

My Name is Lachlan Eckert, I'm a local business owner, Coach and Father. I have worked in a range of different industries from Farming, Mining, Civil construction, Real Estate and more - Now owning and operating my own business in the area managing a number of staff, client relationships, policies and contracts. My intentions are to represent the best interests of my collective community - I have a keen focus on the following areas: Local Business Development, More attractions and activities for all ages of our community, Adequate health care, Open and honest community announcements of potential developments, General care and tidiness of our town, community safety and more. I look forward to the opportunity to represent my community and create new growth. Your number 1 Vote for me is a step towards a positive change for Stawell.

Hi, my name is Rob Haswell, I have been a Councillor with the Northern Grampians Shire for the past eight years. I am seeking re-election at the upcoming Local Government Elections held at the end of October. I have been a resident of Stawell and a local business owner for the past eleven years. My focus is Health, Housing and Education with importance placed on the wellbeing of the residents of the Northern Grampians Shire. With good accessible healthcare our Shire and our people can thrive. We live in one of the most beautiful regions in Victoria and I am also enormously interested in our growth as a tourist area. We are in a growth phase at the moment and this has been putting stress on our available housing. I will continue to work tirelessly for the residents of our beautiful Shire. I will always be available to you all. I trust you have been happy with my achievements over the past eight years and I look forward to serving you for another four year term.

Dear Friends, I’m standing as a candidate for the Central Ward, I am married to a local farmer with three children, born, bred and living here most of my life I have built strong community connections. I have the experience confidence and skills needed to take action and make a difference in order to enhance and develop this strong vibrant community that has so much to offer. I am a highly motivated honest and passionate leader with a drive for building stronger communities. I have a career that spans from Nursing, Midwifery and a volunteer midwife in India, to Councillor Northern Grampians Shire (2012-2020 and 2022-2024). Over the years I have been involved in many committees and organisations including the Stawell Agricultural Society, Grampians Health Community Advisory Committee and Consumer Reference Group Stawell (Co-Chair) and Stawell Secondary College School Council. If elected I will continue to advocate strongly to maintain our rural road connections ; Promote tourism and support businesses; Endeavour to keep rates down; Be a strong voice on council to make sure your opinions and concerns are heard. Your vote is important; Vote one Karen Hyslop then preference all other candidates in order of your choice.

My name is Trevor Gready, and I'm running for the 2024 Council Elections in the Grampian ward. It's an honour to be your candidate. As someone who has lived and worked in the Stawell district all my life, I understand our community's needs deeply. I've run businesses here for many years, employing locals and supporting the regions growth. I'm passionate about continuing to foster progress by working closely with residents, and the council to improve the Northern Grampians Shire. Known for my leadership, honesty and transparency, I'm committed to bringing these values to my role a a councillor. If elected, I will focus on improving communication between the council and the public, advocating, supporting and promoting all our surrounding districts and shire as a vibrant tourist destination, and ensuring the Northern Grampians Shire's a thriving future.

I'm excited to announce my candidacy for the Grampians Ward. It would be an honour to collaborate with fellow councillors to focus on the broader vision and shape the future of our region for the next generation. Calling this beautiful area home for a decade, my journey across Australia and around the world has enriched my experience in tourism, healthcare, and business operations. Running a local business here has deepened my connection to the community, giving me firsthand insight into its unique needs and vast potential. As we look to the future, our region needs fresh, energetic, and engaging representatives who address key concerns but also champion sustainable economic development & regenerative resource efficiency. I have the people skills, I am grounded in the community, and I am committed to good governance, strategic planning, and making decisions that prioritize the best outcomes for everyone. For years, I've been actively listening and engaging with our community, gathering direct feedback. Now, it's time to put that passion into action. As a mother, foster parent, businesswoman, and dedicated member of this community, I believe it's time for a new voice, vision, and values in the Northern Grampians Shire. Vote 1 Justine Hide.

I am your candidate Jack Blake, and my commitment to you is simple: to listen, advocate, and act on your behalf because your voice matters. Born and bred right here, I have had the privilege of growing up among you and understand the challenges and opportunities we face. Having worked interstate and overseas I am now back home for good. Many of you know me and I hope to earn the trust of those I have yet to meet. I pledge to be an open and approachable councillor, actively seeking your input and addressing your concerns. Your ideas and feedback will guide my decisions. Promises are only as good as the actions that follow and I am committed to turning our shared vision into reality through transparent, accountable, and effective leadership. We may not always agree, but we can always listen to one another with empathy and respect. I will push for regular updates so you will know what's happening and why. It's time for new voices on our local council. Your support is crucial so that together we can create a community that thrives on mutual respect and collaboration. Phone 0487555476. Let's make a difference-Vote 1 for Jack Blake

My name is Lisa Whyte and I am your Number One Vote for Change within Grampians ward Northern Grampians Shire With unbiased opinion I will advocate on behalf of all within our community at all times ensuring the diverse voices of our region are heard and acknowledged Having delivered multiple successful projects within youth engagement community development and economic development I am bringing my experience working within local government and the Finance sector to benefit our local community to uphold our community values belief and vision for now and the future I am passionate about making a positive contribution to our community and now is the time to put our hands up to take on one of the most important leadership opportunities in Australia that enables us as a community to make a difference.

My name is Murray Emerson, I have been a councillor of the Northern Grampians Shire for the past 12 years. During that time I have diligently worked for the best outcomes that I could achieve for the residents of the Northern Grampians Shire. I took a lead role in the campaign to save Market Square and to deliver for the Kara Kara Ward a fit for purpose Early Learning Centre. Over the next 4 years, if elected, and in addition to the above, roads, rates, rubbish and 30 odd other services that the Shire and the community is expected to receive. I will to the best of my ability attempt to deliver the best possible outcomes for all concerned. A couple of the major challenges for the Kara Kara Ward going forward are the VNI West Power Lines and the disgraceful standard of our roads throughout Victoria. A major challenge for our shire overall is to make the Northern Grampians Shire Council a respected, cooperative, cohesive and inclusive organisation which would allow us to make good, clear decisions for you. All of the other issues that arise will be dealt with without fear or favour. Vote 1 Murray Emerson.

Hello, my name is Ross Hudson. I'm a resident in St Arnaud and 110% committed to ensuring that our Ward has strong effective influence and contribution in council business. Through the CEO I'll constantly ensure that council staff are providing responsive and timely communications with Kara Kara Ward residents, and high level service. I'm a supportive member of the Women for Council Group(NGS) but also a truly independent candidate, not beholden to any vested interests or groups. My commitment is to always be guided by well reasoned and balanced considerations, obtained from my continual community consultation and feedback. I'll advocate for the overall best interest of Kara Kara Ward residents. I'll be easily contactable, very open and straightforward to deal with, and transparent in my conduct. Mutual respect, honesty and integrity are important values I maintain and encourage. Your vote for me will ensure continual improvement of council, and maximum positive influence and involvement by residents' voices. My priorities include 1) maintaining current council community services and assets as minimum standards 2) increasing community inclusion and connectedness, prosperity and well-being 3) revitalising our community groups and local special events 4) council expenditure obtains maximum value for money and within budget

Geographically Kara Kara Ward covers a significant portion of Northern Grampians Shire Council’s area of responsibility. It is essential to have Councillors who live in the Ward they represent and I have nominated to provide that choice. Being local is not only good, but in my view, essential. I live in St Arnaud. With a senior business background my career was always about effective governance, enhancing strategy, maximising outcomes and minimising unproductive expenditure and processes. I guess that is a disclosure of approach that was required in my work but in truth my interest as a fellow resident is more simple. Kara Kara should continue to become an even more wonderful place to live with vision and strategic objectives that best align with the interests and priorities of the community.

Hi, I’m Karen. For 34 years I have lived, worked, and participated in this community that I love. What I enjoy most about being a solicitor in a country town is talking with people and discovering their stories. I also enjoy turning difficult concepts into plain English, which I do every day. I will encourage Council to do the same; to communicate more clearly and to increase our involvement before making decisions that affect our communities. Council can’t avoid red tape but needs to focus on practical solutions and reduce the bureaucracy as much as possible. I enjoy community involvement and have been President of the Primary School Council, Sports Stadium & pipe band, member of the Hospital board and committees of various sporting clubs and coached Minkey & junior tennis. I am not standing for council on specific policies or pet interests. I will analyse issues, discuss proposals, actively involve others, and think of different ways to solve problems. My formal credentials: Degrees in Law and Economics (Accounting major); Qualified Personal Trainer & Yoga Instructor and hold a Graduate Certificate in Planning. You can contact me on 0468 773 478 or karenkarakara@yahoo.com

Want someone with integrity, transparency, family values & indomitable spirit? Then I’m the one to consider. My background in corporate management & strategic business development, negotiating & public speaking gives me credentials to have your concerns heard. Self-employed most of my working life, I have been involved with notable campaigns for Foxtel, Anzac House, Melbourne City Mission, Variety Club, Australian Meat & Livestock Corporation, Monash University ‘NEIS’ program, to name a few. Several board directorships & advisory roles later, my experience will make the difference you’re longing for. Focussed, persistent, down to earth & tenacious built my ‘go to’ reputation. Able to communicate on a variety of levels & intellect provides me the basis from which to get ‘the message across.’ I’ll listen at ground level & fight for action on behalf of your community; rates, roads, facilities, waste & as a single parent I understand the needs for health & childcare services. My strength is respectfully collaborating with others to improve connectivity & relationships. A cohesive council for residents, tenants, businesses, investors & tourists creates momentum. You need a progressive, accountable council with fresh ideas, energy, foresight & leadership, so vote for me, together we may change the future.