Southern Grampians Shire Council election candidates

Your Council. Your money. Your say. Your right to know what is going on. Sooner not later. You want change, so do I. Many are hurting financially right now. Our businesses are doing it tough. Council does not need to make it any harder. Thank you for your support thus far. We will have new Councillors with a great chance of a fresh approach. To rebuild mutual respect for community and Council. A Council that does not demolish township assets without community support. Spends your money wisely. Supports population growth therefore economy across the whole Shire. Valuing agricultural production. Streamlining permit processes. I listen and respond to the needs of all our communities. Balmoral, Branxholme, Byaduk, Cavendish, Coleraine, Dunkeld, Glenthompson, Penshurst, Tarrington as well as Hamilton. Improving roads and footpaths, township street trees and landscaping. Attracting visitors to our townships with more camping and caravan facilities. People move to where they holiday. Advocating for return of passenger rail, now closer with $150M Federal upgrade of rail line to get more freight off roads. Support youth activity spaces, encouraging community projects providing safe places to gather, learn, have fun. Retaining a Cinema and adding another smaller one providing program choices. www.katrinarainsford.com.au

My name is Sharon Jackson and this is my first time running for local council in the Southern Grampians Shire. I've been a member of the community for a over eight years now when my husband and his business partner purchased a local business and we made the move to Hamilton. They still own that business today. In my time here, I have worked for the local radio station in advertising, interacting with over 100 business owners, a local real estate and have for the last few years, worked as a bookkeeper at a local law firm. In each of those roles I have learned about some of the key obstacles facing the community, from seeing the highs and lows of local business owners as they struggle for staff but also feel the local support they receive, to how the serious rental housing shortage has affected both local people looking for a new home to how it has hindered businesses being able to also bring in experienced staff from elsewhere due to them not being able to find somewhere to live. It is these areas that I hope to help improve if elected to council.

My name is Lee-Ann Elmes, I am a strong believer that our local council is there for the community, and it needs to be built on honesty and trust. I am a person of integrity and am passionate about seeing the Southern Grampians Shire thrive. My main priority is for change for all in the Shire. One area that is needed for change is the youth of Southern Grampians Shire. As we know the youth is the next generation and their mental health and well-being is important if the Shire is to thrive. There are opportunities that I am creating for this change. 1. A safe place for youth to socialise and receive support. 2. To support parents in supporting youth through updated parenting courses and networking groups. 3. Partnerships for education to employment, enabling our youth to stay and give back to the community. These are just some of my ideas that are already in the works. When you vote, please think about the future of the Shire and what you want it to look like!

It is with great enthusiasm that I seek a position on Council to represent the communities across the entire Shire. Living in Penshurst with my wife Katrina, we have embraced our community and have been encouraged to stand, giving not only Penshurst, but all smaller towns within our Shire a greater representation at Council. Whilst not standing on one single issue, I feel it is important to protect and enhance what is already great in our communities in addition to encouraging new ventures. The experience of dealing with Council, be it a Councillor or Council Staff should be a positive one and we should feel we are on the same side. With a background in small business, investment and the building industries, I believe I have the necessary communication and negotiating skills to add value to a Council and its residents. I am passionate about my local community, being a member of a number of local clubs from golf, football, lawn bowls and a committee member of the Penshurst Racing Club. Having worked closely with many people from varying backgrounds both personally and professionally, I want to ensure Council genuinely listens to each Community to achieve fair and equitable outcomes.

With a lifetime dedicated to community wellbeing, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, I am eager to serve the Southern Grampians community. As an anthropologist and former paramedic, I bring experience working with small-scale farming communities in Asia and as a first responder in Melbourne. My background in grassroots volunteering with NGOs and representing civil society at the United Nations has given me a broad perspective and a deep commitment to service. My passion lies in animal welfare, caring for Country, and promoting the wellbeing of our community. My priorities include promoting sustainable local businesses and eco-tourism that celebrate our natural assets; improving road infrastructure and reducing speed limits for the safety of both residents and wildlife; expanding mental health resources through nature-based therapies; supporting reforestation, bushfire risk reduction, and biodiversity protection; and promoting agricultural sustainability so our farmers thrive while preserving the land. I am also committed to creating innovative economic opportunities and engaging our youth in shaping the future of Southern Grampians. With your support, I will work to make Southern Grampians a place where community, nature, and opportunity flourish together.

Since moving to Western Victoria from Melbourne in 2015, I quickly noticed the value of volunteers in country communities. Things just don’t run without people putting their hands up. Volunteering for local sporting and community organisations in the roles of coordinator, coach, treasurer and secretary has allowed me to work with others to create opportunities and give back to community. I now wish to put my hand up for local council. In my profession as a research scientist, I have worked in the field of infectious disease and vaccines, and more recently in food science supporting local business. My background has provided me with skills of critical thinking and analysis. I value fair and evidence-based decision-making, and believe in transparency of council actions. I like to ask questions. Marrying a third-generation sheep farmer and raising a young family in Glenthompson has given me lived experience in the challenges of rural life. I'm passionate about ensuring council services adapt and evolve to fit the needs of the community in the face of challenges such as the cost of living, limited childcare, road maintenance and climate change. I would be honoured to represent the people of the Southern Grampians Shire.

Hi, I’m Afton Barber, a lifelong resident of Southern Grampians Shire, I’m excited to run for council to serve our vibrant community. My deep-rooted connection to this area gives me a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges we face. Tourism is an important part of our local economy, I'm committed to enhancing this sector. By promoting our stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, we can attract more visitors and support local businesses. I propose initiatives to bolster tourism infrastructure, streamline visitor experiences, and celebrate our unique local assets. Community connection is at the heart of everything I do. I believe in transparent communication and will ensure that your voices are heard and valued. Additionally, improving our local economy is a priority. I will advocate for less red tape to support small businesses, attract investment, new industry, and create job opportunities. By working together, we can build a thriving, resilient Southern Grampians Shire. I am dedicated to fostering a prosperous, connected community and would be honoured to have your support. Let’s work together to make our shire an even better place to live and grow. Vote 1 Afton Barber.

I am re-standing for council because I think experience counts. I’ve always listened to communities concerns. Its time for a cultural change in council. I want to look across and see that the majority of councillor’s strive for the same goal. For the last sixteen years it has been a privilege to be trusted as a councillor, two terms as Mayor, its been the pinacle of my life to represent this community. I am a realist, I accept the situation as it is, I deal with it appropriately. Coming from an engineering background, being in business for the last thirty years, I’ve met people that bring issues for our shire. I will be an ambassador for this community, willing to hear all sides of the debate and then make a fair judgment for the community. I will be accessible and approachable to deal with your concerns. Finally with the privilege that this community has given me in the past, I have gained more experience. I encourage you to vote 1 for me.

My name is Adam Campbell, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Southern Grampians Shire Council. I am dedicated to nurturing growth in our region, creating a thriving environment for everyone—from young families to retirees—where businesses prosper, and job opportunities abound. Having called the Branxholme district home for over 20 years, my family and I run a successful dairy farm, which I manage with pride. With a master’s degree in people management and organisations from Sydney University, I bring a strategic approach to leadership and development. Before this, my journey as a professional sportsman in the AFL taught me invaluable lessons in teamwork, resilience, and the power of dedication. These experiences have shaped my vision for our community—one where we work together to achieve shared goals. Most importantly, it has taught me how to work with individuals from all walks of life to achieve common goals. This community has always been close to my heart - it is the glue that forms this fantastic Shire. Your voice matters, I’ll make sure it’s heard.

Hello, my name is Helen Henry B.A.,B.Ed (Sec). I grew up in this area on a farm in Digby. Both my sets of Grandparents were also farmers in Merino and Cavendish. I love the farmlands, mountains and the rivers of our region, I love community events, camping and hiking. The Southern Grampians is one of the most beautiful and liveable regions on earth and I will seek to promote and protect this. I have served one term already and we have achieved a great deal but I’m aware of the enormous workload ahead of us as we take on an ambitious ten year program of inter-generational projects. I am a business owner, mother and teacher in our area. I do my homework and seek to understand issues from multiple lenses. I will not always make the decision you personally want however, I will make decisions based on a value system of 1. integrity: doing what I believe is right and doing the best I can even when no one is watching; 2. curiosity: seeking out information and knowing I could be wrong; and 3. kindness: being of service and seeking opportunities for the people of our Shire. Thankyou

As your candidate for the Southern Grampians Shire Council, I, am committed to making smarter, community-focused decisions. I believe in safeguarding your hard-earned money, ensuring it is used effectively and responsibly. I will work hard to reduce waste and prioritise the projects that truly matter to you and our Shire. Your voice deserves to be heard in every decision made, and I will be your advocate to ensure our community’s needs are met. Vote 1 James Leversha to bring positive, practical changes to the Southern Grampians.