Swan Hill Rural City Council election candidates

Raised in Nyah, living and co-managing our family farm in Woorinen, I have deep roots in the Swan Hill region. I would love the opportunity to contribute positively as your representative in local government. I will be approachable, ready to listen and take your issues and perspectives onboard. My local experiences as a Mother, Natural Resource Manager, Environmental Volunteer and Primary Producer will inform my votes and advocacy, backed up with strong evidence based decision making. I aim to build a positive and progressive team of Councillors, with open communication, respectful and thorough deliberation and deep community collaboration. Through these strong principles, a Council that I am part of will be better able to deliver the projects that matter to community and solve the complex problems we face. A respected Council must deliver on the basics, with a fair rating system for quality Municipal Services like better roads and efficient and effective planning. A large rural Council must also work hard at attracting additional funding, working co-operatively with community, promoting the region and building relationships with other stakeholders and governments. I'm determined to make a difference in our Municipality and want to hear what matters to you. For more: petathornton.com.au

I have had the privilege of being a Councillor since 2008, this provides me with the experience and proven track record of representing the entire community in a fair and equitable manner. I am nominating again for another four year term as I still possess a passion to ensure the Swan Hill Rural City remains a great place to live, work and visit. If elected I will continue to advocate to ensure that the infrastructure and services provided by Council are maintained to an appropriate level and in an efficient and effective manner. Also I will continue to advocate strongly for a new bridge, the continued upgrade of our hospital and for more housing which is desperately needed. As a Councillor I will continue to represent the views of the community to the best of my ability and ensure the accountability, transparency and communication continues to improve across all areas of Council. When casting your vote I encourage you to seriously consider your preferences as these will have a big impact on who will represent you in the Council Chamber for the next four years.

Guiding the Swan Hill Municipality towards a secure future requires Councillors with strategic vision and a willingness to serve the people. As a Councillor of 4 years with a background in farming, engineering, project management and business, I seek your continued support to guide and influence a long-term vision and create outcomes that benefit our municipality. I support a Council striving for excellence in delivering services, creating an environment that stimulates existing businesses and attracting investment from higher levels of Government and private enterprise. This leads to better infrastructure, first class community and recreation facilities, housing solutions, employment opportunities and thriving communities. Facilitating growth enables benefits such as advanced health care services, higher education facilities and transport solutions. Council relies on funding from State and Federal governments, and I am equipped to handle the challenge of negotiating with Ministers to advocate for better results for our region. Ultimately, I am dedicated to serve you and responsibly deliver outcomes that benefit businesses, families and sustain our communities into the future. You deserve a Councillor with vision, understanding and experience, focussed on delivering outcomes that create opportunity and prosperity in our municipality.

I’ve been fortunate to be Councillor since 2016, as a husband, active father of three kids, and a full time CFA employee. I am passionate about representing all communities in Swan Hill Rural City Council, ensuring it is a great place to work, play, invest and live now and into the future. Being a Councillor is very rewarding, I may not get to every community event or photo opportunity, however, I am always well informed on Council issues, briefings, reports, strategic documents and community feedback. I’m accountable, informed, transparent and strong on governance. This election I’m asking you to vote for a team with a focus on our community needs and local essential services. Since 2016, we’ve reduced Council debt from $8.5 million to $1.77 million. I fully support responsible debt where future generations aren’t paying for. My focus will be on better maintenance and funding for roads, investment in maternal and childcare services, better sporting facilities and public spaces, and planning for future growth in industrial, commercial and residential land. I’m not here for international, national or state issues. I’m here for our municipality and to focus on our role as a Local Council. I'd appreciate your support.

HI my name is Christopher Pearce - i have lived in this shire for approximately 16 years and current reside in Robinvale -my back ground is in engineering and business management l am running for council to ensure decisions are made that reflect and benefit the community needs , decisions that provide for the future of the Swan Hill shire the future for its people - my priorities will be utilizing the river and its frontage to attract tourism to the area in the way of beautification projects and expanding our tourism facilities that will make tourist welcome and accommodated- modernizing the towns facilities for all residents and visitors -growing and supporting local events -ensuring our vast quantity of infrastructures are well maintained -repairing and upgrading our road system to make it safe for all- ensuring our health system is not only supported but grow it and make it available to all. I believe i have the skill set to ensure smart decisions are made that are relevant and cost effective for the people - lets get this shire moving.

As an Osteopath and business owner, my job is to listen to people and help them achieve their health goals. This is what I plan to do for you as your Councillor to achieve the goals of the community. I will be accountable, transparent, responsive, and take responsibility for my decisions. I will lead based on assessing all the facts and community sentiment of each issue on a case by case basis. I value the communities feedback and will be guided by you. I would like to drive a positive change in Council culture and rebuild trust with the community. I aim to act on reducing cost of living pressures for our ratepayers. Investing in our infrastructure, roads and improving housing supply is vital. Investing in better services, particularly in early education/childhood development to better prepare our children for their futures, including my own two children. Being proactive on protecting our natural environment, ensuring our community gets maximum benefits from the transition to renewable energy by strongly lobbying for better community profit sharing, adequate compensation for land owners and adapting to climate change in our region. Supporting our small businesses to thrive and ensuring economic sustainability for the years ahead.

Very much against Pioneer Settlement's, Pental Island Land being used for a Cultural Centre, Live-in Camp arrangement 24/7 access, Big No Here. The Pioneer Settlement is a Theme Setting of the early 1900's The Ridgeway and Bright Families have always looked out well for the good of the community. My Grandfather, Councillor Thomas Bright, very instrumental bringing the Gem off the river bank along side the Merbein Saw Mill to Swan Hill. Very instrumental 2 replacement Bridges onto Pental Island. Thomas First mooted in Council, Swan Hill needs an Age-Care Facility, reason was Grandma needed Age-Care, Thomas' Wife Susan 1965. Replacement Bridge, on the Bridge steering Committe 2 years. Mooted new bridge to go where old bridge is now right from the outset. Will fast track it and get it Done. Drag Strip, what to do, Federal/State Government Grants/Funding, along with private enterprise moneys. No More Rate Payers Moneys, they have Paid enough Now. Swan Hill CBD, Parking Metre Free, in-order to attract shoppers back to shopping in Swan Hill, not elsewhere. Transparency from SHRCC, all staffs' wages and salaries and fringe benefits they receive from Rate Payers Moneys'. Also Financial arrangements between Contractors doing work for SHRCC.

My name is Hugh Broad, I am 24 years old and very passionate about the Swan Hill Region. I love the community and am involved with schools, sporting clubs and local businesses. I’m deeply passionate about our community and committed to ensuring that every voice in our region is heard. If elected, I will prioritise community consultation for every issue that comes before the council. I believe my youth brings a fresh perspective and an enthusiasm to strategic planning and community consultation. With your vote, I would be totally committed to be in the region, hearing about what your area, business and town needs. This municipality has so much to offer and I look forward to helping new developments, investments and businesses thrive in our region. By voting me in, you're voting your voice in too.

I want to be part of a cohesive, respectful Council team that ensures transparency and good governance. Having prior Council experience (5 years), many community roles, running a small business and being a mother equip me well. I will work hard to represent with dedication and integrity. Listening to your concerns and ideas is important to me. Moving back to my home town is something I want other people to see as desirable. We must be able to attract professionals and workers to fill critical roles, including teachers and doctors. Primary to that is the way our urban areas look and feel, safety, harmony, opportunity, culture, trees, parks, recreation, gathering places and facilities. Providing more housing, the critical constraint to growth, is my commitment. Much of my childhood was spent in Nyah West and Pira, so I care about small towns. High service standards and community focused strategic planning is key to making sure we manage rates, grants and funding wisely. It is our civic pride, heritage and collective spirit that makes our municipality a great place to live. My advocacy focus is demanding action on challenges like roads, hospital capability, energy prices, clean water, healthy rivers and climate change.

My name is Lindsay Rogers and I am currently co managing a 400 acre family irrigation farm and an electrical inspection business serving Victoria as well as being a previous Swan Hill Rural City Councillor for 2 terms. I bring a comprehensive understanding of our community’s diverse needs. If elected, I will prioritize expediting the construction of a new Swan Hill bridge and advocating for essential road improvements to enhance connectivity and safety. I am committed to supporting the development of the Swan Hill Drag Race Track and revitalizing the riverfront, including the reconstruction of the wharf and the establishment of RV parking as well as a high speed train to stimulate local economic growth. I will also work towards improving the management of rates, waste services, and reduce energy costs for both residents and businesses. I am dedicated to ensuring that best practices are applied to achieve optimal social, economic, and environmental outcomes and to securing a fair share of funding for our community. By fostering a unified and effective council, I aim to address our community’s challenges and enhance the quality of life for everyone throughout our municipality.

Lifetime Robinvale resident mostly living in the Robinvale pumped district. Have spent the past 30 years heavily involved in wine industry advocacy on behalf of wine grape growers in the Murray Darling and Swan Hill wine regions, at state and federal level. Robinvale and the local region should have representation on the SHRCC. It is important that Robinvale and this end of the SHRCC has an input into the decision that affect us at the grass roots level. I feel that I am now in a position to be that representative. Robinvale is the second town in size to Swan Hill and as such deserves appropriate attention. Robinvale, Wemen and Boundary Bend areas are an economic power house for the SHRCC. I would like to see the older irrigation areas not just survive but thrive as vibrant communities in their own right. SHRCC as the third tier of government works in defined areas. We should focus on those areas, doing them as well as possible and avoid being distracted by things we cannot influence. As a fourth generation Mallee farmer I hope to be able to be a positive contributor to the SHRCC on your behalf.

A proud community member, with a strong belief that our communities are at our heart and deserve a voice to grow and develop. As an advocate for community development and growth my goal standing as a candidate is to see continued growth in the business retail and construction sectors in our municipality and to continue to support our tourism and commercial sectors to attract funding. Continue to advocate for new manufacturing and agriculture development for jobs creation and lower unemployment. Our communities are proud to call the Swan Hill, Robinvale, Manangatang, Nyah, Lake Boga and everywhere that makes our municipality special and would love to see investment into projects they need to remain sustainable and community driven. As a candidate I will look to vote in favor of projects that will stimulate the economy and create jobs and development. Major events, Housing developments and commercial developments as these drive economy into our communities and will see continued population growth for our region. With growth comes more funding that will see our municipality benefit from much needed projects. I am proud to call Swan Hill rural city council home and will always push to see better outcomes for the whole Municipality.

A vision for strong and vibrant rural communities! Swan Hill, Robinvale, Nyah District, Woorinen, Manangatang, Boga, Ultima and beautiful Boundary Bend. My vision is that our region will be known as a wonderful place to bring up your family, a region with opportunities for all. My plan is to work to support our industries and services: agriculture; health; manufacturing; education; recreation and tourism. Action required to: improve infrastructure and roads; effectively advocate for world class health and education; increasing housing and to reduce rates long term. Our council must ensure that the Swan Hill and Robinvale CBDs flourish and are the first choice for the wider region. I have a track record of success in achieving better council investment in the small towns and will continue. With a family background in small business, agriculture, and as a frontline health professional, I have the required knowledge and expertise. Born in Robinvale, brought up at Nyah and living in Swan Hill I can represent the whole municipality. I work hard and will travel to hear your concerns, and represent your community. Murray Mallee is rising. We need a progressive, motivated and engaged council to solve problems and support growth, prosperity and harmony.

Swan Hill is a hidden gem along the Murray River, brimming with opportunities for everyone in our community. Its unique country charm has been cultivated over generations, and we now stand at a pivotal moment for significant growth and improvement.A pressing challenge facing Swan Hill is the shortage of available housing. This issue affects every aspect of our town; businesses, agriculture, healthcare, education, and economic sustainability. Without adequate housing, we risk losing young professionals and families to other areas, impacting local businesses and their ability to hire qualified staff.This, in turn, affects production, service, and the overall quality of life in our community. With my background as a Project Manager, I have worked with various councils, authorities, and government agencies across Victoria. This experience equips me with a unique perspective to help Swan Hill navigate its growth and ensure it remains a thriving home for future generations. My name is Kelly Stevens. I am dedicated to raising my young family in this wonderful community, and I am eager to serve you and Swan Hill. Together, we can identify and seize opportunities for prosperity, benefiting businesses and families now and for years to come.

Born and bred in Swan Hill i have lived and worked here all of my life . I am the third generation of Swan Hills oldest retail family business with more than 50 years experience most of as managing director .I have seen the positives and good times our region has enjoyed as well as the problems we face in a rural community. In 2013 i was appointed to the Board of Sunitafe a position i held for 10 years Coming from the private sector i had to learn the governance requirements of public sector entities. I have an understanding of the framework and policy settings they operate under having Graduated from the Australian Institute of Company directors. Recently i have been appointed to the Board of Swan Hill District Health which has given me an understanding of the local Health Service issues I am a very passionate and involved member of our community with a broad range of interests . I want Swan Hill region to be a destination of choice to live work and Invest and for us to grow to meet our full potential. I undertake to represent all rate payers to the best of my ability and experience