Wodonga City Council election candidates

Hello I’m Lu, and I am honoured to stand as a candidate for the Baranduda Range Ward on Wodonga Council. A long-term Castle Creek resident, I deeply value the unique lifestyle and stunning natural heritage that our ward brings to Wodonga. Balancing the preservation of these characteristics with sustainable economic and social development is a challenge that I’ll work diligently to achieve. I will ensure our ward’s voice is heard clearly within the broader Wodonga context, and I’m committed to engaging in community consultation to represent our shared interests. As your representative on Council, I’ll advocate for robust discussion, and ensure strong financial oversight, whilst fostering innovation and opportunity. Community has always been central to my life. A local Breakfast Radio Presenter for over 20 years, I’ve been dedicated to engaging with, and connecting people. Through extensive involvement in local business and community events, I’ve raised substantial funds for many local groups and charities. My family is also deeply community focused, my husband Michael is a Wodonga TAFE teacher, Leneva CFA volunteer firefighter, and Rotarian and we have happily, raised our children here. Thank you for considering me as your Baranduda Range Ward representative, on Wodonga Council.

I am an independent local Baranduda resident. I have a work background in Facilities Maintenance, and I am a trade qualified Electrician. I understand that its ratepayer’s money that Council spends. In these tough economic times of increased costs of living, I will work to ensure that the Council keeps rates and charges to a minimum, spends ratepayers money wisely and focusses on longer term financial security for Council. I will work to bring Council back to basics in delivering priority projects and services that the community values. I will work to ensure that Council maintains roads, public parks, support for sporting and community facilities and delivery of local services. Council should take an active advocacy role in finding solutions to provide better health services, better education, commerce, and industry opportunities for stronger employment. I will support industry attraction. Most importantly I will support responsible fiscal management and debt minimisation. The Council focus should be on Rates minimisation, spending Ratepayers money wisely, professionalism, transparency, and accountability. I do not support big spending and big taxing to enable unaffordable projects and wish list driven visions for the city.

I'm passionate about Wodonga’s future and ready to work hard for Wodonga and Barnawartha North to be the best it can be. My vision is shaped by what locals tell me they want - a thriving economy, a resilient, inclusive community and responsible Council management of ratepayers funds. With a diverse career across local, state, and federal governments in public policy, community engagement and economic development, I understand the work of Council and the importance of getting it right at the local level. You can count on me to bring relevant skills, common sense and integrity to Council decisions, backed with qualifications of a Bachelor of Business, a Diploma in Enterprise Development, and recent training in local government leadership. My representation will be well-informed, professional and respectful. Having lived in Barnawartha North for over 20 years, I know and love this area very well. My priorities will reflect yours. It’s time to give greater weight to our community's aspirations for Wodonga, more support for our businesses and industry, and involve young people in decisions for their future in Wodonga. Vote 1 Michelle Cowan for optimistic, hardworking, community-focused representation for Barnawartha North. More about me www.michellecowan.info or call 0409 797 986

I love Wodonga and have lived here for over 30 years since my discharge from the Army following a distinguished 25-year military career, which included operational overseas service. My post military career has included several roles as Chief Executive and senior executive roles in the border region over 28 years, such as Lifeline Albury Wodonga, British Aerospace Australia, Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation, AWARE Industries, Wodonga Sports & Leisure Centre and Consec Security. I am a strong advocate for community, which is evidenced by my service with Rotary for 30 years as President, Secretary and Director of Community Service. I have considerable experience in governance, most recently as Chairman of Albury Wodonga Health where I served 10 years on the board. Additionally, I have been Chairman of Kirinari Community Services Ltd, Festival of Sport, and North East Regional Sports Assembly. I also served on the Wodonga Raiders Football Club board for 10 years, one of them a premiership season. Wodonga Council needs strong, positive leadership. I understand the importance of teamwork and would look forward to working towards continual improvement of our wonderful city with my strategic planning and corporate governance skills.

I have lived in the beautiful Barnawartha North ward for 16 years with my husband and three sons. As a secondary teacher and health administrator, I have developed excellent communication, negotiating and administrative skills. My family has participated in Wodonga Swimming Club, Wodonga Water Polo, Wodonga Hockey Club, Diamonds Soccer Club, Wodonga Tennis Club, Wodonga Golf Club and are frequent users of Hunchback Mountain Bike Park. I am committed to promoting participation in healthy and welcoming sporting clubs for all. Having elderly parents living in Wodonga I am also committed to providing excellent services and venues to our elders, such as securing permanent spaces for groups such as U3A. I believe the council should advocate for a hospital facility large enough to accomodate our expanding population and needs. And to provide a community that attracts new health professionals to our area. I am an advocate of sustainable development. With the population growth predictions I believe council needs smart planning to build a vibrant city centre, incorporating higher density housing along side healthy green spaces. If elected I would listen and represent all of the people in our ward of Barnawartha North. Please reach out to me via rachvoogt@outlook.com

A born and bred local, I’ve been living in the Huon Creek ward for 14 years. A strong voice for women, families, small business and youth, I’m committed to working with local businesses and industries to ensure future growth of the Wodonga economy. In addition to being employed by a local media company, I’m also a sole trader so understand the pressures that local business is under. I want Wodonga to provide future generations the best opportunities to educate and employ youth. I support investment into the greenspaces, paths and parks in our ward. A single mother for 10 years, I’m the proud parent of a teenage son who attends a local high school. This experience has led me to understand the cost-of-living pressures better than most. My partner, Tim, joined our family 6 years ago and we will be married in Wodonga in October. I can be regularly found volunteering for local clubs and committees – particularly through sport and theatre/entertainment. I give back to the community through supporting local charities and fundraisers. I believe local government is the most important form of government as it is focused on the place we’ve all chosen to live, work and call home.

Our rates are too high, and Wodonga council spends too much of our money. If elected I will work to hold down rate rises and cut spending. I am a qualified accountant with experience in the public and private sectors, including auditing local government. I am a former Wodonga Councillor and former state MP. I will hit the ground running and I won’t be bluffed or bullied by council staff. I’ll go through the budget line by line, cutting waste. I’m not afraid to say no to staff or activist groups with their hands out for our money. I will support local business, and cut through red tape blocking development, because development brings jobs and keeps things affordable. I will push for transparency, ending secret meetings and commercial-in-confidence deals. I will always listen to ratepayers, but I’ll also say no when I don’t agree with them. I’m endorsed by the Libertarian Party, but I’ll always fight for Wodonga ratepayers first. I’m running to cut waste and cap rate rises. Vote for me if you want more value for your money from our council. Lower Rates. Smarter Spending. Greater Transparency.

I have proudly served as a Wodonga councillor since 2020, including a term as deputy mayor, and remain energised to stand for re-election in 2024. The city has come a long way, but we have more to do. Truly independent, I take the role of councillor seriously, but not myself. I’m passionate about ensuring opportunity for our kids to stay active, along with connectivity for our aging and vulnerable population. Our city is rapidly growing and we need to remain alert. If re-elected, I will advocate for 3 lanes of freeway between Melrose Drive and Borella road, also to secure funding for an additional direct route between our cities to the east, to ease increasing cross border traffic congestion. As a former police officer, I served 12 of my 27-years in Wodonga. My long history of service also extends to other regional organisations, having served as the President of the Blue Ribbon Foundation, North-East Branch and currently as a director for the Centre Against Violence. Re-electing me means choosing a leader who is dedicated to a positive future. With your support, I hope to build on what makes Wodonga a fantastic place to grow, live, work and retire.

Local. Experienced. Independent. I stand for Wodonga, know Wodonga, live in Wodonga and grew up in Wodonga. I am part of the Wodonga community and am proud to have been on Wodonga Senior Secondary College Council, to have been President of Wodonga Brass Band and to have coached junior football. I have a work background in Construction, senior management in Local Government, and consultancy. I am a trade qualified Carpenter and have a Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning degree from the University of Melbourne. My experience is in Economic Development and Land Use Planning with specialised interest in business attraction. I understand that its ratepayer’s funds that Council spends. In hard economic times of increased costs of living, I will continue to pursue fiscal responsibility and to build a sense of financial security which can only be achieved by responsible spending and a back to basics role for Council in sticking to the priority services that the community values. Our community values maintaining roads, public parks, support for sporting and community facilities and delivery of local services. Council should focus on Rates minimisation, spending Ratepayers money wisely, professionalism, equity, transparency, accountability and major decision making responsibility with elected council.

As a Wodonga resident for over 25 years, a local teacher, and a mother of four, I recognise the vital role of communication in our community. Effective leadership begins with listening to your needs, and I am dedicated to being responsive. One of my main goals is to advocate for a state-of-the-art hospital in our region. I will tirelessly seek funding from both State and Federal governments, speaking on your behalf, to make this vision a reality. This hospital will enhance healthcare services, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. As a mother, I understand the challenges many face in the housing market and balancing life’s demands. I am passionate about supporting young people and vulnerable populations in securing affordable housing. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and I will champion initiatives to help achieve this. As your councillor, I will prioritise a fiscally responsible approach to improve our community's liveability and safety now and into the future. Together, we can create a stronger Wodonga by focusing on essential services, sustainable development, and local business engagement. I invite you to share your thoughts with me—together, we can build a stronger Wodonga. Thank you for your number 1 Vote.

My name is Lorence Ferro, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the upcoming 2024 Wodonga local council election! Throughout my career as a leader within Wodonga's local government education system, I have been a staunch advocate for better education, embracing diversity and building towards a better future for all. I believe in fostering inclusivity and transparency at all levels of government and hope to prioritise the voices of all Wodonga residents, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. I work as a leader at a government school in Wodonga, where I support and teach newly arrived young people, mostly Congolese refugees. I am not affiliated with any political party, or organisation. I am running purely as an independent with the objective of trying to facilitate meaningful positive change within our beautiful city. I am dedicated to open communication and collaboration with fellow council members, community organisations, and residents. Together, we can build a more vibrant Wodonga that future generations will be proud of. Please visit my site at www.lorenceferro.com.au to learn more about my policy objectives and vision. Together, I am sure we can make a difference!

Our rates are still too high, and Wodonga council is too keen to spend our money. As a sitting councillor I know what is wrong and how to fix it. I will keep rate rises below inflation, I will vote against wasteful spendings and I will continue with the advocacy for a greenfield site hospital in Wodonga. I am a qualified accountant with experience in the public and private sector. I go through the budget line by line. I’m never afraid to say no to council staff or activist groups with their hands out for our money. I support local business and cutting red tape, because a strong local economy brings jobs and growth. I always listen to ratepayers, but I’ll also say no when I don’t agree with them. I’m endorsed by the Libertarian Party, meaning I'm a big believer in economic and social freedoms. I always put the interests of Wodonga ratepayers first. I see myself as a responsible custodian of ratepayers' money, not a spender of unlimited funds. Vote for me if you want lower rates, smarter spending, greater transparency.

As a lifelong Wodonga local, I really understand our community's unique challenges and opportunities. My lived experience, from being a single father raising a child with special needs, to working in, and managing local businesses for over 30 years, has shaped my commitment to ensuring that Wodonga remains a place that embraces and supports all its residents. My life experience has shown me the importance of inclusivity and the real-world impact of government decisions. I am passionate about creating pathways for our youth, having coached and mentored young people in our local sporting clubs, in the workforce, and in education. I believe in fostering opportunities for our younger generation, ensuring they have the support and resources to thrive in Wodonga. I am dedicated to advocating for all wards in Wodonga, not just the one I represent. I will continue to push for the growth in our Central Business Area and Logic, creating more jobs and reducing the ratepayer burden on our residents. I will continue to work hard to ensure that decisions made at Council reflect the needs and aspirations of all Wodonga residents and make our city an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

A councillor with eight years experience, independent, high council attendance and proud Racecourse Ward property owner. A resident of Wodonga for 35 years, my husband and I have raised our family and built a local business here, giving me a deep understanding of our community’s needs and values. In 2016, Wodonga faced some of the highest rates in Victoria. Through hard work, strategic management, rate increases are now running around 2%+ annually, compared to the 5%+ of previous years. Pet registration fees reduced by approximately 35%. I am committed to keeping rates, charges low, while maintaining quality services. I’ll continue to advocate for a hospital Greenfield site and improved health services for our community. Wodonga deserves better. I support Australia Day and Anzac Day celebrations; they are vital to our local culture and identity. Additionally, Racecourse Ward’s parks and reserves need more amenities, such as toilet facilities and upgrading of recreational infrastuctures. We need transparent decision making, maintained roads, responsibly planned community infrastructure, advocacy for employment, educational opportunities and support for business investment. I am dedicated to representing your interests, not personal or external agendas. I will focus on the important issues, staying true to practical solutions over ideological fluff.

As a candidate and resident for Wodonga’s Racecourse Ward, I’m driven by a strong commitment to our community and a clear vision for its future. Growing up in Albury Wodonga and studying at Wodonga TAFE, I have deep roots in our region and a strong understanding of its unique needs. With 7.5 years of experience working for the City of Wodonga, combined with my background in the private sector, arts, culture, and community development, I’ve seen firsthand how strong governance and collaboration can transform a city. I currently chair a customer and community advisory committee for North East Water, and serve as the business manager for Murray Arts Museum Albury. I oversee strategic decisions and report to the CEO and board, which has equipped me with a deep, firsthand understanding of the importance of transparent leadership and community engagement. Our community is at a pivotal point, and the upcoming election offers a chance to shape Wodonga’s future. I am focused on ensuring Wodonga remains a place where everyone feels valued, connected, and empowered to make a difference. Your vote in this election is essential to ensuring Wodonga thrives for future generations. Let’s build a stronger, more connected community together.

Thankyou fellow residents for taking the time to be proactive for our own and Wodonga's sake. My name is Brett Baird and im running for the Racecourse Ward here in Wodonga. What do i stand for you ask, and even better what will i fight for? Well, i stand for residents rights, community rights and moving Wodonga forward. Its time Wodonga was proactive against reactive. Future not current. I wont say empty statements, i stand for a New Greenfield Hospital, more community consultation, open council meetings, better roads, better services and greater accountability on spending. I live here and love where i live and so should everyone so lets make Wodonga not just a town we live in but proudly Our Home Town.

Candidate for Sumsion gardens ward in the Council election. I love Wodonga. I was born here, grew up here, worked here and have been a councillor for Wodonga since December 2022. I have represented the people of Wodonga with honesty, integrity and common sense. I have made a positive contribution to council including the responsible minimisation of rate rises. There is more work to be done to ensure the economic sustainability of Wodonga. Some want to get on to council in order to spend, spend, spend - either forgetting or not caring that it's not their money, it's yours. In difficult economic times it is right that Wodonga council has reined in costs, this isn't stagnation, it's a responsible pause. Out of control spending has put our state into horrendous debt, we must not allow Wodonga to head down that path. Others' plan to pay for all this will be to dip into the ratepayers' pockets, this pushes up household expenses for everyone, including renters, at a time when we can least afford it. If re-elected I will fight for responsible economic management, to allow development without you having to pay more, increasing your household budget. Please Vote 1 Danny Chamberlain.

Wodonga has stalled. Key opportunities like Junction Place and the Old Pool Site have not progressed or have fallen over, impacting both Sumsion Gardens Ward and the City’s heart. This is made worse by Council’s weak financial position. As a former Director of Hume Bank for 11 years, including 6 years as Chair, I have proven leadership and financial expertise. I also served as Council's Director of Investment Attraction from 2004 to 2011, where I saw firsthand the importance of investing in projects that boost our local economy and city pride. It's time to elect a collaborative and visionary Council team for a strong and effective voice for our community. We need councillors to work together to secure the state and federal funding needed for Wodonga. If elected, I commit to helping our city thrive. I’ve lived in Wodonga for over 20 years with my wife and three children, volunteering on school boards, the Latrobe Uni Regional Advisory Board, and Hot House Theatre. I’m truly independent. My loyalty is to Wodonga. Vote 1 Michael Gobel for financial accountability, strong leadership and collaborative action.

My name is Clare, I stand for Transparency and Accountability. Integrity and Equality. Informed common-sense decisions for the whole community’s best interests. Low rate rises and responsible spending are key issues to me. I am standing for council to fight for the realistic decision making and sensible spending of our money that has been sadly lacking for so long. Living in regional Australia all my life, I have a strong history of advocating for our communities. As a former farmer and small business-woman, I understand the needs of local business. Being awarded Citizen of the year in 1989, I understand the importance of community and will always support those willing to roll up their sleeves and have a go, while encouraging everyone to actively support the community that supports them. My endorsement by the Libertarian Party is your guarantee that I’ll never support excessive rate increases or wasteful spending. But will always vote for what I believe is best for Wodonga ratepayers. Unity in community means putting our own house in order first, lower rate rises and responsible spending will help create and maintain a prosperous future for current and future generations.