2020 Moira Shire Council

Candidate Statements NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager.

MANSFIELD, Peter MARTIN, Marie HEATHER, Judy Peter is a long-term resident of Yarrawonga, having been born, married High on my list is ensuring engagement of residents and ratepayers with Family, experienced councilor, hard work, community service drives my (to Mary) and raised his three children there. He has contributed over the workings of council and finding new ways to meet the communities’ passion to stand for council. It’s a privilege and honour representing many years to the business and social life of the town through his needs. Having a greater say in where and how your money is spent. in council chambers and I take that seriously. Securing Yarrawonga work with Telstra and as a refrigeration mechanic, through his active Participatory Budgeting is one way of achieving this. COVID19 has Primary School site for a community hub, saving structurally sound participation in town activities and as an elected representative on Moira made life challenging for business communities and residents. We can Yarrawonga Community Hall, as Moira Shire is successfully working Shire Council (since 2011). Peter’s objectives throughout have been to work through this together, promoting Sun Country on the Murray, local towards in townships across the shire currently, creating new library hub improve the lives of people across the Shire, to assist the development businesses and each other. I support the Capital Works Program. It is on site that will allow growth and adequate parking into the future are of opportunities for Shire businesses and to ensure that your rates ambitious and the largest ever. There will be job creation and stimulation all my passions, along with lobbying funding to build a long awaited and are spent equitably across the Shire and for the maximum benefit of of our local economy, while providing better facilities and infrastructure much needed heated pool adjoining proposed stadium at Yarrawonga. ratepayers. As a prominent and active Council member, including as across the shire. I support working together with all levels of government Protect and support iconic rural shopping strips whilst encouraging bulky Mayor for a year, Peter has: Been Board Member and Chair for two as well as the private and not for profit sectors. This can generate goods stores, light industrial, industrial and manufacturing precincts years of Region 2 of the Murray Darling Association, where he was at change and allow new ideas to flourish. The improvement of sporting across the shire. Economic growth in our beautiful smaller communities the forefront of action on water buy backs and issues with the facilities, upgrades to children’s playgrounds, new walking and cycling and opening up land for residential development and job creation. choke; Developed events and supported tourism operators as Chair of tracks and the creation of Creative Arts Hubs provide for all age groups Shade trees and drought proof nature strips to beautify communities the Shire’s Tourism Advisory Committee; Succeeded in having navigation and abilities and make Moira a great place to live, work and play. In my without using too much of our precious water supplies. During and post hazards removed from Lake when with the lake’s Community two terms on Council I have proudly served as Mayor and Deputy Mayor. pandemic, keeping businesses and tourism up and running for the next Reference Group. Peter has promoted increased Shire expenditures Committees I have worked on include the Audit, Moira Safety Committee, ‘4 seasons Must Visit Location’ shire wide. Farming, trades, industrial, in Yarrawonga, including acquisition of the Old Primary School site, Prevention of Domestic Violence, Environmental Sustainability, Goulburn retail please note I’m no expert but have life long interests in most fields construction of a new library and community hub, and the indoor Multi Broken Greenhouse Alliance, Junior Council, MAC Inc., Multicultural and and I’ll be your link, I will Listen, Learn and Work with your concerns. Sports Stadium. Future improvements he will pursue for the benefit various section 86 committees. To further serve my community I have Initiating pre meeting, agenda items discussions across the shire and of Shire residents and businesses are flood mitigation in undertaken the Institute of Company Directors Course and am an alumni investigate opening briefings to public, so everyone can see how and and ; East levee; replacement bridge across Sandy of the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership. My passion is talking to why decisions are made and monthly meeting venues shared across the Creek in Wilby; pedestrian bridge to Jackson’s Island in Bundalong; silo residents, business people, volunteers and visitors about their ideas and larger towns. Moira Shire Council comprising of Councillors, CEO, council murals across the Shire; attract national brands, such as Aldi, to the being able to progress them. Your vote for me will ensure I will continue staff work for you. Major part of councilors role is ensuring every dollar Shire; and the Green Route bridge to Mulwala. Peter has considerable to strongly represent the entire Moira Shire Community with the integrity is spent wisely, effectively and efficiently across the shire to maximize experience and achievements to date as a Yarrawonga-based Councillor. you deserve. lifestyle and economy. Please contact all candidates, informed valid votes He commits to the continued betterment of the Shire, its residents, counts. Vote 1 Judy Heather open, transparent governance, community ratepayers and businesses. consultation. @Judy Heather Candidate for Moira Shire Election 2020. [email protected] 0431486903

1 2 3 NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager.

ELLIOTT, Peter BEITZEL, John MUSTICA, Libro Hi I’m Peter Elliott, I’ve enjoyed continuous employment as part of the My name is John Beitzel I was born and bred in Numurkah I am married I have been serving on the council for the last 4 years working with the Mulwala Water Ski Club team since 2006. My wife, Paula and I were and also the father of two boys who both live, work, and play sport community firstly as a councillor and then the Mayor. I am standing again married in 1994 and our 3 awesome children, James, Stephanie and locally. I am heavily involved in sport in our community as I am also as I believe there is still more to be achieved and projects I would like to Olivia all enjoyed a grounded childhood whilst growing up in Bundalong. the current president of Numurkah football club, I have also been self see completed. I have been a part of the Moira Shire community for most I also enjoyed my childhood in Bundalong and learnt what hard work employed since I was 24 years of age and still currently own with a of my life and am passionate about further developing the area I live in. was all about whilst growing up on the family dairy farm. Bundalong has business partner two business’s that are located in Numurkah and These next four years may prove challenging considering the current been a huge part of my life and is very special to me, so naturally I want Cobram which are both in Moira shire council I have currently served on situation and I feel that with my previous experience and operating my Bundalong to continue to prosper and I promise to live up to my end of Moira shire council for the past 4 years and as a business owner feel its own business I have the knowledge that will be useful moving forward. the bargain in ensuring it remains part of the bigger Moira landscape. As important to be involved in making decisions that essentially shape our We need to begin investing in our people and create a community where a first-time nomination I’m unsure of what’s in store as a councillor but community and also important that Moira Shire Council continue to strive our youth can not only get a job but develop a career and raise a family in rest-assured I promise to work hard, be respectful and conscientious. to be authentic, efficient, accountable, one that has an open door policy their home town rather than having to move away to the city. I recognise My last 15 years as chairperson of the Bundalong Action Group hopefully that will continue to attract new industry and development, which will and understand what the Moira Shire needs to keep growing to ensure gives me a common-sense approach to all aspects of being a councillor continue to provide employment opportunities right throughout our shire. that our community is strong successful and thriving for many years to and, at the same time, be grounded and connected with our community. It’s essential that our community has a well run business minded council come. To be a place where industries choose to invest, people want to I don’t have a set agenda as such but as a councillor I want to be a team and most importantly, one that represents the interests of all members of visit and holiday, live and work. player and help Moira to achieve above and beyond its confines. If you our community. We are living in one of the best parts of our country being agree, vote wisely 2.5 hours from the city of whilst having the on our doorstep which give’s us the opportunity to promote tourism in our shire and create important dollars to our local retail industry. We need a council that will always do their best to ensure that Moira shire is a great place to live and visit with a thriving economy.

4 5 6 NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager.

LIMBRICK, Wayne OLSON, Scott A BROOKS, Julie I have lived in Moira Shire for most of my 65 years and currently live on My name is Scott Olson and I am a 30 year resident of Moira, with the Julie is a third generation community member who was born in the a farm at which my wife Pam and I have owned since 1978. We last 24 years in (think lots of o’s and the Big Strawberry). shire and currently lives in Yarrawonga. Julie has been employed by also own a house at Silverwoods in Yarrawonga and spend time there. I Like yourself, I am looking across this election list of 17 candidates and PALS (a local disability services provider) for over 13 years and has been am Chairman of the Silverwoods Owners Corporation and committed to saying to myself, “who do I vote for?” It’s a tough question. Especially the CEO for the last 4 years. PALS delivers a range of support service building that community. My employment experience includes, Banking, when many, including myself, will say to you that they are approachable, across the shire, primarily into the townships of Cobram, Numurkah and Legal Practice Management and Conveyancing, Accounting, Financial willing to listen, can work well with others, and supports Council Yarrawonga. Julie genuinely cares about making the community we live Planning and Retail. I have been involved in many community and transparency and accountability. My answer to each is also ‘Yes’ when in a better place and hopes to serve on the Council to represent many sporting groups mainly in Nathalia, but also a delegate on the Murray describing myself, but the 3 character reasons why I am asking for of the residents who don’t have a voice in our community, notably the Football Netball League. I have been involved in Tourism promotion and your vote and you to Vote1 Scott Olson is; One, I have a good head for elderly, the socially disadvantaged, people who live with a disability, marketing, as a Board Member on Goulburn Tourism in the 1990’s, Sun numbers, which I use everyday as a market analyst and in the other single parents and young families. Women are over represented Country on the Murray Marketing Committee and Moira Shire Tourism numerous roles in my agribusiness. In the past, I have also used my in the Moira shire demographic numbers and yet are considerably Advisory Committee most recently, serving 3 years as Chairman. I was good head for numbers to help hold Council to account for some of their underrepresented in Council with presently only 2 female Councillors out also Chairman of Western Moira Tourism for 5 years. I believe Moira Shire actions. Two, I have shown many times over the years that I am a strong of 9 representatives. Statewide only 38% of all Councillors are female. is well placed to continue to grow and want to be involved in the future advocate who is not afraid to speak up for either myself and for others Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane says “Gender equality planning and continued economic development of the Municipality. I who cannot when worthy causes are at stake. Three, I never do things makes communities, councils and stronger.” Historically our have a particular interest in Tourism development and marketing, waste by half measures where I choose to take on a new role, in this instance communities were founded by strong rural leadership in organizations and resource management, water security and ensuring that Moira Shire as Councillor. As stated in my questionnaire, both this Covid-19 virus like the Country Women’s’ Association and their has never been a greater is ahead of the game, in provision of services, well planned residential and drought over the past 3 years has had a financial and mental impact need for women to be represented at local Government level. People who land and quality industrial land. Covid 19 has been a challenge for us on nearly every person within Moira. With your vote, my mission is to live with a disability are often a silent minority. They are more likely to all, but i firmly believe that it also presents us with a unique opportunity achieve a measurable and tangible reduction in the cost of living for both experience poverty, live in poor quality housing and experience low levels to take advantage of the already obvious migration of people out of the residents and businesses in Moira. With a number of “shovel ready’ ideas of education. They are often socially isolated with fewer opportunities to city. Travel habits have also changed and we urgently need to review already in my head, I am asking for you to please Vote1 Scott Olson. participate fully in their communities. Julie hopes to be able to advocate our accommodation offer to capture the movement of people around Thank-you. for better access to buildings, footpaths, facilities and for greater the state, unable to travel interstate and overseas. I believe I have the inclusion. Julie intends to be an independent voice for Moira who will knowledge, experience and passion for where I live, to be a valuable carefully scrutinize the priorities for the significant expenditure of the member of Council and represent my fellow ratepayers. Moira budget and will weigh each issue of its merits. Julie wants Moira to be a truly diverse, prosperous and welcoming community.

7 8 9 NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager.

BOURKE, Kevin J. GOLDMAN, Andrew CAMPBELL, Geoff Bourke Kevin J. is a fourth generation Nathalia resident, and along with I moved to the Moira Shire 47 years ago and chose to raise my family Introducing Geoff Campbell, born and raised in Yarrawonga. A retired partner, Leanne, has operated a number of successful small businesses here where I started an excavation business now employing 65 people. Farmer with a Diploma in Agriculture, I have travelled extensively locally in the Nathalia district. Being elected member of Moira Shire Council The region needed more opportunities for young people to stay or and overseas. Past Yarrawonga councilor and President Yarrawonga since 2012, I am experienced in the role. Throughout this time I have to encourage them to return after leaving for higher education and I Holiday Park Committee (20 years Chairman) Community worker maintained a commitment to ensure adequate community consultation, wanted to help bridge that gap. Building a business has taught me (volunteer) locally and internationally (with Apex) Former Catchment transparency in decision making, accountability of staff and council the importance of staying connected with the community to ensure and Land Protection Council and Catchment Management Authority and the service delivery to all Moira residents and ratepayers. I have the most sustainable outcomes for the region. My adult children and Member. Parish Councilor Anglican Church.50 years Wilby fire brigade. I been fortunate to hold a Councillor representative position on the Moira grandchildren live locally, and I want to see opportunities continue to have the qualifications enthusiasm and experience to be your Councilor. Disability Committee, the Moira Shire Safety Committee, grow and encourage people of all generations to stay in the Moira Shire. I will endeavor to make decisions more open and consult with local Roadsafe and the former Numurkah Flood Study and Plan Committee I am a strong advocate for supporting local business and trades. I want communities. Communication Net Work is important I will work hard for and the current Numurkah Flood Mitigation Implementation Committee. to see the Moira Shire bring in more business opportunities at the same improvements to phone and Internet services to enable People Industries Moving forward, Moira Shire will face many challenges that will need time as growing and supporting existing businesses. COVID has hurt and Businesses to decentralize. I have dealt with businesses right across to be addressed through the lens of economic changes caused by the our economy and we need to seek ways to build our region back up. I the shire and know the importance of our regional Road Networks, they Codiv19 pandemic Water - The impacts of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, am also passionate about creating more low-cost industrial land which need to be maintained and upgraded. I will work to ensure the viability I will fight to keep irrigation water, and therefore agricultural productivity will help boost business and jobs. I have seen our tourism drop over the of our tourist centre’s to promote our towns. Rail is very important to this side of the Barmah choke, avoiding the environmental vandalism years and have a keen interest in seeing this grow and to help deliver the our rural area’s both for freight and passenger services, I will support caused by Inter Valley Transfers. Flood protection and drainage issues right vision. Tourism drives regional development and with the Murray them. My involvement in Canoeing, Dancing, and Veteran Car & Tractor need to be addressed as a priority Development of Local Industries - River and Lake Mulwala at the center of our tourism we have the ability clubs gives me knowledge of recreation reserves, Halls and Waterways Planning for, and encouraging development with Residential, Commercial to deliver the growth our region needs. The Moira Shire needs Councillors across the Shire. With so much land there is No Need to Force Water and Industrial development and demand across the Shire. Promoting who are accountable, and it’s time for a change. through the Barmah Choke lets use the water to recreate our food bowl. the local tourist attractions to local residents, encouraging “close to As a Parent and Grandparent I fully understand the importance of Sport home” holidays in the post pandemic world Roads and Services - We to all ages, locally I support the Multi sports Stadium the indoor heated need security in our ability to maintain our huge Road network to pool, the acquisition of the former Primary School site at a discounted community expectations, along with the promotion of the Yarrawonga / rate for Community use, the new Library on the best site available Mulwala Bridge. Waste and Recycling services need to be optimised to and enhancement of the Town Hall Complex for Arts and Culture. Let’s minimise our exposure to Landfill expenses and charges. Moira Shire work together to bring tourists, industry and development to Moira to is a magnificant place to live, work and play. I humbly seek your vote to Capitalize on the foresight of our Forbears. continue to work on your behalf.

10 11 12 NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager.

BUCK, Wendy COX, Ed MCPHEE, Don Vote 1 Wendy Buck, I am an aged care and disability support worker in My name is Ed Cox, married too Su and we have four adult children. I have lived in the Yarrawonga area for some 35 years, with my wife Moira Shire and have been a Moira Shire Councillor for 10 years, it is I’ve been involved with various local community organizations over the Heather and two daughters Kirsty and Bridi. We have just retired from an honor to be respected and supported by my community. I am also a years in Cobram. I’m an irrigation farmer with Beef, Lambs, Cereals and ‘Houghton’s a retail business in Yarrawonga after some 32 years. I graduate of the Australian institute of Company Directors. I am asking Hay. I’ve been involved with Moira Council a number of years now and I have been involved in many community business organisations. These you to vote 1 Wendy Buck so I can continue working together with the still think I have a lot too offer this Council into the future. My focus will being, the Yarrawonga/Mulwala Tourism & Business, of which I am the community to achieve their goals. I have a proven track record in the be across the shire but locally upgrade of buildings at Scott Reserve; current treasurer, Chamber of Commerce (1988-2005), Yarrawonga community, facilitating a farming support group, Water Technology Rec Res, Ex G.M.W. land Punt Rd Cobram too carparking; P-12 Secondary College School Council, PALS Disability care, Gorman Cluster Irrigation Expos, a tourism brochure, Small Communities Great Rural Roads, Levee Bank, Footpaths across Shire; Small House Respite Committee, and I am currently on the Yarrawonga/ Treasures of the Moira Shire featuring our 18 small towns, and a history communities facilities upgrades; Cobram Information Centre upgrade, Mulwala Development Group, and a Yarrawonga Lions member. After my project celebrating 100 years of women in local government highlighting Caravan Park Cobram upgrade and other projects across Shire. first council term in 2012-2016, I have a sense of unfinished business Women Councillors and women who represented the shires that made and feel I can contribute in a very positive way, to continue to see the up the Moira Shire. I have championed an all abilities playground with shire grow economically and to support the health and cultural needs disability parking, footpaths and barbecues for wheelchair access, am of residents. Expenditure on infrastructure and facilities for the greater looking at extending it with a wheelchair swing. I was the first ever Yarrawonga area is a constant ‘Issue’ for Moira Shire. It has been their woman to be Ministerial elected Chairman of a Regional Waste Group ‘Achilles’ heel. With the continued growth in population, facilities need to and worked on state significant projects and policies. At Moira Shire I meet resident’s expectations. I support the current Yarrawonga projects have been instrumental in championing change with the introduction in process at this time; The Library Community Hub, Multi-Purpose of the full organic green bin and the Watts Working Better Street Indoor Basketball Stadium with provision for an Indoor Heated Swimming lighting upgrade. The next four years, if elected, I hope to see major Pool, and the Tungamah Football Netball Clubroom upgrades. Tourism, projects achieved, basketball stadium, new library hub, heated pool one of our most important Industries, needs continued support and and community hub at the old school site. I also see the need for major the Shire must continue to fund tourism across the shire, particularly drainage works and flood mitigation across the shire as top priority. Yarrawonga. The council must continue to consult with the community The whole community benefits from those of us who stand for Local on its future needs and put in place projects in the planning pipeline. I Government, who chose to be at the decision making table and not have maintained my interest in local government and community affairs on the menu, who engage their community to develop and own their and have the same desire and enthusiasm to again represent the greater decisions which shape their future. Yarrawonga area and all Moira Shire residents as I did in my past term on Council. I ask for your support in this endeavour.

13 14 15 NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any NOTICE: The contents of candidate statements are provided by the candidates. Any enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. enquiries about candidate statements should be directed to the relevant candidate. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager. Candidate statements are not verified or endorsed by the Election Manager.

LAWLESS, Peter Joseph DOUGLAS, Fred After completing a four-year term, three as Deputy Mayor, I would like to My wife and I have a 30+ year history with Moira Shire and have made continue to serve the Community. Looking to the future post-pandemic, Bundalong our home. We have forged friendships with people in the I believe many will consider Regional areas and what they have to townships. We have admired the flair and fortitude of local businesses. offer in a different light, with Tourism in particular, booming. Council As water sports enthusiasts, we have seen on the waterways the needs to build on our strengths in retail, agriculture, light industry and habitats that are quintessentially unique to the region. The natural manufacturing by encouraging our present residents, and others to environment must be sensibly managed, because of its uniqueness and come to help to grow our economy.This will give opportunities, not because, through tourism, its a significant driver of economic growth. only to those finishing their education, here, but attract those who have Equally as precious is the vibrancy of our built environment and valuable left, to return. Experience in a variety of roles, previous to Council, has local industry. We need a sustainable, strategic vision that addresses the equipped me to recognise the priorities for our major towns, Numurkah, challenges endured by the Shire, including drought, bush fires, floods, Nathalia, Cobram, Yarrawonga, such as flooding issues and drainage, unemployment, a slowing local economy and the impacts of Covid 19. housing shortage, industrial land, libraries and sporting facilities. I am As a seasoned property professional, I know economic prosperity is particularly keen for each of the smaller towns and districts to receive achieved through a complex balance of financial, environmental and high standard services and well maintained Community Centres. We community needs. To attract investment and create more jobs, we need need to encourage and support our many Volunteers, who are the life positive dialogue with companies and Government agencies. I have a blood of rural communities. Carol and I have four adult children and proven track record as a collaborator. I seek out the things that unite, six grandchildren, with one daughter having a disability. I am acutely rather than focus on the issues that divide. As a Member of the Australian aware of the needs of the disabled and the younger generation. We must Institute of Company Directors, I take impartiality and good governance provide the best possible facilities right across Moira for all to pursue seriously. Ive served on the Yarrawonga Health Board for 3 years (Chair of activities in a variety of sports and entertainment. We need to continue to their Corporate Governance Committee for one year) and am a Member support the newly formed Arts Hubs at Numurkah, Nathalia, Yarrawonga, of Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House Committee of Management, and hopefully soon, Cobram, as well as the North East Arts Trail. The a Member of Mulwala Water Ski Club, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf formation of Kickstart Committees in smaller towns has been a great Club and sat on the Moira Council Audit Committee as a Community boost for these communities and must be encouraged. My family’s keen representative. I am a passionate and optimistic person with energy to interest in gardens and having travelled in and overseas, the burn. I see opportunities for attracting investment. I see opportunities appearance of parks, gardens, approaches to towns and public buildings for strengthening infrastructure and industry. Most importantly in these leaves a lasting impression. challenging times, I see opportunities for building community resilience. Governance, Business Acumen, Property Expertise, Community Service

16 17