2020 Rural City 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.

HORAN, David VAN WERSCH, Willie THOMAS, Lindsay Roger Hello my name is David Horan, for those people who do not know I’m a local Businessman and Developer. Born in Benalla, raised on As a business owner, community minded volunteer, and Benalla me I am the vision impaired person you would often see walking a farm in the Reefhills, attended St Josephs Primary School and resident for 23 years I am proud to be standing as a Greens with my Guide dog Bennie around the streets of Benalla, I have Benalla Tech. Lived for my sport. Took on a job in construction. endorsed candidate in the Benalla Rural City Council election. I lived and worked in Benalla for 21 years and over that time I have Currently involved in property and construction and the House Boat love the diversity of our region, the way the community is open to seen a lot of changes around town, some good andsome bad. industry. A committee member of Winton Motor Raceway. Currently change and the readiness to create and embrace opportunities. I 2020 has been an unforgettable year, starting with the bushfires serving as a Councilor, I believe that I have contributed some of have worked as a Business Development and Tourism Officer for and the Corona 19 Pandemic and the restrictions have been hard my knowledge, values and no nonsense approach along with my the Benalla Rural City Council, I am a board member of Waminda but if we keep doing what we are doing we get through this. I fellow councilors towards the progress we have delivered so far. I Community House, Chair of the Benalla Business Network and am a current volunteer member on the Benalla Council Disability am well aware there is still lots more to be done. I believe at the have held various volunteer and committee roles. My community Reference Group, being Vision Impaired I have a big interest in moment we have stability and a positive focus for moving forward. involvement through volunteering, committees and board Access and Inclusion, So I decided to run for Council because I feel If re-elected I will continue to pursue a better infrastructure around membership has given me experience and insight into the needs people of all abilities need a voice on Council, if Elected to Council drainage, enhancing the appearance of the City and out-lying areas, and opportunities of our community and the drive to assist in I will do my very best represent people of all abilities as well as the sport and well being for all. And for that damn Rail, watch this achieving sustainable outcomes for our future. I stand because the whole Community as a whole. Some of my issues are as follows, space. depth of my values, if elected my priorities are 1) Ensure open and Access and Inclusion, Infrastruction eg. Footpaths, Disabal parking transparent governance by Council. 2) Adoption of a sustainable Dangerous Road Crossings, and over grown trees And low hanging renewable energy policy. 3) Planning development policy and land branches. These are just a few issues I would like to work on. use. I will apply my business expertise and deep understanding of Thankyou and Cheers David Horan. our community to push for outcomes that will benefit everybody. Please contact me on [email protected] to discuss your ideas for our area. Vote [1] Lindsay Thomas for an experienced, forward thinking Councillor for Benalla Rural City Council.

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.

RICHARDS, Margaret O’BRIEN, Gail FIRTH, Don I will work for sustainable economic, environmental and social I will ask, listen, act and respond to all in our community. I believe in I am a current Benalla Rural City Councillor and was Mayor for two development post COVID. I will strive for an open and transparent honesty and accountability. This area has been my home for almost years. The past four years have seen substantial growth in Benalla Council which communicates effectively with all residents.Happy twenty years. Three generations of my family live here. I have in jobs and the housing market has gone from strength to strength. residents ensure a happy, productive future. Save Our Station are lived in town and now live on our farm at Stewarton. Advocating This Council’s achievements of which I am most proud of are: 1. striving for the best outcome for our railway station and line have for others has been an important priority in my diverse career as Creating a Council Plan that is what the council stands for, and had my support.The many wonderful facilities that Benalla Rural a registered nurse. Most recently I worked at Benalla Health in sticking to it; 2. Significant improvements to our community, such City residents enjoy, need on going maintenance to ensure that community and palliative care. This gave me the privilege of visiting as the Splash Park and redevelopment of our Foreshore precinct, this work is carried out to the highest standard I will encourage many families in town and the rural areas. This has provided me which will include a new cinema, cafe and improvements to our sourcing Government funding. Flooding is an ongoing concern and I with a broad understanding of our community’s needs. Our Council Visitor Information Centre and Historical Museum, a project that will will ensure that flood ways are keep clear of obstructions both built needs to ask and listen to the people about what is important to transform Benalla’s CBD and assist retail; and 3. Improvements to and natural and that the drainage systems are maintained prior to them; champion their causes in Council and report back to them. If our Land Fill operations. I am, and always have been, enthusiastic forecast events. The prediction for a 5.08% growth rate in Benalla elected I will do this by being readily available, attending community about Benalla. I was born and raised here and was a self employed & district will need to be addressed and thoroughly planned, so events and meetings and asking the community what it needs electrical contractor. I have been involved in many aspects of the that facilities and services keep up with the growth. I care about from Council. My priorities: Support for local businesses to prosper community including sporting clubs, aged care facilities, education the environment and will work towards supporting solar energy, now and in a post Covid environment; Development of a post Covid and business. I first decided to stand for council in 2008-2012. I sustainable housing, recycling, preserving the natural landscape strategy that launches increased regional tourism and promotes have served as chair of the Finance and Operations Committee and wildlife. Improving and extending walking and cycle paths us as a preferred location for tree changers; Well-resourced and the Planning and Development Committee. I also chaired which are enjoyed by locals and visitors daily. Our volunteers,serve community and mental health services; Support for the arts, the working party for the building of the Urban Growth Project in so many different ways, this dedicated, amazing group of people, including the Wall to Wall Festival, the Historical Society, North East drainage system in Cowan Street which has allowed that area to be should feel valued and I will ensure that this occurs. I will advocate Artisans, the Migrant Camp and development of the Benalla Gallery developed. Now standing for my third term on council, I believe my for the Rural City when ever and where ever the opportunity arises.I and Lake Precinct; Support for the Save our Station campaign; experience will help continue the council’s focus on jobs growth, will reintroduce the once a month newcomers bus to welcome and Initiatives to ensure an environmentally sustainable community; infrastructure improvements and maintenance, whole of community show the many points of interest and the facilities that we enjoy. Raising the awareness in Council of the needs of the rural villages issues and fair and responsible governance of our community. Please Vote 1, Margaret Richards Vote 2, Gail O’Brien and Vote 3 and communities. Support for our sporting and community groups; With your vote for me, Benalla can continue to be one of the best Justin King then preference all other candidates. I believe these Improved streetscape (lighting, curbs and guttering, roads, etc.) of communities in regional . candidates share my values and vision for Benalla and will listen, Benalla township and rural areas. This election vote 1 Gail O’Brien. act and work with you. I encourage you to also vote for Justin King and Margaret Richards as we share the same vision and values for Benalla

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.

DAVIS, Peter BRANIGAN, Vincent Michael CLARIDGE, Danny I am proud to be a Councillor in the vibrant, progressive and friendly I was born in Benalla and raised in Swanpool on the family farm Hello. I’m Danny Claridge, councillor and current mayor of Benalla Rural . The direction I propose to take if reelected and, during my formative years, the importance of living in a Rural City. I’ve lived in Benalla for over forty years, raised my into Council, is to continue to communicate and support our vibrant community was instilled in me. I was encouraged to be ‘a family here, run several successful businesses, and been involved community, also acknowledging our generous volunteers. Support participant and not a spectator’ which became my mantra in my in many local organisations. It has been a privilege to represent community driven initiatives including the prevention of family personal and professional life. A secondary school English, Drama the Benalla community for the last four years. I’ve worked hard to violence and mental health. Engage the youth to participate in and History teacher for the past forty- one years, I have been listen and respond to the concerns of residents and community Council planning into future projects and to better connect the youth fortunate enough to hold many leadership positions in schools. groups, including Council visits to each of our rural communities to into our community. Benalla is a fantastic place for people to live, My community involvement has included twelve years as the view facilities and learn about local issues. An important priority for work and retire. We need to plan to maintain adequate services, president of the Benalla Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, four years me has been waste management and reducing the huge financial facilities and the workforce to support our ageing population. We as the president of the Benalla branch of the Saint Vincent de Paul burden it places on our rural city. I’m also deeply committed to need to be mindful of the needs of both Rural and Residential Society and, since 2012, an active member of the Benalla Festival addressing sustainability and environmental issues and am working Ratepayers, maintaining roads, drains, footpaths, walking and organising committee. I was responsible for the introduction of to ban all single use plastic at council events. Our council has been bike tracks and sporting recreational needs. We must continue the popular writing competition and more recently the historical amazingly successful in securing funding for new projects and to support our existing local businesses, whilst encouraging new walks of the Benalla cemetery. In 2017 I was named the Benalla the upgrading of existing infrastructure. Many of these projects business ventures to our town. It is important that Council strives to Rural City Citizen of the Year. If elected to council, I pledge to work are still to be delivered. I’m committed to making sure they are sustain a sound financial position, whilst minimizing rate increases. constructively with my fellow councillors and council staff to create delivered on time and within budget. There are exciting times Transparency is critical if we are to maintain credibility with our ‘a high performing and innovative organisation based on sound ahead. Benalla Rural City is presently in the top ten growth areas Ratepayers. Council also needs to create less red tape, streamline financial management , accountability and good governance to in , with approximately 1,500 new jobs on offer and 800 planning processors, and most of all have a can do approach. provide best value service to our whole community’ (Benalla Rural new housing blocks submitted for planning approval. Strong and We must continue to work together for the common good and City plan, theme five). In the post COVID-19 period over the next four careful leadership is needed to make the most of this boom, while prosperity of all people who live,visit, work and invest in Benalla years, I hope to see:1) Further development of the local economy preserving our wonderful country lifestyle. Thought and compassion Rural City. Many of you will know how passionate and vocal I have and employment opportunities.2) Continued improvement in the must be exercised to ensure benefits are shared equally, and that been in representing you the ratepayer in the past. I am always provision of council services particularly rural roads and bridges, we continue to care for the vulnerable in our community. I believe available to listen to your concerns. I would like the opportunity to weed and feral pest control, footpaths, parks and gardens, sporting I have the experience, project management, entrepreneurial and continue to represent you in Council. and recreational facilities, festivals and cultural events particularly negotiating skills required to help manage future growth. I base my in our rural townships. Finally, please consider very carefully how decisions on common sense and sound information to achieve the you allocate your preferences. They will determine who your seven best outcome for all. I offer myself as a hard-working, practical, Benalla Rural City councillors will be for the next four years. Vote 1 caring candidate who ‘gets the job done’. I ask for your number one Vincent Branigan for Leadership, Integrity and Vision. vote.

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.

HEARN, Bernie HEWA GUNARATNE, Punarji KING, Justin R. I am Bernie Hearn. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to Ayubowan - that’s G’day in Sinhalese, my first language. My name Vote 1, Justin King. It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that represent you in council for the last 4 years and Deputy Mayor in is Punarji, but everyone calls me Puna. I have lived in Benalla with I, once again, ask for your support at this election for the Benalla 2020. Benalla is my home. I am born and breed here. My father my young family since 2016 and I work as a Certified Practicing Rural City Council. As it was in 2012, my commitment to you is to was a policeman in the area and I went to school with many of you Accountant within the public health sector. Prior to my current job, be an active representative for all people in the Benalla Community or your friends and family. I am a wife and mother of two boys, we I have worked in large and small private businesses and in finance and to provide you with a voice at the council table. If elected, I will live in and love this community. I am a business women, a farmer over the last 20 years in both Sri Lanka and Australia. Working at a support the Benalla Community through the impact of COVID-19 by and office manager. During the past 4 years on council we have major telecommunication company at the dawn of the smartphone forming a Benalla Covid-19 Support Initiative (BCSI). The initiative achieved a lot and I am proud that together we: Purchased a new era, I was involved in preparing the company to benefit from the aims to assist businesses, households and our farming communities grader to advance road maintenance, Built the new landfill cell on new technology coming on to the market, and I believe that we to get back on their feet in the aftermath of the virus. I will support budget and started construction on a new transfer station, Raised are at the same point with energy transformation in Benalla and I improved mental health awareness and action, re-open the doors to the roof for equestrian, Started the Junior football club rooms and would like to take a leading role. I believe that Benalla’s residents the community with improved engagement and will focus on getting completed the splash park. I continue to encourage and support can benefit from renewable energy with lower energy bills if the back to basics with local service delivery. Since announcing my business in Benalla enabling more jobs for locals. I actively support council manages the transition well. I want to use my accounting candidacy in January, I have been listening. I have taken onboard increasing community mental health, Live4Life and PHN Suicide skills to identify ways that council can improve its revenue without what it is you are seeking from your local council representatives Prevention, Community Health funding. During the next term it is having to increase rates, and use that money to improve recreation, and I believe now more than ever that our Volunteers, Community important that we continue to work together to: Improve roads transport, and health facilities for everyone in our council. I believe Groups and Committees need more local council assistance. and footpaths, Complete the transfer station, and see the landfill that an inclusive Benalla is a strong Benalla, and if elected I want to Whether you volunteer at local events, are trying to preserve move into a viable business, Build up our recycling capabilities, always work to support everyone in our community to feel like they our past or are planning our future, know that you will have a Improve our city drains and gutters, Support small business and have a place and a voice. We need to share council resources fairly representative who will take a real interest in the work that you are innovation to continue employing local people for Benalla work and make sure that residents outside of Benalla township feel that doing and will provide opportunity for a partnership with council. I and provide local opportunities. Encourage more female leaders in they are receiving an equal share. If you elect me, I look forward understand that our community is going through challenging times our community. I passionately believe in our region and the future to hearing your ideas and to work constructively to make those and support for households is greatly needed. If elected I will review possibilities it has to offer to those who live in our community improvements happen and make Benalla an even better place to the re-introduction of landfill vouchers, a 12 month freeze on animal and to those who visit. As your Councillor I will be Approachable, live and do business. registration fees and rate relief for businesses and farmers. This Accountable, Fair, Consistent and Committed to Community. I am election Vote 1, Justin King, vote Margaret Richards, Gail OBrien Listening. I need your support now to continue this great work for then preference all other candidates as these candidates share the our community - please Vote 1 Bernie HEARN same vision for Benalla and will listen, act and work with you.

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