I believe our shire is blessed with many unique assets which make it an outstanding place to live, work and visit. I am passionate about protecting the cultural and heritage values, the "village" feel, sense of community, and the native flora and fauna which few shires are lucky enough to still have. We must carefully balance growth and development, with the impact to these assets, to ensure we don't lose the very things which make this shire special.
I have enjoyed decades of senior leadership positions in the corporate world until stopping two years ago to focus on being owner builder (ones choice of superlatives to be inserted here - let's just say I understand what its like to navigate council amongst other things!). I would like to use my skillsets to help promote and protect our shire. In looking at the eight wards, I was struck that the Calder ward is the one which may have the biggest impact socially, economically and environmentally on our shire as a whole in coming years. Harcourt is forecast to see phenomenal growth - the second highest behind Castlemaine in the region. This is both exciting, and scary. We need to get it right.
Im a keen researcher of solutions which are working elsewhere. Wildlife corridors and crossings, sustainable development and environmentally friendly housing, ecotourism ventures which place protection of our natural assets at the forefront of everyone's thinking.... these are some ideas I would welcome the opportunity to table.
The world is in a troubling place in many ways. I am inspired by our local groups who are passionate about doing what they can to steer things in a positive direction, and am committed to doing what I can to assist.
Formed during the early stages of COVID-19, the Castlemaine Commons collective works responsively and locally hosting events & discussions - fostering new ways of communication, community connection, sense making, catalysing action and creating collective future visions.
We are also part of the newly formed First Nations Solidarity Network - Liyanganyuk Banyul. As non-Indigenous community members we understand it is our responsibility to walk together in right relationship with a commitment to truth telling. We know that when First Peoples are supported to thrive, we all thrive.
Since the referendum we have seen an increase in racism in schools and across our community. How will you address this division and ensure there is accountability and transparency about the learning and truth telling that is needed?
If elected, I commit to working with you to continue to identify and implement ways to effectively address this. The issue should be a regular agenda item on all council meetings.
To inform your leadership decisions, will you personally commit to ongoing learning about anti-racism, truth telling and colonisation?
Yes
I am connected to Uncle Gary Murray and have a strong interest in protecting Country across Victoria, but especially in central Victoria. There is indigenous culture in Calder Ward for example which requires stronger protection and promotion. I would welcome the opportunity to work with local groups in upscaling my learning, as part of my wider advocacy.
Would you support offering and increasing professional development for all Council staff in cultural awareness and anti-racism, and making this a requirement of both Councillors and the Executive team within Council?
Yes
Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) and Nalderun Education Aboriginal Organisation provide an important contribution to this community. Will you commit to strengthening the collaborative relationships and support that has been built between MASC and these organisations as well as with other local First Nations led enterprises and organisations?
This may be through increasing funding from MASC for programs run by Nalderun Education Aboriginal Organisation, such as the Me-Mandook Bush Tucker Education Place, increasing advocacy and in-kind support, increased partnerships and meaningful relationship building.
Yes, although in terms of funding, I believe there may be ways to look at efficiencies within council, so ratepayers are not borne with additional costs.
As you are settling into your Council role later this year, the Victorian Treaty process will be entering into an important stage of Statewide Treaty negotiations, with local Traditional Owner Treaties commencing soon after.
What role do you envision MASC playing in the Treaty process, and how can you support local Treaty negotiations in partnership with local Traditional Owners, Elders and First Nations Leaders?
Preparing MASC for local Traditional Owner Treaty negotiations may include, for example, development of a discussion paper on how Council can engage with the Treaty Negotiation Framework.
I would welcome the opportunity to work closely with local groups to ensure we get this plan right. We need not necessarily wait until November when the council election results are communicated. I would welcome local groups reaching out to me sooner, to ensure we are ready whether I am elected or not.
Will you write to the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Treaty Authority, the independent body that oversees Treaty-making in Victoria, to express the Shire’s desire to be party to future Traditional Owner Treaties?
I can write at any time as an individual. If as member of council, this would need to wait until council is formed and a vote is taken to do it.
Castlemaine Community House (CCH) provides programs and activities contributing to community development and supporting individuals and groups within the local community.
CCH is:
How will you maintain strong connections and ensure you keep in touch with your constituents?
Aside from holding regular listening posts, and attending as many community events as possible, I would like to run regular surveys of my constituents to gauge how they are feeling and what they would like from me.
How effective are you at collaborating with people who may have different perspectives and values?
I believe in "seeking first to understand, then to be understood". In my view it's important to find some sort of common ground - however small and seemingly insignificant - to build on.
In your view, what contributes to a resilient community, and how can the council support that?
I think groups such as those involved in this questionnaire are critical in building and maintaining resilience. We must all be positive and forward thinking. Council can take the lead with that. I think it's important that council understand all angles and implications of a situation whether real or perceived, and communicates proactively across the community. It's important that everyone in community feels heard, understood, valued and supported.
Castlemaine Pride is a volunteer-led community group that organises the Pride Festival each year. The community grew out of the local grassroots movement in support of marriage equality. They continue to support and connect the local LGBTQIA+ community and advocate for the safety and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the Mount Alexander Shire.
Things should be getting better for LGBTQIA+ young people but, alarmingly, in 2024 discrimination and hate speech is on the rise. 66% of LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia still experience discrimination just for being who they are.
If elected to council, do you commit to engaging with and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth to create a Discrimination Action Plan in our Shire?
Yes
I would welcome the opportunity to work with you in devising this.
A key gap in Australia is the lack of population-level information and service data that adequately reflects trans and gender-diverse people. Ideally the whole Shire should be a safe space for our trans and gender diverse community.
If elected to council, do you commit to ensure trans and gender diverse people receive equal opportunities, have access to safe spaces, and effective healthcare services?
I think this is an important issue and I would welcome the opportunity to spend appropriate time with you to fully understand all the aspects of what is required. Once this is understood, of course I would do what I can to assist.
Not one candidate in the Mt Alexander Shire elected in 2020, fully supported the ‘Rainbow Local Government’ pledge. Some candidates did not even take part in the survey.
Will you vow to take the ‘Rainbow Pledge’ put forth by The Victorian Pride Lobby, and support the priorities of LGBTQIA+ people within our community?
Information about the Pledge and Survey can be found here: https://rainbowvotes.com.au/
As an individual, yes. As a councillor, I would welcome the opportunity to better understand this. It seems a straight forward issue council can support.
Castlemaine Safe Space is a non-clinical drop in Space for anyone in emotional distress, or experiencing loneliness or suicidal thoughts. We are community designed and led, and staffed by trained peer volunteers with lived experience.
Would you support and advocate for future funding to ensure the sustainability of Castlemaine Safe Space, and if so, how would you do this?
Yes
I believe there may be efficiencies in current council expenditure which we could re-direct to such initiatives.
Would you prioritise emergency housing for people experiencing homelessness? If so, how would you do this?
Yes
I would work with you and other shires to discuss the quickest safest ways to do this. It may be that short term solutions could be adopted while longer term solutions can be devised.
School Strike For Climate is a network of school students united by our concern for the future of our planet and all life on it.
What role do you think that Council can play in fighting the climate crisis? And what do you think are its limitations?
I am inspired by your group and totally supportive of your cause. I believe council can directly impact what occurs in its "own backyard" and can strongly advocate for climate more widely. I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you, however a few of my initial thoughts are that we could at a local level:
1. hold more "earth day" events for awareness
2. encourage "lights off" initiatives to reduce traditional power consumption
3. support local solar initiatives on rooftops of commercial buildings and covered carparks
4. install "water for wildlife" stations and misting systems in our green spaces and work with Parks Victoria to do same in our forests
5. introduce incentives for landowners/residents to plant more native habitat and provide water and shade for critters
6. investigate the operations of our large industries to see how we could assist them to be more climate friendly
7. implement underground water storage to capture heavy rainfall / flood waters, which could then be utilised in times of drought (this is being done successfully elsewhere)
Would you advocate at a State and Federal level to take stronger climate action if you were elected?
Yes
Councils have a long history of influencing state and federal government issues, and they are uniquely placed to advocate on behalf of the communities they represent.
With this in mind, what is your view on the current Council’s decision in early 2024 to adopt a policy which allows Council to abstain from international, national, and state issues, particularly on issues that impact members of our community?
I need to look into this further. I agree that council can advocate for community, and influence issues at state and federal levels. This is important because often state and federal MPs do not have the time or resources to do so. The role of council is critical in this regard.
Central Victoria Climate Action is a grassroots community group made up of climate concerned citizens working together for climate action.
Given that MASC declared a climate emergency and the UN peak scientific climate body the IPCC said in March 2023 that there can be no new fossil fuel projects if we are to have even a chance of aligning with Paris, will you support council taking action to change its default super fund for its employees to an ethical fund that has ruled out investing in companies doing new fossil fuel projects?
Yes
I think council should review all its suppliers to ensure climate friendly ones are being sourced from.
What are your attitudes to Forest fire management Victoria's flawed policy on planned burning in Victorian forests?
For more information, check here:
and:
I believe our country, indeed our state is frighteningly exposed to the impacts of climate change, particularly fire. We have had a fire on our own property and it wasn't even a hot day. We had over a dozen fire trucks and two helicopters. It was scary. I never want to witness that again. Our state forests and the creatures living within them, are one of the most appealing assets of our shire and must be protected at all costs of a matter of priority. As a keen researcher Id like to fully investigate the best ways of doing this and would welcome further discussion with groups such as FOBIF. Effective fire mitigation its of utmost importance and priority.
Mount Alexander Shire Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 with the aim of reaching zero carbon emissions by 2030.
If you are elected, will you ensure that all of Council's financial transactions and commitments are transparent in regard to climate and First Nations justice, human rights and the environment? If so, how will you do this?
Yes
I believe this should at least have its own section in the council's annual report. I would advocate for this as well as more regular reporting back to community by way of newsletters.
Free Palestine Central Victoria is a Castlemaine-based community organising + action group, in solidarity with Palestine.
If elected as a local Councillor at the October 2024 Local Government Elections, do you commit to support a Council Resolution denouncing Israel’s Occupation, Apartheid, and Genocidal War on Palestine?
I believe we need to do all things possible to end the fighting.
I believe the role of council is to support the community and to advocate on such issues. We need to do all things possible to promote peace and an immediate end to the violence.
If elected as a local Councillor at the October 2024 Local Government Elections, do you commit to ensure the Council adopts an active and consistent position on human rights and demonstrates this by formally committing to Cultural Diversity and Inclusion within the first two years?
Yes
There are formal one day courses run by universities to cater to such things, however id also be keen to investigate ways to upskill council staff which do not involve high cost outlays. Im interested in working with you on this.
If elected as a local Councillor at the October 2024 Local Government Elections, do you commit to update the Council's procurement and investment policies to avoid and divest from companies that support or profit from internationally recognised human rights abuses, and increase the transparency of Council’s financial transactions and commitments?
Yes
I believe there may be cost efficiencies to be gained by reviewing current procurement systems. At the same time we can ensure we are not supporting unethical suppliers. This should be reviewed as soon as possible in my view.
MASARG is an independent, non political, not for profit charitable organisation working with people with intellectual disabilities and their carers in Castlemaine and surrounds. MASARG built a much needed respite house in Melissa CRT, McKenzies Hill Castlemaine that was opened in 2016. MASARG are now advocating for the right for people with an intellectual disability to have safe, secure and affordable long term housing in Castlemaine.
Do you acknowledge that the needs of people with disabilities, and particularly those with intellectual disabilities, are different to others and how will this be considered in decisions about social and affordable housing?
Yes I acknowledge this and if elected, will advocate to ensure it is factored into decisions.
Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group (MASDAG) is an independent volunteer advocate proudly auspiced by Castlemaine Community House. Our aim is to remove barriers and promote systemic change that supports equitable social participation for people with the wide range of disabilities in Mount Alexander Shire, their families and friends.
Are you aware of the Mount Alexander Disability and Inclusion Action Plan?
Would you fully support all aspects of accessibility in the shire as outlined in this plan - removing barriers for employment, the built environment, public spaces including footpaths and toilets, transport, etc.?
yes
My Home Network is a local network made up of local people with lived experience of housing crisis and homelessness, community members with diverse expertise and community and government organisations. The network believes that everyone has a right to safe, affordable, secure, sustainable and appropriate housing that recognises their place in and connections to Community and Country.
Current work includes that of the Homeshare community, tiny homes on wheels, tenants rights working group, vacant dwellings and advocacy working groups and rough sleeper action group and advocating for a Solar bank to ensure equitable access for all community members to affordable renewable energy.
The My Home Network works closely with Mount Alexander Shire Council across various departments and with the permanent full time housing solutions broker Clare Richards.
We support Council in their work to address the housing crisis -see Let's talk about affordable housing | Shape Mount Alexander which is essentially about bringing diverse social housing to Mount Alexander Shire (we need 600 more social housing units) and setting up a Mount Alexander Charitable Affordable Housing Trust (MAAHT).
They are also in the process of employing a Homelessness coordinator who will scope, support and coordinate formal and informal Homelessness supports in the Shire.
If elected, would you join the My Home Network (MHN) and support our work?
Yes
Would you support the improved integration of housing across different departments within Council?
Yes
Would you support MHN’s advocacy to Council to improve the Tiny Homes On Wheels (THOW) local law in having nationally approved onsite waste management systems as an option (currently waste management has to be off site) and allowing a financial exchange between the THOW owner or occupier and land owner?
I would like to better understand all parts of this before committing.
Would you support MHN’s advocacy to Council to engage with the Shire’s residents to encourage the release of the over 1000 vacant dwellings (this doesn’t include primary and secondary Air BnBs) in our Shire as affordable rentals or transition housing?
Yes
I think we need to ensure that with an increasing population, there is infrastructure to support additional lived-in dwellings. By this I mean footpaths, medical facilities etc.
Rural Australians for Refugees Castlemaine is a grassroots, volunteer-led community group who are united in supporting a compassionate approach towards refugees and people seeking asylum.
In 2014 Mount Alexander Shire made a statement of commitment to being a Refugee Welcome Zone. Council, in conjunction with Rural Australians for Refugees Castlemaine and Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services, developed an action plan for the years 2018-2021.
Would you support re-stating the commitment declaring Mount Alexander Shire a Refugee Welcome Zone and advocate for a review of the action plan?
Yes
What would you do to welcome refugees and promote inclusiveness and acceptance of cultural diversity in the Shire?
I think there is a win - win possible because of the fact some of our businesses (cafes, orchards..) are struggling for workers. We could welcome refugees by providing them with work. Their stories should feature in local newspapers and council newsletters amongst progress of other core issues important to community.
Billy Lister - Young Citizen of the Year 2022, representative of Mount Alexander Shire Youth Advisory Group and Castlemaine Secondary College Student representative council canvassed young people in the Mount Alexander Shire to present a series of questions for the candidates in the Mount Alexander Shire local council election.
The 2023-2026 Mount Alexander Shire Middle Years Plan was adopted last year, how would you ensure that those recommendations are implemented and delivered efficiently?
Make it an agenda item at meetings with a clear action item against it for completion.
Young people across the world, country and shire are facing profound challenges when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. Council's Pillar of - a healthy, connected and inclusive community - strongly aligns with this issue. How will you ensure that this Pillar can promote the future and mental health of young people's mental health in the shire?
I believe the health of our environment plays a big part in the mental health of everyone, including young people. We need to ensure our green spaces are healthy and plentiful. Medical professionals now know that nature is good for mental health and wellbeing. Council should foster more of an awareness and appreciation of the natural flora and fauna we are lucky enough to have in the shire.
I would also like to see council support more youth groups such as boy-scouts and girl-guides including around Harcourt where I dont believe there are such groups currently and the area is ear-marked for significant population growth.
Council's Pillar of - a resilient and growing local economy - also includes a community that is inclusive and connected (2021-2025 council plan). How will you as a councillor listen to the voices of young people and ensure they are connected to council and their community?
I would like to run listening posts with young people - perhaps in schools where they can drop in confidentially and chat about anything concerning them. I also think we could involve young people in brainstorming solutions to problems - for example how could we devise wildlife-friendly fencing on sheep properties? What could we do about all the uncovered mines in the area? Young people often have fantastic ideas which we could benefit from. And to be included in devising new solutions I think would boost their feelings of self-worth - and rightly so.