Central Goldfields Shire Council election candidates

My name is Raymond Sexton I'm relatively new to Central Goldfields having arrived just before the Pandemic in 2020. Being from Ireland originally I became an Australian Citizen in 1991 and my Melbourne born wife and 4 adult children are all dual citizens of Ireland and Australia. As a Chartered Engineer I have worked as a Project Manager, Trainer and Consultant for 40 years in both the Public and Private Sectors. I have run my own business for almost 20 years. I have been very active in community initiatives in Ireland and Australia whether Irish Culture, Planning Disputes, Tidy Towns, Minis Rugby Coaching and Advocacy for Drug Awareness Programmes. In more recent years I have project managed a number of Recreation Projects in the neighbouring shire of Mount Alexander including Flood Lighting, Change Rooms and Heritage Building Restorations. Currently my main focus is restoring a miner's cottage on our property which allows me flexibility to fulfil the role. I bring a unique perspective, being a newcomer, with significant experience in community and infrastructure related issues and the confidence to call out discrimination, ensure proper governance and enhance performance. Leadership-Excellence-Inspiration Vote Raymond A Vote for Me is a Voice for YOU!

With humblest of gratitude, I’m grateful to have served as your Flynn Ward Councillor, including one year as Mayor. Helping with unique projects has been a tremendous privilege. Like the two Goldrush Festivals – as official Ambassador - the Dunolly Country Market and Bealiba’s Res working bees. I’ve successfully advocated for Dunolly & District Neighbourhood Centre’s solar panels, Deledio’s $137K electronic scoreboard, and almost $1M worth of new netball courts. My term culminated with a $1M grant for Deledio’s new pavilion - alongside council future borrowings, to see this 20yr dream finally become reality for Dunolly and district. Bealiba has seen their Town Hall refurbished, the Res looks great and recent funding will see the horse trough restored and relocated. I’ve demonstrated respectful leadership, 'down to earth' changemaking and have tirelessly invested in our communities by attending events to celebrate what’s great about Flynn, as well as many meetings - in Bealiba, Dunolly and Moliagul - to listen, support, encourage and offer guidance on council matters. But my work isn’t finished. So I’m seeking your vote to serve a second term. There's more for me to do - with Deledio's pavilion build, improved Public Transport and the Southern Wimmera & Northeast Pyrenees rural pipeline high-ranking priorities.

Dr Lowen Clarke Maryborough is a City of Stories. Stories of the waves of trauma and resilience. There is a hint of permanent prosperity now. A chance to create a new story. Let's create stories that interest young people in learning. Stories of role models to help us achieve family safety. Stories of diversity and inclusion. Tourism and our self-image play a major part in the creation a cycle of prosperity and improvement for families. Maryborough City of Stories can be a leading success. Recent Chair of Department of Health Ethics, creative arts therapist, psycho-traumatologist, member of International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, Honoured by National Trust for helping to save Melbourne’s heritage trams, Well known author of ‘Sam the Tram,’ Internationally honoured author, Was a national-level sports coach, Wrote about the insidious effects of media (social media) decades ago, Created Empowerment Script, which can stimulate the mind, Helped found local group 16 Days of Activism Family Safety, and distributes books around the shire, Helped found Outburst and Pride Goldfields Maryborough, Helped catalyse Daylesford’s tourism, Was Vice President, Williamstown Literary Festival, Family connections back to the 1870’s, Welcomes tourist trains as Mark Twain.

Why is Gerard Murphy standing for re election. Maryborough is my home. My parents Jim and Marie Murphy owned Murphy's Store in Tuaggra Street. I grew up in Maryborough and returned to operate the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre in 2011. I have a long associaton with Maryborough and my reason for being a Councillor is simple: to represent the community that I call home; representing your interests at Council in an enthusiastic and positive manner. I have a good stragetic, rational approach with a strong background in financial management. I regard being a Councillor to be a huge responsibilty and I meet this challenge with enthusiasm and integrity. I offer strong transparent representation and leadership; I am honest, hardworking and sincere. I will judge every issues on its merits and base my decisions on what is best for the community as a whole. I am not politically aligned and have no connection with any special interest groups. I am not standing on any one issue. I am committed to the community of Central Goldfields. If successful I will continue to represent the community with an open mind.

With family ties for 30+ years to the Central Goldfields Shire, my wife and I have chosen to raise our 6 children here. I care greatly about creating an environment my children can thrive in and securing a positive future for all our locals. Particularly focusing on improving the lives of our youth and families. I have been volunteering at the local Auskick program for the past 5 years and I am currently the President of the Maryborough Little Athletics Centre. I have also been involved in other local volunteering activities including pool parties to raise funds for not for profit organisations , Good Friday appeals, animal rescues during fires and flood cleanups. If I become your new councillor my priorities will be- Working with local sporting clubs and extracurricular programs to get more kids and families involved. Support others to volunteer within our fantastic community. Actively listen, communicate and remain transparent. Restore a positive relationship between our community and council. Provide opportunities for community engagement, enrichment and collaboration with local not for profit organisations and small businesses. Take the time to listen to the needs of people of all ages and walks of life within our community. Regards Jacob Meyer

I, Trevor Stevens, am excited to announce my candidacy for Maryborough East Ward in upcoming local council elections. As a lifelong resident of this community, I am deeply committed to serving our diverse population and addressing the issues that matter most to our constituents. If elected, I will prioritize improving our local infrastructure, increasing transparency in local government, and promoting sustainable development initiatives. I believe in fostering an inclusive and welcoming community where everyone has a voice and an opportunity to thrive. With a background in community organizing and advocacy, I bring a unique perspective and a fresh approach to the table. I understand the challenges our community faces and am dedicated to working collaboratively with residents, local businesses, and fellow council members to address these issues effectively. Together, we can build a stronger and more vibrant community for current and future generations. Thank you for considering me as your candidate for the upcoming elections. I humbly ask for your support and trust in me to serve as your dedicated representative on the local council. Together, we can work towards building a stronger, more prosperous community for all. Thank you for considering me as your candidate for the upcoming elections.

I was honoured to be elected at the 2020 council elections. As a Maryborough ward councillor I have been successful in helping to establish our inaugural Pride Festival, now Outburst. I partnered with community and council to establish the Central Goldfields climate action plan, and I currently sit on the board of the CVGA which assists local government with climate change mitigation and adaptation. I am a member of the Maryborough RSL branch ANZAC day committee and assisted Guardians of the Spirit launch their campaign to honor the ANZAC spirit. I also MC'd the volunteer forum on behalf of the Volunteer Resource Centre. During my term I have advocated for stronger inclusion of local content in council procurement, I voted against the withdrawal from aged care services and also moved a successful motion to prevent another take away liquor license in Maryborough. Much has been achieved but there is always more to do. The Princes Park grandstand work, securing a home ground and clubrooms for our soccer club, fishing platforms at the Goldfields reservoir, Maryborough community garden rehoming and advancing our work toward a higher education hub which will provide opportunity for our community to access supported higher education locally.

Dear Voter, I have three questions for you. Why is the Shire satisfaction survey result sitting at a record low of only 47%? Why are rates continually going up during a cost of living crisis? What caused the Outdoor Pool, Town Hall and Bristol Hill Tower to fall into states of disrepair and periods of closure? Fellow Citizens, my dissatisfaction with this mismanagement is what prompted me to step up, offer you an alternative and be part of the solution. Already this year as a Citizen I successfully petitioned council to install disabled parking near the Doctors clinics. I aim to continue in this vein by working for the betterment of our Shire whether I’m elected or not. Thus my focus is fully upon (1) Rebuilding Trust with you the Citizen, highlighting your concerns at the Council Table. (2) To understand and import the lessons of how a neighbouring Shire has achieved a 0% Rate Increase for six consecutive years. (3) Re-open the Intermediate and Toddlers Pools this summer! I seek your vote entrusting me to represent you. For a copy of my Making Locals Matter policy platform please contact me on 0461 263 501 or via email gbart.3465@gmail.com Thank you!

My name is Greg Corcoran, I am nominating as a candidate in the Paddys Ranges Ward and for the whole of Central Goldfields Council. Local ward residents suggested I stand and give the ward a fresh start as the community desperately wants change. I grew up in and live in Carisbrook and am passionate about looking after the community because when there are fires, floods and storms it is the community that works tirelessly to protect others’ lives and assets. These residents are worthy of respect and as a counsellor, I promise to actively listen to my fellow residents, and also encourage other counsellors to act in these communities’ best interests. I am a forthright, approachable nominee and having worked my whole life in Central Victoria as a Branch accountant, factory manager and sales manager while running a small farm; I know the locals intimately and understand our issues. As such, I am well placed to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve positive outcomes. I welcome debate amongst nominees so we can fight harder for transparency and for council to listen to their constituents. My values mean I will call out injustices and bring management to account.

Vote 1 Chris Meddows-Taylor for Paddys Ranges Ward. We must Keep our Ward local. Another candidate lives in Carisbrook. My representation through living here really matters as an elected councillor living in another ward potentially creates conflicting loyalties, reducing important investments our Ward needs. Local representation ensures residents get services they deserve. Chris brings experience and know-how advancing our Shire and a successful track record. Councillors elected him six times as Mayor leading the Shire. He prioritised and restored lower rural residential rates. Chris successfully lobbied for added passenger train services and the better mobile and broadband network being implemented. Talbot Futures plan enables a great future for Talbot with externally funded sewerage, retaining its loved heritage character. Road upgrades, new footpaths and tree planting have taken place. Chris champions tourism bringing jobs and prosperity while protecting our heritage. He is actively committed to all Ward communities. Adelaide Lead, Bowenvale, Daisy Hill, Talbot and Wareek have had significant improvements to community halls, infrastructure and playgrounds establishing them as centres for community life with further plans underway. Housing availability; improved train services; jobs; road prioritisation and funding; telecommunications; community infrastructure; delivering Talbot sewerage and assistance accessing medical appointments are key priorities.

I was raised on a farm in Western Victoria and live in Talbot. After working in the construction industry for 20 years I became a lawyer and now practice in Ballarat. I actively support the Talbot Football and Netball Club and the Talbot CFA Brigade. I seek to have Council limit itself to practical issues and provide effective and well maintained infrastructure and services.