Murrindindi Shire Council election candidates

Thank you for supporting me for two terms on Council. I feel privileged to have been your voice, and I am asking you to help me continue to represent you and your issues. I am passionate about this beautiful Shire that we live and work in and want it to thrive financially, socially and environmentally. Murrindindi has demonstrated its capacity to survive when times get tough. In recent years, Murrindindi with the rest of the world has lived through COVID which interrupted life as we know it, as well as floods and other emergency events. I have been proud that Council continues to collaborate with the community as well as advocate for recovery from these disruptive events. I am a local business owner and actively involved in my community. I also have a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching (Science) and have completed the Australian Institute Company Directors Course. I have served as both Mayor and Deputy and have participated in numerous committees both on our Council and Regionally. I believe that I have demonstrated that I have a broad perspective and have solid understanding of the challenges faced by our rural community. Thank you!

Together with her husband, Tom, Judy purchased their property in Taggerty 10 years ago. Since then she and her husband have worked hard on building a farm shed, looking after and improving their olive groves and pastures. Recently they have finished and moved into their forever home. Since moving to Taggerty Judy and her husband have become very attached to the community and surroundings. Murrindindi is a delightful place to call home. and they only wish they'd made the move sooner. Judy has worked in the small family business for over 20 years and understands how challenging small business can sometimes be. Judy has served on Kindergarten and Primary School Committees while her, now adult, sons were in school. Living in Taggerty we are passionate about being as self sufficient as possible, protecting our environment, and leaving Taggerty a better place than when we found it. Judy is also passionate about encouraging young families to make the moved to Murrindindi so that they too can appreciate just how beautiful it is. Keeping our towns Happy, Healthy for now and the future is important. Let's Leave a Good Legacy for all who come after us.

I have been fortunate to represent Cheviot Ward and Murrindindi Shire for the last 4 years. I was elected by my fellow Councillors to the position of Deputy Mayor twice and to the office of Mayor once. I have learnt so much about the role of Councillors and would really like the opportunity to use those insights and skills to be your elected representative again. I am keen to continue to work on strategies and projects that we have developed in this last term. For example, youth, families, aging population and provision for key-worker housing. Sensitive, appropriate growth and development of our towns that promotes our unique character and rural ambience continues to be important. Building back more resilient assets and infrastructure - including roads and bridges - damaged by natural disasters. Retaining productive farmland is also vital. Advocacy to the State and Federal Governments for our fair share of funding must continue. I'll continue to acknowledged the work of our generous volunteers. One of my valuable achievements was conducting a mid-term review, fostering a frank discussion on Council's work to date, and that we continue to be listening to our community, and heading in the right direction.

Paul Galea has lived in Flowerdale for the past 8 years. He is a Director of a management consultancy company he established 24 years ago. With an interest in local tourism and the positive impacts it brings to the Shire, he also operates four bed and breakfast accommodation offerings from his Flowerdale farm. He is also a keen amateur gardener. Paul, a Defence Veteran, loves his local community and has supported Flowerdale’s ANZAC Day ceremonies over the past 7 years. Paul continues to serve in Defence part-time as a Director in Cyber Command and as Governance Advisor to the Cyber Skills Association. Paul would be proud to represent his community as a Councillor and is passionate about living in a thriving, connected, and healthy community. His goal is to bring the Flowerdale, Strath Creek and Yea communities closer together and will advocate for initiatives that work towards achieving that goal. Paul believes in working collaboratively and looks forward to becoming a member of Council where he can work with community members to make Murrindindi Shire overall a vibrant, resilient and cohesive shire to live in and to visit.

My name is Ian Maskiell. I have been resident in the Eildon ward for 39 years. I am semi-retired, living on a small cattle farm, and so am able to devote adequate time to responsibilities of council. I believe that support for new and existing business and agriculture is necessary to ensure the wellbeing of our community. That all rate payers concerns need to be considered, not just vocal groups. We must do what we can to avoid State forrests and Parks becoming National Parks so as to maximise access for the community. Rate rises must be kept to practical minimum and that towns and non urban areas are both treated equitably. We should also endeavor to maintain our heritage building to a usable standard.

As a retiree I have the time, but I also have the right attitude, community and work experience as well as the desire to see the Eildon Ward as well as the whole Shire prosper into the future. My particular interests, that match the existing Council policies, are their approach to First Nations People, gender equity and family violence protection and tourism. I have an ongoing interest in the history of all areas in the municipality and the Council can improve markedly in this aspect, as well as following through in community development programs. The importance of community input cannot be overstated and participation from residents is essential to ensure that the Council acts on their preferences. I have a B Arts (Recreation Management), a 50 year history of volunteering in the sport of hockey, 25 years of management experience in the public service, the Outdoor Education Group and the State Hockey Centre. I have lived in Taylor Bay for 24 years. and been heavily involved volunteering in the local area for the last 3 years. I was part of the group that developed the Eildon Community Plan and am a member of many groups in Eildon.

Anita Carr (nee Keddell) is a local ready to represent locals. Anita, 37, born in Eildon Hospital and lives in Eildon with her husband and daughter. Anita is very active in the community; previously and currently a member of many local committees including Eildon School & Kindergarten, Eildon Events, Alexandra Basketball, Swimming and both Alexandra and Thornton Football Netball Clubs. Anita has embraced governance training on multiple occasions; has been involved in a variety of council boards, forums and programs suitably preparing her for the demanding role of Councillor. For 14 years Anita has managed her local family business and is a strong believer in supporting local. Anita is well known in the Eildon Ward upon whose support she relies; promising to be a voice for all of Murrindindi. Anita’s priorities: Progress, Health & Wellbeing, promoting year-round tourism, Industry and Employment, Improving facilities, infrastructure and roads. Anita is passionate about inclusion and bringing new opportunities to the forefront to continue making our part of the world more amazing. Anita’s professionalism, initiative, organisation and decision-making skills along with her strong advocacy personality with a powerful "get things done attitude" will be an asset to council. She looks forward to representing you.

Yes, our rates are too high. I will work hard to minimise future rate rises and control expenditure. as I have done in the past. In my current portfolio I have helped hundreds of ratepayers with planning and building permit problems. Until two years ago, I held the roads portfolio and look what has happened since. I will request the roads portfolio again so I can fix the problems. I am an experienced roads engineer, and the shire needs an engineer on council to focus on roads, rates, and rubbish . My passion is to use my knowledge in council to support all and make life better for everyone in Murrindindi. Please chat to your neighbours who have asked for my assistance, as this will help you chose your next councillor. We need to build strength and preparedness in our people as we live in a shire that is wonderful but suffers major events. We have resilience support and I will make sure everything is spent wisely on our people. I am very keen to lobby State and Federal ministers to get our true fair share of grant funding to lighten the load on ratepayers. Please vote for me. Best regards.

Community should be at the heart of all decision making at Murrindindi Council. The southwest shire corner of King Parrot Ward deserves a council representative who will turn up, listen and advocate strongly for what matters. Starting life with five siblings in public housing, with one road in and one road out, and having four children taught me about fairness and doing more with less. Forty years working across retail, public service, banking, bus driving and as a union organiser has polished my collaborative planning and negotiating skills. Flowerdale locals know me from my volunteering at the Community House Op shop, as a board member of the Sports Club and through Landcare. Lowering green waste and hard rubbish costs matter. Combatting social isolation from Kinglake to Flowerdale matters. Keeping a beautiful environment strong and growing sustainably matters. If improving cost of living and access to services is important to you, perhaps it’s time for a fresh approach. Vote for me and together we can lift up our corner of the lovely Murrindindi Shire.

Rates are too high! As a long-time resident of Kinglake West, I'm fed up with the constant rate increases and the priorities of where it's being spent and the way our money is being wasted. Hi I'm Stuart Hollingsworth, a single dad with life experience in horticulture, landscaping, automotive, construction, real estate, and even face painting. My endorsement by the Libertarian Party is your guarantee that I’ll never support excessive rate increases or wasteful spending. Irrespective of my endorsement I’ll always work independently for the Murrindindi community. I will prioritise what matters most and tackle the issues that affect us all: fixing our roads, keeping rate rises in check, making waste management affordable, and cutting red tape. I believe in protecting your right to make choices about your property and lifestyle. Let's trim the fat from council spending and channel it to where it matters most, creating a better future for our community.

As a proud member of the beautiful Kinglake community, I am ready to become a consultative and progressive advocate as your representative on Murrindindi Shire Council. I believe residents must feel heard, and that local council members must focus on the efficient and effective operation of council and execution of its statutory functions, while also delivering a transparent medium to long-term agenda for a better, stronger, and more resilient shire. As a councillor I will advocate for accessible community infrastructure: including a local swimming pool, upgrades of unsealed local roads in recognition of increased population density and traffic, and facilities, supports, and programs for youth. I will uphold my commitment to transparency through information sharing, giving the community confidence that road and pothole maintenance is a priority for council. I am a Mental Health Peer Worker and have lived experience as a carer. I am a strong advocate and a consumer representative for Palliative Care Australia - currently sitting on national and local advisory groups. My experience working with some of the most vulnerable people in communities has made me passionate about promoting quality of life for residents of all ages and differing circumstances.

Hello, I am Pau Hildebrand, and it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I nominate myself as a candidate for Murrindindi's Koriella Ward. As a third-generation farmer living and working in the Murrindindi Shire, I am deeply entrenched in our community. Together with my wife, Helen, and our son, Noah, we take immense pride in giving back and contributing to the community. I am currently involved in organizing the Glenburn Community Hall's Friday night gatherings, where we foster connections and support among residents. Additionally, I have proudly volunteered as an Operations Member of the CFA for over 30 years and have coached, captained, and served on the committee for our local football and cricket clubs. Through these roles, I have built strong relationships and lasting friendships within the community. On our farm, we are mindful of our responsibilities as stewards of the land, implementing sustainable farming practices, improving soil health, and committing to the regeneration of native tress by planting over 1,000 trees annually. I will bring unwavering passion and enthusiasm to the role, striving to grow our community and ensure that he Murrindindi Shire remains a fantastic place to live, work, and play for generations to come.

Our rates are too high, and Murrindindi council is too keen to spend our money. My name is Tim Molesworth, and I'm running to represent the Koriella Ward in the Murrindindi Shire Council. I am running to put an end to wasteful spending and freeze rate increases. While my goal is to significantly reduce rates, I pledge to do everything I can to keep them at their current levels and to never vote for a rate rise. Murrindindi is a special place, from its stunning landscapes to its friendly communities. As a Libertarian I stand for a council that respects your property rights, allowing you to make the best choices for your land and your future. Development and planning decisions should prioritise your rights as property owners, not be bogged down by excessive red tape and bureaucracy. I want to reduce wasteful council spending and focus on the basics: maintaining our roads, managing waste, and ensuring essential services are delivered efficiently. Let’s keep our council focused on what matters—protecting our natural environment, respecting your rights, and keeping the government out of your way wherever possible.

Jane Moss - I am committed to actively listening to your concerns and ideas. I believe every voice matters and I will approach each conversation with kindness and dedication, ensuring your needs and perspectives are truly heard and understood. My concerns extend beyond the present, I value our community’s rich history and heritage and I am dedicated to preserving the aspects that define us. At the same time I am passionate about protecting our future with a forward-thinking approach that safeguards our environment and enhances our quality of life. I am ready to serve with energy and purpose, and hope to earn your support to bring this vision to life. Together, we can ensure that our community thrives today and for generations to come.

My name is Jo Dalen-Timbury. My family and i have lived here permanently for 7 years and have been regular visitors to Murrindindi Shire for the 35 years previous to that. My husband and i have owned our small business in natural landscapes for 40 years. My hobbies and interests include: prospecting, fishing, geology, travelling outback Australia, exploring our beautiful environment and our state forests, advocating for access for all. I have been a member of the Alexandra & Eildon District Lapidary Club for 5 years, currently treasurer. If i were to be elected to council, my focus would be directed toward encouraging outdoor activities, mindful spending by our council, transparency and respectful debate on many issues affecting our community including housing and childcare options. I have an open book approach, no subject is off the table, ensuring fairness to all.

I'm Damien. It's my privilege to nominate as a candidate for Murrindindi's Red Gate Ward. My wife, Maree and I continue to build our family’s future in Murrindindi for us and our three daughters. As a founding director of the non-profit Alexandra Events Corporation, encompassing the Alexandra Truck, Ute & Rod Show, and Alexandra Pro Rodeo, I'm proud of the contributions of those events to the Alex community and to the region's economy. Through our many community roles, we have established lifelong friendships. Maree and I each have a rich family history in broad acre farming, so we are happiest planting trees and tending to our herd of Angus cattle. Professionally, I'm the Chief Technology Officer for an Australian software company, having grown in the business since 2000. In that software engineering role, I've developed expertise leading teams and driving customer outcomes. As Councillor, Deputy Mayor, and Mayor, I’ve established strong networks of Murrindindi advocates, and those relationships have helped achieve substantial grant funding and Government policy reviews. If re-elected, I'll again bring passion, pragmatism, and moderation to Council. I'll give representation to families and youth, and work with fellow Councillors to develop an inspiring path forward for Murrindindi.