South Gippsland Shire Council election candidates

I would like to be a South Gippsland councillor for the next four years. I am new to South Gippsland, however my connection and love for this beautiful place was immediate. I have a strong sense of community, and I am involved in several community groups, and I understand their importance to rural life. I work in vocational education, and I am a trained kindergarten teacher with 13 years experience. I believe the council has a vital role in developing and supporting robust and thriving communities. It is my hope that by being on council and working together with the community the future of South Gippsland will be met with open, transparent, and honest communication. The South Gippsland Shire has the potential to be one of innovation and a good example of how council’s should be run. Vote 1 Emma McKay - Coastal Promontory Ward. Committed to keeping South Gippsland a wonderful place to live, work and visit. I'm ready to listen and advocate for everyone. Reach out and let me know what is important to you at emmamckayforcouncil@gmail.com or 0430 668 989

Like many of you I have spent most of my life in South Gippsland, worked here, raised a family, been involved with sport, church and community groups and have had enough of council overreach. I'm not interested in box ticking, backslapping and bowing to the bureaucracy. A vote for me will be a vote for lower rates for all, a return to public presentations, open questions to council, and getting straight answers. Your councillors should stand up for you, and the community of South Gippsland against bureaucracies, corporations and all external institutions. The recent by-laws fiasco, where neighbours cannot give away lemons, is symptomatic of what needs to be fixed. I've never been a member of a political party, have no council connections or conflicts of interest, and just want the best for the people and for the future of South Gippsland.

A vote for me is a vote for experience, advocacy, and integrity. With strong working relationships across the government sector, I use common sense to cut through complexity, unafraid to ask tough questions and stand up for our communities. Whether in the council chamber or in Canberra, I work collaboratively; mudslinging and divisive politics are not and will never be my style. I’m on South Gippsland’s Audit and Risk committee and the MAV Emergency Management committee and hold a deep understanding of council finances and the local and national disaster & risk environment. I’ve been instrumental in developing our award-winning coastal strategy, local emergency management plans, energy resilience initiatives and planning reform in vulnerable areas. Looking forward, South Gippsland is increasingly important as a national food bowl and place for energy transition infrastructure, where and how we grow and incorporate change is the work. Our shire is a wonderful melting pot of agriculture, arts, business, nature, and tourism and I’m here to supercharge it all, to make sure planning draws on our strengths and provides for future generations, to build resilience and capacity together. For a strong voice and seat at the table, vote 1 Sarah Gilligan, gillyforgippy.com

Scott Rae a Beef Sheep & Timber Farmer from Foster North. I am a passionate advocate for The right to Farm, Our Shires number one employer Agriculture, The protection of Agricultural land from mismanagement and ensuring our Nations ongoing Food Security. Having served the community for the last 3 years as a councillor I have gained great knowledge of how local government works and perhaps sometimes doesn't work. .By voting to re elect me I can continue that journey and you can have faith I will continue my focus on what matters. During the last 3 years i hope its been clear i don't support council engaging in matters outside council's remit, climate emergencies, referendums and international sanctions are matters for state and federal government, Roads Recreation , Rubbish and Rates i believe should be the focus of council Having had careers in Complex Technology sales and Hospitality Management I have a well developed skill of listening to what people want and need and then formatting a way forward to deliver a suitable outcome which has been an extremely valuable skill as a councillor. please feel free to reach out to me via email at Scott.Rae.candidate@gmail.com or by phone on 0402298574

My name is Michael Poore. I live in Welshpool. I have a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees. My association with the Gippsland and coastal areas extends back over 40 years when my family vacationed throughout this area for many years, from Inverloch through to Wilson's Promontory and Welshpool. I am a Marketing Professional who worked in senior management roles in the food industry. In particular the dairy industry in which I successfully negotiated multi-million dollar contracts to supply virtually all major supermarkets and convenience store chains, amongst others. In addition, better marketing practices and strategies enabled increasing turnover from $40 million to $100 million per annum in just 4 years. For several years I was the Marketing manager of the Victorian Farmer’s Federation and thus exposed to a wide range of agricultural industries. In another role, was involved in leading edge research in animal nutrition that increased financial returns from agriculture. In terms of the Coastal Promontory Ward and South Gippsland Shire, I believe I can make a demonstrable difference to its growth and progress.

It has been an honour and privilege to serve you over the past three years as Councillor, Mayor and Deputy Mayor and to work collaboratively with our community. During my term, I have been a strong advocate, delivering improvements locally and representing our Shire in forums including; the Municipal Association Victoria, One Gippsland and Rural Councils Victoria. I have led multiple advocacy trips to Canberra and Spring Street, which led to significant government funding and support for South Gippsland. Locally, I understand the expectations of constituents and what is needed to get things done. I am a small business owner, farmer, and member of several local organisations. I have a young family and experience all the normal pressures of life as a dad and husband. I hold a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Business Management and Human Resources Management and am a recent graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I have eight years’ experience in government as an advisor and staffer to Cabinet Ministers and MP’s. My key priorities are strong advocacy; functional and trustworthy local government; business development; economic growth; employment opportunities; tourism; farming; agribusiness; protecting and enhancing our local environment and improving local infrastructure and services.

I am a local mum, advocate, volunteer, board member and Korumburra is my home. I’m married to Brad a local fella and we have two teenagers. Being raised by a single mum in housing commission, I know how important it is to have opportunity in South Gippsland. I have lived experience and insight into the struggles that many families face today. Families and their needs is a focus for me. I have studied as a mature age student and education has helped me to break the cycle of poverty. It has also given me the confidence to step up into committee positions with Not-For-Profit community groups and use my voice to advocate on behalf of others. My greatest power is my ability to connect and communicate. I have been in executive committee positions for the past 11 years. I am always proud to boast about my time as President for Karmai Community Children’s Centre and the success of Lyric Theatre. I will work hard, I’m committed to this privileged role. I would love nothing more than the opportunity to take things up another notch for the Strzelecki Ward and South Gippsland. Vote 1 Bron Beach

I am passionate about our community and being involved in good decision-making that will benefit and protect our region now and long into the future. Since 2012 I have lived and worked in South Gippsland. It’s an amazing place. I value and appreciate the people, places of beauty, significance, history, character, and green rolling hills. This region has businesses competing in world markets; and is a major provider of dairy and food nationally. As a Councillor it's important to - and I will - consider our way of life, our future, employment, what is special about our area, protecting our land, flora, and fauna, balancing growth, housing, business and industry, and what we want to leave for our future generations; as well as the critical roads, rates and rubbish. Factoring in all these elements requires a special set of skills that I offer our community; strategy, planning, vision, creativity, an eye for future opportunities, along with strong advocacy for more consideration from the other levels of government. I am proud to have, and wish to continue, to work for a positive flourishing future of South Gippsland. Vote for me, Jenni (Jennifer) Keerie.

I'm here to bring enhanced dedication and experience to our Council. With a proven track record of advocacy as a former Councillor of 10 years and decades of long-term commitment to our community, I am ready to step up and bring the debate back to the Council table. Our Shire is expanding rapidly, and we need a Council that delivers on infrastructure within budget. I pledge to focus on what matters most: basic local government responsibilities namely roads, rates, rubbish and planning without burdening ratepayers with unnecessary expenditure. It's time to return to basics and ensure that our Council serves the best interests of all ratepayers and residents in these tough economic times. As a strong advocate for transparent & open debate, I believe in restoring good governance through honest, open discussions. I am passionate about listening to people and working as a cohesive team to drive positive change. If you want a Councillor who is readily available, dedicated, and committed to putting our community first, I am the experienced voice you need. It’s a privilege to serve; together, we can make a real difference. Vote Jim Forbes for a Councillor that works for your future.

My name is John Kennedy and live in kardella on a farm and have seen the cost of living in this shire dramatically increase with several burdens to the community and I if you give me your support my priority will be committing to regular forums to listen to the community. My priorities are- 1. Less red tape and bureaucracy 2.Rate freeze 3. Absolutely no gas fracking, ever. 4. Strong representation every town 5. Rate money spent proportionately and fairly to each town. 6. Create a positive customer experience when dealing with council departments. My background begins when I was self employed at 19 years of age. I had a moderate business employing 15 people in concreting. Projects such as Footscary Road in concrete, high rise construction and many facets in the concreting industry. my passion was professional cycling to achieve numerous nation racing titles and a world record in professional sprint racing. Today I operate a bicycle fitting store and business in Korumburra with the business being 30 years old and progressing. My mission is to achieve "a successful Council that can only work effectively when led by consultation and instructions from the community".

I am John Schelling, a lifelong resident of South Gippsland, married to Dianne for 42 years with 4 children and 9 grandchildren who also all live in the area. I have worked as a salesman in the same field in Leongatha for 45 years and have been a very active volunteer in the local community, being President of 12 different organizations and a life member of 3 of them. I believe that you get out of life what you put into it and you are judged by what you do, not what you say! I have always strived to meet my own and others expectations of myself and am committed to the welfare of our agricultural sector and the people and businesses that support them. This I see as the strength of our region. Bringing stability back to our council and ensuring that we are looking for continued improvement of all our facilities for our people to use and enjoy has given me great satisfaction and I fully commit to the continued support of all residents and ratepayers should I be elected for the next 4 years. Thank you John

This election, we can't afford for South Gippsland council's reputation to go backwards like the bad old days. I am seeking your support for re-election to keep council focused on what matters. I will keep working to maintain pride in our reputation. I’m known as a Councillor who leads with integrity and transparency. My commitment is to continue to show up for our community. To listen to you. To act as the honest and fair leader you know me to be as your local Mayor. I will keep advocating for the needs of local businesses. I speak up to protect precious farm land. I will keep listening to young people and support our kids. I will keep pushing for more services and infrastructure for young families. It's time to vote for a future council that is respected, trusted and responsive. If you support a thriving local economy, value our farm land and want more engaged young people Vote 1 Clare Williams.

Hello, my name is Rosemary Cousin. I am a planner and environmental and community advocate, qualified in Science, Urban and Regional Planning and Public Administration. I grew up on a dairy farm in Corinella. Since 2007 Organic farming became my passion. I now produce award winning Organic foods with my husband in Allambee South. I’ve held senior planning, economic and community development, and urban renewal positions in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the federal government. After the 2019-20 wildfires, I committed to help tackle the climate crisis, loss of Australia’s biodiversity and injustices in our community. I now have deep experience in agriculture and an appreciation of South Gippsland’s environment and the issues challenging the diverse communities who live here. I will apply my skills, experience and knowledge to ensure South Gippsland has the quality Council we deserve. My commitment to residents of Tarwin Ward and South Gippsland is to work hard to: Ensure we have an open, honest, and ethical Council committed to achieving best value for money in all its expenditure. Strengthen our communities, volunteers and infrastructure. Respect, protect and regenerate our environment; and Work together to build a positive future for us all.

Invest in a minute and make way for success. I am driven to empower the next generation by having access to industry and education. South Gippsland is a beautiful and unique place forever evolving. This should be recognised as our greatest strength. I have lived and worked in South Gippsland across many of its regions as a tradesperson, community advocate, business owner and leader. A successful future driven council plan that shares knowledge and showcases our skills will give us strength. I am focused on generating resilience, enabling success in the people and their towns. It is vital that council lead with our developing and underpinning industries with great focus. I will force the door open while ensuring that you are heard with only the best communication and strategies. A vote for Brad Snell, is a vote for the future.

My name is Kathleen Murray from Mirboo North. I want to be a voice for the people. I believe in honesty & transparency. If you have concerns, please share them with me, so we can find a solution. Rates Roads Rubbish is my main concern. I can relate to the majority of the people, being a pensioner myself. It is time to have real people representing the community. United we can achieve to make this Shire great Please do not contact me between sunset Friday to Sunset Saturday

Lately in South Gippsland, we have struggled through a series of natural disasters, exposing weaknesses in our electricity, water, communications, and roads that our local government have struggled to repair. After the storm cell event in February, and this recent storm, many people were left without power, water, and access to other basic services. I joined the storm cell volunteer group in Mirboo North assisting in the recovery and cleanup of the town, and continue to be active at community events. This ward has received some of the worst damage in the state from these storms, and I will work with the Victorian government to direct more focus to decreasing our exposure from future natural disasters. It is my hope if elected to establish methods of increasing the resilience of our community against future weather events by increasing the energy independence of homes by incentivizing solar panels, water filtration systems, and batteries to people's homes and in community centres. My own home got struck by a tree in February, and the damage still hasn't been repaired partly due to complicated planning permission issues. If elected, I will aim to streamline the complexities of these home repairs.

Over the last five years I uncovered highly questionable procurement practices identifying millions in unauthorised Council expenditure in capital works projects currently in dispute at VCAT. I removed the $32 million municipal office project in 2017 but Council plan to reintroduce this project in 2025 at around $25 million. I will stop that project. I introduced live streaming of Council meetings, would extend this to briefings, and review to mitigate the proposed drastic bushfire planning changes for Mirboo North. Councillors must take charge and open up Council to the ratepayers again, direct the CEO rather than be mere rubber stampers, and represent ratepayers’ interests not staff desires. Experienced at Local Government, I understand how it works and how to make change within the system to benefit ratepayers. Identified overspending can be reduced with no service cuts to have a 3 year rate freeze. I worked with the Mirboo North Pool Committee to retain and rebuild the pool with sufficient funding to do the job properly. I need your support for much needed change to be the best run, most proactive Council, not the most secretive and unresponsive. A background in Engineering/Mathematics, business, and farming, I have lived here 20 years.