General News
14 October, 2020
Meet your Corangamite Shire Council election candidates
WITH the Corangamite Shire Council election votes closing next week, Western District Newspapers spoke with the candidates to get an understanding of where they stand on key issues in the shire.
WITH the Corangamite Shire Council election votes closing next week, Western District Newspapers spoke with the candidates to get an understanding of where they stand on key issues in the shire.
Five candidates will contest the Central Ward election, and two are running for the North Ward.
The Central Ward candidates are – in order listed on the ballot paper – Geraldine Conheady, Ruth Gstrein, Catherine O’Flynn, Lance Robilliard and Laurie Hickey.
The North Ward candidates are Catherine Forsayeth and Nicholas Cole.
The electorate will vote via postal vote this month. Voting closes on Friday, October 23.
Central Ward:
Why have you decided to run for the Central Ward councillor positions?
Geraldine Conheady: My experience of sitting on council has served to embed my motivations to stand on council.
I care about what happens in our shire and how it develops. We have a responsibility for the legacy left to our young people and families and a duty to deliver support structures for the whole community – our youth, families, singles, elderly and special needs.
We are in one of the most vital food production zones in Australia; an advantage we must build on. I want Corangamite Shire to offer hope, opportunity and positive outcomes to sustain one of the most liveable communities in our country.
Ruth Gstrein: I have lived in this area for 50 years and have been a serving councillor since 2002, and three-time mayor.
I find representing my community a privilege. As the closest level of government to the people I enjoy being able to help residents with their issues and problems and working with them to find suitable solutions.
I am passionate, level headed and ready to do more. In these difficult times it will be important to have steady and experienced hands to navigate the challenges ahead.
Catherine O’Flynn: I have decided to stand for council because I believe I can contribute by being a strong advocate and voice for my fellow citizens.
By ensuring continuing improvement and delivery of council services for our community in Corangamite. My vision aligns with councils’ mission statement by committing to democracy and transparency in decision making.
I will act in the best interests of the community, ensuring that council’s core values respect, integrity, collaboration, advocacy and leadership continues to grow.
I have been actively involved as a community volunteer in community groups and organisations and understand the needs of our local community.
Lance Robilliard: I decided to run as a councillor as I have always had an interest in our community affairs and believe I would be able to represent everyone as their local councillor, fairly and equally and ensure all their issues are heard at council, discussed and addressed with the best possible solutions and outcomes.
I am the man that can look at things from a different angle with a different point of view, bring fresh ideas and make a difference.
Laurie Hickey: It is in this fabulous region that my wife Annette and I have chosen to live, work, and raise a family.
I have a strong connection to this area having operated a dairy farm business for over 25 years before moving into education and industry support roles.
After many years of contributing to our community through service clubs, sporting organisations, the CFA, Camperdown Turf Club, and amateur theatre, I now feel the time is right to run for council.
I want to further improve our shire and believe I have the necessary skills to help achieve this.
What are the key issues you see as facing the shire?
Geraldine Conheady: The COVID-19 lockdown has introduced challenges for the next period of council. I believe that, despite the stimulus currently promised, state and federal funding and grants will, over time, become more difficult to procure.
The budget will need to be managed more prudently than ever to sustain a high standard of services and to assist local business. Council will need to advocate fiercely to re-invigorate our tourism and hospitality sectors and for proper funding for our roads and capital improvements.
Upgrades to communications connectivity are essential to support the growing movement to working from home and to encourage current and new business. Growth to build jobs and population is essential. A right balance must be struck between developments, protection of our prime food production zones and the rural character of the shire.
Ruth Gstrein: The recovery from the impact of COVID-19 is a high priority in the short and medium term for the council.
Our communities and businesses have been hit hard and it will be necessary to help them to rebuild and importantly reconnect.
We need a strong focus on finances to ensure value for your rate dollar ensuring services are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Promotion of our communities to attract new residents to arrest population decline as well as visitors to boost our tourism offerings is also a priority. Strong advocacy for improvements to the arterial and local road network is essential.
Catherine O’Flynn: 2020 has been challenging for council having to adapt due to the extraordinary issues of COVID-19.
However, council will need to continue and focus on maintaining the delivery of all services that are critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents.
Delivering infrastructure projects including roads and capital works within budget. Assisting small businesses, by boosting our domestic tourism and future job creation opportunities, making our townships thrive supporting volunteers including our thriving arts, cultural and environmental communities.
Continuing provision of good governance ensuring that ratepayers do not miss out will play an important role in future years.
Lance Robilliard: As we come out of the COVID-19 crisis we need to focus on supporting our local community and stimulating business.
The wellbeing of our community is absolutely paramount and we must have strategies in place to support everyone in need.
Our economy needs to thrive and bring in more employment opportunities for both our young and older population, which in turn will bring in extra business and industries to our communities and increase our population.
Tourism is a very important part of our community – we need to enhance what we have to offer, from the volcanic western plains to the Great Ocean Road and ship wrecked coast, which in turn supports all our community and business alike.
We must take advantage of federal and state funds that are available to improve and maintain our road networks, footpaths, recreation areas to the highest possible standard including works on fuel based reduction programs.
Laurie Hickey: Recovery from COVID-19 requires decisive action from our council. Access to necessary funding may be difficult as we recover from the pandemic, so strong advocacy and targeted allocation of funds is required to stimulate the shire economy.
I appreciate the need for improved infrastructure and services, for quality health, education, and recreational facilities.
Our arts and entertainment sector, sporting club communities, and retail outlets will need continued support from our council as they form the fabric of our region.
Economic recovery needs entrepreneurial vision and sound direction to help expand our small businesses, hospitality, and tourism sectors across the shire.
What do you hope to achieve if elected?
Geraldine Conheady: Immediate focus will be on community engagement, rejuvenation and recovery from COVID-19 lockdown. Focus should also be on our strengths and opportunities.
I want to be part of a council that positions the shire for appropriate growth through community engagement, foresight and planning.
Agriculture underpins the Corangamite Shire economy and provides an immediate platform for greater prosperity. Farmers are intensely interested in sustainability and improved practices and readily uptake new technologies. These promise a broad range of employment/business options that could be based in Corangamite Shire and can be facilitated by council.
We need to capture our fair share of the tourism economy; to get more out of visitation to the 12 Apostles and our hinterland. We have all the elements – we can integrate these to attract the domestic tourists on which we have to rely in the short term.
This is a key time to promote our strengths and attract and retain new people and families into Corangamite Shire. I commit to meet these challenges by focusing on our opportunities at hand.
Ruth Gstrein: Taking a long term view l would hope that our towns are vibrant and our communities have been able to reconnect successfully; importantly with a focus on improved health and wellbeing outcomes and mental health initiatives to support the vulnerable and isolated.
Attraction of new businesses and continued support to existing business will be vital. Advocacy for better roads.
Council is currently debt free and I hope through sound financial management the 100 plus services that are delivered to our residents continue.
I am also passionate about the fully-funded construction of the new P-4 School and Specialist School in Terang.
Catherine O’Flynn: I want to protect the high quality essential council services that our community relies on and ensure council continues to meet community needs.
I will advocate for the council to look for innovative and creative opportunities that support local employment and business growth.
Opportunities that will ensure the shire continues to be a great place to live, work and visit. I will achieve this by embracing the challenge of dealing with complex issues and weighing up the interests of all to deliver the best outcomes.
Our future is so important, I will work collaboratively ensuring our council delivers services across the board.
Lance Robilliard: To work together as a united team of the Corangamite Shire Council to develop plans and strategies and provide funding to assist small business to get back on their feet which in turn will help our economy grow, increase our sustainability, create jobs and more employment within the community.
Bring back tourism and recreational activities to our area. Ensure that our roads, rail and infrastructure is maintained to the highest standard.
Lastly continue to work with all councillors to develop a plan and strategies that continue to focus on all the issues that are important to our community members.
Laurie Hickey: I want the welfare of our residents to not only be maintained but improved, and our regional economy strengthened.
I will encourage social connection, business growth and development of recreational facilities that can be enjoyed by all shire residents.
I wish to be part of the decision-making process, and help shape the vision of our shire. I believe I can express these views at the council table.
I embrace new opportunities and wish to be part of the team that keeps this region strong and prosperous.
What key skills do you bring to the table?
Geraldine Conheady: I have run a dairy/beef business with my family for 30 years.
Navigating industry highs and lows and various challenges have developed my skills in building relationships, agility, resourcefulness and resilience.
I am a good listener, have empathy and can work well in a team.
Ruth Gstrein: I believe that over the past 18 years l have gained the necessary skills to be an effective councillor.
I am approachable, reliable and hard working. I have strong leadership skills and believe in transparent decision making and good governance.
I have represented council on regional, state and national boards and have the ability to think broadly as well as dealing with local views.
I actively encourage people to contact me – l have run ‘Cuppa with a Councillor’ sessions at the local Courthouse to increase opportunities to raise issues or make suggestions.
Catherine O’Flynn: Having 27 years’ experience working in council engaging communities on multiple projects bringing about great outcomes for council and the community in aged care, recreation, arts and culture, youth programs, events and festivals by coordinating partnerships ensuring great outcomes for the community.
My experience involves membership in, and volunteering on boards, committees, service clubs, local schools, and the arts and cultural sector.
I have a Diploma Business Management, Diploma of Advanced Business Management from RMIT University and Events Management.
My communication skills, knowledge and experience in informed decision making will enable me to work in a team environment at council.
Lance Robilliard: The skills and experience that I will bring to the table include agriculture and running my own business and understanding the difficulties and challenges that farmers have on the land.
I am a very active member of my community and have been involved in a number of community events, leadership groups and education programs.
I have a vast knowledge of volunteering both in supporting and engaging with local communities, I have a great understanding of what the community needs and expects.
As a firefighter and past local captain I have undertaken and have participated in many fuel reduction programs and understand the need to ensure that all our roadsides and high risk areas are maintained, hence I will be able to bring a lot of this experience to the table.
I have great leadership skills, am very approachable, listen to everyone, am a very honest person with excellent communication skills and will represent everyone equally and fairly.
Laurie Hickey: My values are consistent with those of our rural community.
I am considered approachable, empathetic, entrepreneurial, and have a genuine interest in the health and welfare of all residents. I make well informed, sensible decisions and I am respectful of other opinions.
I have a strong bond with our region and recognise the importance of being connected. I have held leadership positions in multiple organisations, demonstrating my ability to work with others to drive success.
I am articulate and have spoken at many large events and meetings. Over the years I have cultivated an extensive and diverse network of people.
Anything else you would like to add?
Geraldine Conheady: I am interested in what Corangamite citizens deem important in our shire and their thoughts on future direction.
What great ideas do you have to advance Corangamite? Your concerns? I’m here to listen and am ready to represent you on council.
Ruth Gstrein: I continue to be a volunteer in our community through Meals on Wheels, Uniting Church Community lunch, Camperdown Courthouse and sporting clubs.
I believe l have a lot to offer the residents of Central Ward over the next four years as a strong advocate. We must make the best use of any funding that is provided as no doubt state and federal dollars will surely be more difficult to attract.
I have a proven track record and am always keen to hear your views and represent them with a common-sense attitude. Your vote is appreciated and never taken for granted.
Catherine O’Flynn: I have lived here for the past 40 years with my family, and that is reflected in my work and all the community activities I have been involved in.
I am experienced and reliable I know I can represent and work to deliver better outcomes for our residents, ensuring your voice is heard. I will listen to what people want from council, I will fight to ensure council delivers the services we all rely on.
See my election commitments on my facebook page Catherine O’Flynn for Council or contact me by phone 0407 056 126.
Lance Robilliard: I am very passionate about my community and have lived in the Camperdown area all of my life.
I live on a dairy farm with my wife Betty, have three adult children and three grandchildren.
I believe I can work with all councillors to make a difference and ensure that we meet the needs of the Corangamite Shire.
Laurie Hickey: After many years of community and business involvement, the next step for me is standing for the Corangamite Shire Council and I ask to be considered as your representative for Central Ward.
There are many reasons to be optimistic about our future and coupled with strong leadership and sound decision making by council, the welfare of our residents can be improved, and our economy strengthened. I believe I have the skills and the drive necessary to be a valuable member of our next council.
