I am a small business owner and run a town planning consultancy in Clunes. I have a lot of experience with council processes through my work and can bring this experience to a role as councillor.
I moved to Clunes 9 years ago. Since then I have been involved in many community groups. My proudest achievement is the Open House Dinners which I ran for 18 months before handing over the reins to the Clunes Neighbourhood House, this initiative is still going and is such a positive event for the Clunes Community.
I am a proud member and volunteer for the Clunes & District Agricultural Society, Chillout Daylesford & Clunes Field & Game. Previous roles included Vice President of the Clunes Farmers Market, Founder, Treasurer & President of the Clunes Makers Market, Member of the Clunes Landcare & Waterways Group as well as running other small wellbeing groups and events.
Councils were created to provide services to residents and administer local laws. It used to be that council employees and councillors would sign off letters to constituents with “your humble servant”. Councillors and council employees are meant to represent their constituents and ensure that everything happening within the council is in their best interests. The culture throughout the council needs to change.
As councillor I will listen to all of my constituents and seek feedback on issues at hand. I will make time to be available to listen to ideas and concerns and follow through, providing assistance and feedback. I will focus on communication, community consultation and transparency to ensure all my constituents feel informed and valued.
With your vote you have a chance to change the culture of our council this year and restore it to one of community service, democracy, transparency and respect.