STAFF WRITERS
BALLOT packs have been sent for the upcoming Latrobe City Council elections.
Enrolled voters can expect to find ballot packs in their mailboxes this week.
Victorian Electoral Commission Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel is encouraging people to vote as early as possible.
“With the election being conducted by post, voters must complete and return their ballot material as soon as possible to make sure their vote counts,” Mr Bluemmel said.
Voters should complete and return their ballot material as soon as they receive it. Completed ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election office by 6pm Friday, October 25, 2024 or they won’t be counted.
Voters who haven’t received a ballot pack by Tuesday, October 15 should go to vec.vic.gov.au to complete an online replacement ballot pack form.
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled for this election at 4pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Voters who don’t vote may be fined.
Latrobe City has nine wards this election, with 20 candidates running for office.
One ward has already been declared, as the candidate, current Latrobe City Councillor Sharon Gibson, is running unopposed.
Across the state, 16 local council election candidates have been retired after being deemed ineligible to nominate.
Candidates become ineligible if it is found they do not declare they have completed the mandatory local government candidate training.
MEET THE CANDIDATES:
Boola Boola Ward
Kellie O’Callaghan
AS an experienced councillor and former Mayor, I have had the privilege of serving our community.
I have worked alongside many in the Latrobe community in our towns large and small who, like me, believe that a bright and prosperous future can only be built by harnessing our communities unique skills, talents and strengths.
I have had a leadership role in our shared industry transition and advocacy work that has resulted in investment in infrastructure and development projects that have further enhanced our community.
As a lifelong Latrobe Valley local, I take great pride in our past and the opportunities that generations of diverse people have created.
I will continue to communicate clearly and ensure that our community’s voice is not only heard but amplified as the driver of change and opportunity at all levels of government.
As a proven leader in health, regional development and community, I will continue to advocate for strong economic growth, local jobs, educational opportunities, and enhanced health and wellbeing support and access.
I will stand up for what’s right and be strong in voicing our communities collective aspirations.
I value my trusted relationships with our community and hope to continue our important work together.
David Barnes
MY name is David Barnes, also known as Barnesy, and I am running for the Boola Boola Ward of Latrobe City.
I am running because I think council needs to get back to basics and have successful business people looking after your rate monies.
This council has not looked after local industries like the timber industry which has cost hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs.
It’s time to put our focus back on local issues and look after our local roads, jobs, reserves and to keep our rates lower.
I have lived in Glengarry for the past 38 years and have always been involved in some capacity with local groups: coaching local football teams, both juniors and seniors, and serving on the committee of darts, pool, tennis and the fishing clubs to name a few.
Being a friendly sort of person, it gives me great satisfaction to be involved and meet new people.
My working life started in the sawmills in Heyfield, then Dahlsens Traralgon before landing a job at the APM where I was employed for more than 20 years.
Due to shift work, I was able to run a small building business for more than six years.
I bought and ran the Glengarry Pub in 2017 and helped bring people back into the town as it became the place to meet and have a meal or chat.
My love for the town and area is extensive and I would be privileged to represent in the upcoming council election.
Budgeree Ward
Leanne Potter
I AM a long-time resident of Budgeree, and bring a wealth of experience to the table, including many years of service in various community roles including secretary of the Budgeree Hall.
I have a strong commitment to working collaboratively with community groups and individuals to achieve their goals.
I promise to work to represent the interests and concerns of all residents.
Our town needs strong leadership that understands the challenges we face and has the experience to navigate them.
I am ready to take on this responsibility and ensure that our community’s voice is heard loud and clear in the council chambers.
My campaign will focus on advocating for:
Public toilets in Churchill to be built as quickly as possible;
The bike path construction joining Boolarra, Yinnar and Morwell, with Churchill possibly linking in;
The sale funds from Hazelwood House stay in the community and for the community;
Crime prevention with a 24-hour police station in Churchill;
The protection of our heritage buildings, and;
Shop local with markets and events to attract visitors.
After narrowly missing out in the 2020 election, I am more determined than ever to make a meaningful impact.
I offer to you my values, experience and commitment to keep Budgeree Ward moving in a positive direction.
I will be the councillor that you will see and can approach.
I live, work and shop in Budgeree Ward. You will bump into me at the supermarket, the neighbourhood house, Parkrun or the leisure centre.
You will see me in Boolarra and Yinnar at the cafes, stores or at markets, special events and at the Budgeree Hall.
This is my home, and I want the very best for it.
Melissa Ferguson
I HAVE decided to reverse my decision and run for re-election in the Budgeree Ward.
Growing up in a low socioeconomic area and at age 48 as a single mother, I have gained valuable lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges families face.
My qualifications include diplomas of community services, counselling, not-for-profit governance and an Advanced Diploma in applied science.
These have served our community effectively.
I am also a graduate of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program.
I am dedicated to addressing the needs of residents and working towards a brighter future for the community.
I aim to focus on essential services such as rates, roads, rubbish, and healthcare, as well as supporting business development and parks and recreation.
With experience in various industries including agriculture, manufacturing and mental health, I am well-equipped to make informed decisions for the betterment of the community.
My collaborative work with community clubs and committees has already brought about successful results, such as proposed public toilets in Churchill and the resurfacing of the Boolarra netball court.
I also plan to support initiatives such as childcare centre facilities, the arts, and eco-tourism to boost the local economy.
As the current sitting councillor of the Budgeree Ward, I believe that I can continue to make a positive impact on our community.
If re-elected, I will continue to work to enhance the quality of life for all residents in the Budgeree Ward and beyond.
Jeeralang Ward
Peter Duncan
IT’S all about community for me, which is why I should be your councillor.
I have been involved with community groups such as the Ratepayers Association, University Advisory Committee, District Associations, and Community Committees.
I have served on committees of sporting clubs and associations involving cricket, football, volleyball, and table tennis.
I have worked in many industries throughout my career, such as mining, power, timber, education, and farming, enabling me to see the struggles of each industry, but the value they add to the community. I’m keen to maintain and improve the success of our arts centre, libraries, recreational facilities, and waste management facilities.
As your councillor, I would focus on improvements that can be made to car parks, streets, footpaths and public areas.
Through community consultation and engagement, I believe that the council can create plans and make decisions to take us forward and give Latrobe City the best future for us and our children.
I have lived in the Latrobe Valley all my life. I’m married, with two children, and three grandchildren.
Nothing is more important than family, friends and community.
Joanne Campbell
I HAVE lived in Traralgon most of my life and have worked hard for the community.
One project I fought hard for was the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre.
I lobbied for two years each and every week to politicians on all levels for this facility even when others thought it was impossible. I kept going as we deserved this.
It worked, and we now have a great facility.
I am a professional bookkeeper, so I know how to make our dollar go further and in these times, this skill is very important to keep rates down.
I have also been treasurer on many boards and community groups, helping our region.
I have watched what has been happening with the region over the last four years and I believe we deserve better.
It is not good enough for the majority of current councillors to not be willing to support the timber industry, or to change the Governance Policy giving the Latrobe City chief executive the right to veto Notice of Motions.
I believe we need and deserve stronger representation.
We need economical and social inclusion which we are lacking.
Alex Maidana
I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Latrobe City Council.
I am not here to be handpicked by bureaucrats, I am here to be elected by you.
As a resident of Hazelwood North, store manager of a retail store, I am deeply connected to our community.
I understand our challenges, and more importantly, how to address them.
Let’s cut through the noise of empty promises and focus on what truly matters: real accountability for what has not been delivered.
Choosing the same gets us the same.
We can break this cycle together and forge a brighter, more promising future for Gippsland.
Your trust is essential, and I am committed to bringing factual, actionable change to the community.
Loy Yang Ward
Paul Howden
I HAVE been a resident of Traralgon for 20 years and love the area. My goal as a councillor will be to return the focus of council to local issues affecting local people – not global issues.
Focusing not only on the ‘three R’s’: roads, rates and rubbish, but also child health and future employment prospects for the municipality and working with state and federal governments where possible to achieve this.
This includes the possibility of nuclear energy in the Valley if the opportunity exists in the future if federal policy changes.
It is my belief that renewables do not supply long term employment. There has been a lack of support for local rural industries and this needs to change.
I believe in allocating council resources fairly across all towns within Latrobe City and focus on improving local amenities and affordable access for child and maternal health and kindergartens.
Jimmy Ware
BORN, raised and still living in the Loy Yang Ward of Traralgon, I know the potential this community has to offer.
With your support, I will work hard on local issues, promoting the region, helping strengthen local businesses, schools, sporting and recreational organisations.
I am currently serving as president of the Cowwarr Football-Netball club, and have been involved in sporting organisations my whole life, so I realise the value of local sporting and recreational clubs.
Dale Harriman
IN my view, a councillor of Latrobe City should be shouting out loud to government and business about the wonderful job and economic opportunities available right here.
This is part of the reason why I am standing for re-election as a councillor.
In many ways I’ve been ashamed to be on a council where the majority are more concerned with “currying favour” with the state government rather than standing for what is right.
Look at our failure to stand up for the timber industry, our failure to advocate for the continued use of coal for a huge range of products and our unreasonable objections to a range of different industry opportunities.
While I have welcomed lifestyle investment such as a new leisure centre, new performing arts centre and upgraded sports grounds, they in no way make up for the provision of long-term, well-paid sustainable jobs.
I will continue to get council to focus on its basic services and not run political or personal agendas.
Focus on lowering rates, maintaining roads, keeping facilities clean and usable and maintaining our reserves and parks.
For too long council has kept quiet while local jobs and economy disappears and families are forced to move away.
I will also push to have more land made available for housing so that we aren’t faced with ever increasing house prices and rents, so people can afford to live.
We have a great community but have been let down by some of our representatives over the past eight years.
I will continue to push local issues and support local jobs and keep the focus of council local, not appeasing those from inner city Melbourne.
Let me be your voice so that council focus is firmly on roads, rates, rubbish and reserves.
Moe Ward
Guss Lambden
I HAVE decided to run for council a second time.
I passionately believe that council regularly requires new faces with fresh ideas moving into the role.
In running for council, I believe that you need to be community minded and a team player.
I am running as an individual who has no business interests of my own. In this role I will endeavour to represent Moe and its people vigorously and with transparency. I intend to continue to be very approachable to discuss all people’s individual concerns, as they are brought to our attention.
I also believe that council needs to focus on their core business. This involves focusing more on local roads, parks and reserves and not increasing rates. We must continue to evolve and improve our region.
My personal background involves serving in the Royal Australian Navy for close to 10 years.
I have also worked in the disability sector, hospitality and law enforcement roles. I am currently working in a government role.
As an immensely proud Australian and Gippslander, I am pro-Australia Day, however we do need to acknowledge the wrongs of the past in relation to our First Nations people.
My current community involvement includes being a volunteer at the Morwell CFA and a community level AFL umpire.
Adele Pugsley
PEOPLE before politics is what I believe in.
I am proud to live and work in our community that is so caring and resilient.
A vote for me will mean that I will continue to build on that community-minded spirit that we are so known for.
I guarantee I will always vote and advocate for whatever is in the best interests of the majority of our residents.
I have no business of my own, and I am not affiliated with any political party so the interests of all businesses and our community will all be important to me.
I will continue to be approachable by holding regular public drop-in sessions, in convenient, easily accessible places so I can listen to your concerns.
As your councillor, I will work hard to help the community prosper and grow, as we deserve it.
A vote for me will mean you are electing a genuinely open-minded and enthusiastic councillor that will always put your best interests first.
Morwell River Ward
Dorothy Long
IN nominating as councillor for Morwell River Ward, I can be entrusted as a valued leader of Latrobe City.
I believe a new vision can enrich the lives of families.
Together we can rebuild a united community. As a governance team, restoring order to council business and investment in both human and commercial capital should be of great importance.
To share the desire to live in a healthy and supportive environment for generations to come is a worthwhile and achievable goal.
I am married with children and grandchildren and an integral part of the local church.
John Ellingham
I HAVE lived, worked and volunteered in our community all my life. I am now retired with my wife Pam, whom we have three adult girls.
I previously worked in most of the power stations in the Latrobe Valley and more recently, managed a local legal firm.
I’ve worked (on secondment) as an Industrial Officer in the Morwell office of the Australian Services Union Energy Branch.
In 1972 I received an Australian Overseas Foundation scholarship to travel to England where I studied trade practices within the instrumentation trade. This experience not only contributed to my trade development skills, but also gave me a wealth of knowledge and experience of affairs outside of Australia.
Over my lifetime I’ve demonstrated a commitment to Morwell.
This commitment has seen me volunteering not just to a single organisation but has extended to the Morwell Park and Kurnai school councils, the Morwell Community Health Centre, Latrobe Country Credit Cooperative, LV Life Education committee, Lifeline Counsellor and Latrobe Valley Umpires and Honorary Probation Officer.
I’m currently on the Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service (GRICS) Consumer Reference Group, committee of Latrobe Biggest Blokes BBQ, secretary of Australia Overseas Foundation and Community Member Acid Battery Community Liaison Committee.
I have a keen interest in fitness, spending time riding my pushbike throughout the Latrobe area. I have an interest in men’s health, particularly prostate cancer.
I have a strong demonstrated commitment to my Morwell community and genuinely believe if you want your community to succeed and develop then you have to be prepared not only to speak up when you see things needing to be done, but be prepared to be positively involved.
Tracie Lund
AS the current Deputy Mayor and a councillor for Latrobe City, I am seeking re-election in 2024 as councillor for the Morwell River Ward. During my time on council, I have championed initiatives such as the introduction of a hard rubbish collection service and the development of a social housing strategy.
I have a proven record of standing up against inequality and injustice. I believe in a council that listens, takes action, and operates as a respectful, inclusive team.
For the past 12 years, my role as manager of Morwell Neighbourhood House has embedded me in the heart of Morwell.
This position has allowed me the privilege to understand and advocate for our community’s needs and aspirations, shaping my commitment to delivering meaningful, community-driven change.
My connection to the people of Morwell is at the core of everything I do.
As we face the challenges and opportunities brought by transition of both our energy systems and economy, I will advocate for a future that benefits everyone in our community.
I will continue to be a strong advocate for open dialogue and transparent decision-making, making sure that the needs and concerns of our community are always at the forefront of representation.
Tyers Ward
Darren Howe
I HAVE a proven track record of delivering great outcomes for our community.
I work well with the community, council staff and other councillors. Together, we have successfully built a new performing arts centre, new aquatic centre, expanded basketball facilities, lighting upgrades, new paths and tracks and other various projects across Latrobe City. Currently, we are enhancing the Seymour Street Carpark and planning a new four-level carpark between Kay and Grey Streets, creating an additional 400 car spaces.
I have chaired the project working group for the design for the new pavilion at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve, which will begin construction in 2025.
My service as a councillor, and as your Mayor for the past 12 months, has allowed me to work closely with you to achieve significant milestones.
Looking ahead, my focus will be on creating jobs and fostering economic development.
I am proud of the progress we have made and committed to continuing to make Latrobe City a great place to live, work, invest, and visit.
I am keen to continue serving with dedication and passion.
David Little
BY voting for me, you will have a dedicated community advocate to represent your interests in local governance.
I am committed to prioritising the management of rates and government funding to benefit our community.
My objectives are to:
1. Develop a regional employment strategy to facilitate the transition from current fossil fuel power generation to renewable energy resources;
2. Enhance flood mitigation and response efforts in various areas within the municipality;
3. Provide inclusive support for everyone in the community, irrespective of age or special needs;
4. Foster the growth of sporting and education organisations by improving infrastructure, and;
5. Continuously improve essential council services such as footpath, roads, stormwater, street lighting, waste collection, health and safety concerns.
I have deep roots in the community, with a strong background as a mechanical engineer and extensive experience working in various organisations.
I am also passionate about supporting community sporting groups.
I believe that with fresh perspectives and your support, we can address the major deficiencies in our community over the next four years.
Yallourn Ward
Steph Morgan
LOCAL government has a huge impact on our day-to-day lives, from playgrounds to potholes, public health to performing arts.
I’m running for Yallourn Ward because I believe in our civic responsibility to create positive change.
A proud resident of Morwell, my goal is to create healthy, resilient communities and deliver powerful, sustainable change locally – ensuring a strong future for generations to come.
I want a Latrobe City that is vibrant, connected, and centred around community needs, that’s safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all.
We deserve a council that represents our diverse community.
I will prioritise equity of service provision and infrastructure, focus on sustainable planning for our growing population and the value of our arts, culture, and heritage.
I will be a voice for young people and workers as our region’s economy and identity transition.
I want the people of Yallourn Ward to have equal opportunities to connect, succeed, gain meaningful employment, and pursue their passions.
I bring a unique perspective as a community worker and an active volunteer with a background in performing arts and policy development.
I’m committed to listening to and advocating for our community, and working collaboratively to achieve fair, just outcomes for all.
Graeme Middlemiss
MOST residents in the new Yallourn Ward (including half of Morwell) were previously within council’s Central Ward, where I have represented you as your local councillor for many years.
I respectfully ask your support to continue to represent you.
The decline in power/coal and paper/timber jobs will continue to hurt our community.
You may be aware of my ongoing efforts to have council stand up to state and federal governments to honour promised replacement jobs – this continues to be my unrelenting mission.
I do everything in my power to ensure residents are treated fairly and feel included in council plans so that Latrobe City is a great place to live, raise a family, and retire in.
In a cost-of-living crisis, I want to ensure council services to residents do not suffer, and that recreation facilities are maintained and regularly improved.
Examples of projects that I have initiated and championed include the Morwell-Yallourn North-Moe Rail Trail and expansion of Toners Lane Reserve, Morwell, as well as opening more land for housing.
I hope you see me as an experienced, steady pair of hands who remains passionate about our community of Latrobe City, Morwell and Yallourn North.
