Council
16 October, 2024
Horsham council hopefuls outline expertise as deadline for voting nears
Candidates for Horsham council highlight skills ahead of deadline.
Voting has started for the Horsham Rural City Council election and 15 hopeful candidates are vying to be elected to the council for the next four years.
However, after two wards were elected unopposed - Kalimna and Wyn Wyn - the remaining 13 candidates are contesting the other five vacancies.
In September, The Wimmera Mail-Times invited all candidates to provide a 300-word profile and respond to two questions.
This week, we wanted candidates to look beyond roads, rates and rubbish and tell us what skills they believe they have to suit them for the role of councillor.
Remember, all votes must be posted by 5pm on Friday, October 26, 2024.
Here are their responses in order of the VEC listing.
Q. What expertise or attributes do you have that would help you undertake the role of Councillor?
Dean O'Loughlin, candidate for Green Park Ward.
For well over 20 years, I have enjoyed a variety of management roles within our local community with Uniting Victoria, Grampians Community Health, and for the last ten years, I have held an Executive management role with Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-Operative. Throughout my career, I have continued to study, holding 3 separate diplomas in Community Services and Management. I have also had time away from Horsham and surrounds, pursuing personal and professional goals in the West Melbourne region. During this time, I held leadership roles in community engagement with two very different councils - Melton & Maribyrnong City Council. All this experience has given me an applied knowledge of strategic and social well-being plans in both, government and non-government settings. If voted in, I would be proud to provide robust representation for our municipality and strive for positive change.
Todd Wilson Candidate for North Ward
My university studies in law and accounting have equipped me with the ability to understand complex Council documents like planning reports and budgets. In order to prepare I completed the HRCC leadership course which has provided an excellent skillset and instructive guidance for being a successful Councillor, as has attending sessions held by the MAV and VEC. Being President of the local tennis league and working with farming contractors has given me amazing access to all manner of people to learn how to communicate and work as a team to get the job done.
Claudia Haenel, candidate for Horsham North Ward.
Four years of council experience as a Councillor, over 20 years, business experience, 13 years in media and Master of Business Administration studies gives me the expertise, unique perspective and proven ability to navigate local government processes. I am resilient, determined, enthusiastic, authentic and I bring integrity, stability and collaborative leadership to the new council and our community.
Kathy Ross, candidate for Horsham North Ward.
I have a good understanding of government from my past working experiences. I believe I could use good 'thinking clearly' skills and contribute to problem solving - as I have done courses on these, and have a deep interest in these attributes. I have also had to work within tight fiscal management for the survival of our business. With these attributes and expertise, they come together to use them with the community in achieving better outcomes.
Rebecca Sluggett, elected unopposed to the Kalimna Ward.
he knowledge that my personal vision for HRCC is just that, my personal vision. While I hope others share some or all of it at the end of the day my personal opinion matters little in a Councillor role, I am there to represent and support what is best for the entire community. I can only hope my strong background in community roles, my willingness to learn and listen, and my compassion can help me do that.
Les Power, candidate for May Park Ward.
I have been a positive and transparent community member in the role as your city councilor over the past 8 years and I have the passion and fire in me to continue in positive manner to make Horsham the regional city we aspire to be
Cam McDonald, candidate for May Park Ward.
In my current role as a Riding Instructor and small business operator, I mentor and motivate people to bring out their best in very dangerous operating conditions. As a semi-retired 58 yr old with lots of life and business experience, I am constantly having to find solutions to complex and challenging problems which I find very rewarding. I see Council as being no different except there is less chance of injuring someone!
Angela Munn, candidate for Oatlands Ward.
Wide ranging skills in effective communication, management, finances, interpersonal and life skills. I am retired, so I also have the time and flexibility to undertake the role.
Dylan Hesselberg, candidate for Oatlands Ward.
I bring strong leadership skills, a background in civil engineering, project delivery, and boards of management. My strategic leadership experience in State and Local Government agencies equips me to address local issues effectively. I am passionate about understanding the needs of residents and advocating to ensure our community thrives together
David Bowe, candidate for Oatlands Ward.
As a proud resident of Horsham and Oatlands Ward for over 27 years, I bring deep local knowledge and a strong community-first philosophy to the role. My experience in listening to and advocating for the community, along with my commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and balanced decision-making, ensures that all voices are represented. I focus on making informed decisions based on data, community feedback, and the long-term well-being of Horsham. My leadership is grounded in practical solutions and a passion for achieving positive outcomes.
Michael Bond, candidate for Pine Lake Ward.
With my experience on the catchment management strategy and as an owner and manager of a mixed farming operation I am well versed in budgeting, forward planning, reading and understanding complex documents, time management, allocating project resources and dealing with government departments. These skills, as well as a passion for our area would make me an ideal councilor.
Ian Ross, candidate for Pine Lake Ward.
The expertise I offer as a Councillor is continuity in understanding of how Council works, and we need to do better. Some of my experience is I have successfully developed and managed a sheep farming enterprise, 13 years as a statutory body director, I volunteered on many community committees and boards, such as landcare, cricket club, churches, Apex, the local branch of the VFF, and CFA. This has given me a wealth of experience of listening to and working with the community.
Toby Haynes, candidate for Pine Lake Ward.
My background in state government roles and project management will be very beneficial to undertaking the role of Councillor. I have been instrumental in projects worth tens of millions of dollars, down to contributing finishing touches to small local projects. I have been in mentor and managerial roles for several years now, giving me confidence in making difficult decisions. I worked most of my early life in service sector roles, learning to engage proactively with the public and gaining essential experience in conflict resolution, client management and the various tiers of support.
Brian Klowss, elected unopposed to Wyn Wyn Ward.
I will bring many years of community involvement including3 years on Natimuk kindergarten committee Natimuk primary school school council 13 years / 3 as president Natimuk lake foreshore committee 17 years /7 as president Natimuk cemetery trust 8 years and still current member Natimuk field and game club committee 6 years / 4 as treasurer Natimuk Lions Club member. I have also been involved in the Horsham Rural City Council rural roads network plan and the Natimuk Economic and Social plan . I will also bring a sound business knowledge to council as I have been in business for 27 years personally.