11 SEPTEMBER 2024 | ISSUE 556 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
Strathbogie Shire Council Election: Candidates Unite Under Shared Principles
In a significant development for the upcoming Strathbogie Shire Council Election, eight candidates have announced their commitment to a unified set of guiding principles aimed at addressing past governance issues. The candidates, who represent a diverse cross-section of the community, have committed to uphold these principles if elected in October, marking a potential shift towards more effective and collaborative leadership. The candidates who have now officially nominated are Clark Holloway from Strathbogie; ex Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren - Nagambie/Graytown; Claire Ewart-Kennedy – Nagambie/Longwood; Scott Jeffery from Avenel and Frank York,
Jim Davidson and former Mayor Greg Carlson from Euroa. Ex Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens who has recently moved residence from Seymour to Nagambie has also registered her nomination. The makeup of the group is a blend of experience with three former Councillors entering the ballot along with new entrants with years of combined business and agricultural experience across the shire.
by the candidates following discussions with the community in response to overwhelming frustration that former Councillors were unable to work together leading to an administrator being appointed. In what appears to be a thinly veiled and pointed statement aimed towards the suspended Councillors’ dysfunctional and shortened term, the leading statement of the key principles reads, “Let’s Work Together”.
While the candidates have agreed on these overarching principles, they have collectively informed this masthead that they will each run their campaigns independently, drawing on their unique insights and local knowledge. This approach aims to blend collaborative governance with individual expertise, promising a renewed focus on effective leadership and community engagement.
The eight candidates have now released their individual campaign statements, outlining their visions and commitments in preparation for the election. The unifying principles signal a fresh approach to council leadership, with a strong emphasis on cooperation and addressing past shortcomings.
The shared key principles concept was cooperatively formulated
Continued on page 3.
Stay tuned for more updates as the election campaign unfolds.