Council
9 October, 2024
Election candidates outline vision for Horsham council as voting begins
Council candidates share vision beyond roads, rates, and rubbish.
Updated - Sunday October 13
Voting has started for the Horsham Rural City Council election and voters are expected to receive their ballots in the mail.
Fifteen hopeful candidates are hoping 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 outline their vision for the municipality.
Here are their responses in order of the VEC listing.
Q. What is your vision for the municipality?
Brian Basham, candidate for Green Park Ward.
Mr Basham did not provide a response.
Dean O'Loughlin, candidate for Green Park Ward.
"I would like to see our council work together with community members, families, businesses and groups to support a connected community environment, creating a safe, livable and vibrant municipality for all local residents. The provision of safe, inclusive and accessible social and recreational opportunities is a priority of mine. I believe our municipality is well positioned to continue to grow infrastructure that creates environments for community and families to gather and interact. I would advocate for a Council plan that reflects the needs of a diverse community, providing ongoing opportunities for all community members to 'stay & play' locally."
Todd Wilson Candidate for North Ward
I see Horsham as a vibrant town that we can all be proud of, making sure we are addressing the everyday issues like potholes and parking. The Councillors will be working as a cohesive unit to engage with the community and address their concerns. In order to create growth, Council must endeavour to help our local residents, and therefore our local economy, thrive.
Claudia Haenel, candidate for Horsham North Ward.
"My vision is for a prosperous Horsham North community with an abundance of sustainable economic opportunities and intergenerational health and wellbeing for a better society and overall progress of the Horsham municipality."
Kathy Ross, candidate for Horsham North Ward.
"I would like to see the community back in Council decision making where Councillors have direct relationship regarding the feedback from their community. I would also like to see the survival of our Council fiscally in these economically challenging times."
Rebecca Sluggett, elected unopposed to the Kalimna Ward.
"My personal vision for Horsham Rural City council is one of strong community spirit, peaceful natural beauty and viable growth. I hope our children to feel so welcome and comfortable here that HRCC is where they feel at home. As they get older, I want them to think of home when they are considering raising families, building business and eventually retiring. I want them to be able to start families without worrying about a lack of childcare. To have access to care, amenities and services they need to stay in their home as long as possible while enjoying their golden years. I want them to be part of a community that is consulted prior to decisions and be proud of what they can achieve together."
Les Power, candidate for May Park Ward.
"My vision for Horsham is that we are a united community achieving all our goals and aspirations, we as a community aspire to. Improve our Educational, Medical, Sporting facilities to a prosperous regional city status and have a transport system that will allow everyone the ability to travel freely."
Cam McDonald, candidate for May Park Ward.
"To rebuild our council to a... "For the people by the people" institution that is there to help the community prosper, not to hinder it. This will take great teamwork and solid leadership. We need to grasp new opportunities while minimizing wasteful spending."
Angela Munn, candidate for Oatlands Ward.
"A vibrant community that values the diversity and inclusion of every resident, whether rural or urban, and welcomes visitors. We manage our resources, including finances, wisely to support local businesses and agriculture, strengthen our economy, and enhance both our lifestyle and quality of life, creating a true sense of belonging and connection, while celebrating our natural environment."
Dylan Hesselberg, candidate for Oatlands Ward.
"My vision for Horsham is a thriving rural city that: - Prioritizes sustainable development and green spaces; - Supports local businesses and job creation; - Provides high-quality public services and amenities; - Fosters a vibrant, inclusive community for all residents; and - Provides its residents with a lifestyle to be proud of."
David Bowe, candidate for Oatlands Ward.
"My vision is for Horsham Rural City to flourish as a vibrant, inclusive community that offers opportunities for all. I see a region with strong infrastructure, sustainable economic growth, and reliable access to essential services like health, education, and public transport. I envision supporting local businesses, encouraging sustainable development, and ensuring every resident feels heard and valued. Ultimately, I aim for Horsham to be a place where everyone can live, work, and enjoy a high quality of life in a connected, resilient community."
Michael Bond, candidate for Pine Lake Ward.
My vision for the municipality is to get the community involved and on board with our collective future. We need to revitalise our region with new and innovative programs that bring new people and investment here and create an environment we can all enjoy and be proud of.
Ian Ross, candidate for Pine Lake Ward.
"The vision I have for HRCC is that of a vibrant regional city, including our villages of Dadswell Bridge, Dooen, Pimpinio, Jung and Natimuk."
Toby Haynes, candidate for Pine Lake Ward.
My vision for the municipality is one of cohesion and efficiency. To make the contributions that the community members give, go further and to ease the burden on the hard-working citizens of the area. I want to see an active, vibrant community thrive by engaging with the local arts, sports and business leaders to help make their visions become reality in a fiscally wise manner. I want to take what is already great about this area and bring it to its full potential.
Brian Klowss, elected unopposed to Wyn Wyn Ward.
"I want to bring stability, forward thinking and economic growth without penalising one sector of our community by responsible spending and decision making. I have spent a lot of time on community groups and boards of management which has taught me the community must come first and foremost."