REGION - Following Joe Helper's decision to retire from State Parliament, Daniel McGlone has been pre-selected as the Labor candidate for the seat of Ripon in the upcoming state election.
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"Joe Helper has been an excellent local Member who has achieved so much with the Ararat community and I have very large shoes to fill," Mr McGlone said.
Daniel McGlone grew up in regional Victoria and now lives in Ballarat with his wife and two daughters.
He helped set up the Ballarat office of Legal Aid in 2005 and currently works as a barrister at the Victorian Bar.
Mr McGlone has provided pro bono legal work for community legal services around the state.
His major concerns for this election are jobs in manufacturing, health, education, TAFE cuts, renewable energy and infrastructure.
During his recent visit to Ararat, Mr McGlone met with representatives of local organisations.
He spoke with members of the Ararat Regional Business Association listening to the issues and concerns identified by small business operators in the town.
They discussed the need for changes to the train timetable to enable locals to better access employment and educational opportunities in Ballarat.
The group also discussed the bypass and the need to work with the retail sector assisting them to prepare for such a major change.
It was agreed that Ararat has the capacity to meet the needs of a larger population and can capitalise on the town's proximity to the Grampians National Park.
Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network staff provided an insight into the issues facing young people in Ararat.
Programs delivered by a number of organisations such as the Mates Mentoring Program, the Learner Driver Mentor Program, On Ya Bike, FReeZA and Youth Connections all help young people to remain engaged in education, training and work.
Working as a barrister Mr McGlone recognises that these programs are essential to keep young people engaged and out of the judicial system.
He is very concerned that many programs are being cut by both the Federal and State Governments with no regard for the impact on young people and rural communities.
Mr McGlone also attended the dedication of the East Grampians Health Service CT Scanner and the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Gala Night of Nights, where he met up with Bill Noonan, chairman of the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
