As a Warrak resident for the last six years I have enjoyed every moment of my time living in the region. As a farmer and small business owner offering a wine tourism destination, it is my passion to see the Ararat Rural City Council area expand and become an even more vibrant and successful community. For me this includes ensuring meaningful engagement between the Council and the wider community, increased social and residential housing, and greater investment across the entire Council area. New ideas and reinvigoration are vital to ensure the growth of Ararat and surrounding areas and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to contribute to the community and particularly so in these challenging times. Prior to moving to Warrak, I spent more than 20 years working with volunteers in aged care and welfare for not-for-profit organisations. My work involved ensuring those in need of assistance received appropriate products and support services in a timely fashion. Volunteers were a mainstay of support provided and vital to the health and well-being of those they assisted. This work has provided me with a sound knowledge of frameworks and how to successfully navigate systems to achieve outcomes. I believe my work history and experience makes me a suitable candidate to become a Councillor who can act as a liaison with the community, presenting the views of residents and ratepayers to the council. I support Jo Armstrong and Peter Beales for Council and believe we bring a range of skills and experience and electing us will bring a positive mix of perspective and opinion to the council chamber.

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

My vision is for a vibrant and successful regional community with meaningful Council and community engagement, increased social and residential housing, and greater investment in the Council area.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

I operate my own business and contribute to community and industry groups. I have spent more than 20 years working in the not-for-profit sector within the aged care and welfare areas. This has provided me with a sound knowledge of frameworks and how to successfully navigate systems to achieve outcomes.

Are you currently a Councillor? No

I'm Bill Waterston and I've been an Ararat resident all my life. I'm a father of two and a grandfather and like my family I am passionate about our town, sport and giving everyone a fair go. I want Ararat to achieve great things and I think part of that is having a group of Councillors with Ararat's best interest at heart. I want to see more business in our town street while maintaining the ones we have. To achieve this we need ongoing improvements to the streetscape. People will stop and shop in a well presented shopping precinct. We need to capitalise on people visiting the area. Green Hill lake is an asset to the Ararat district, and we must build on this by improving the existing infrastructure. The housing development recently approved will bring much needed employment and money into the city. High gas prices are also an issue, we need to open the market up, to allow other providers into the city. I have a long list of community involvement. I am a life member of the YMCA. Coached many junior sports teams. I want to work as part of a united council to achieve great results for the community.

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

To make council united as one, which will achieve great results and positive outcomes for the Rural City of Ararat and its rate payers.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

I'm friendly, very approachable, good listener. I will work to achieve good outcomes. Having been involved with committees and organisations over many years. Life member of the YMCA.

Are you currently a Councillor? Not Answered

Help me help Ararat Vote 1 Burridge. Viv and I have lived in Ararat since 1986 raising our two sons who both moved to Melbourne for employment opportunities. My vision is to help Ararat become a sought after place to live with well maintained roads and infrastructure, gender appropriate and modern recreational facilities, high quality health, educational and social services, vibrant businesses with supported opportunities for expansion, viable and sustainable agricultural sector, and a safe environment to raise your family. Council must work together as a unified team and attract people with vison and skill sets to assist the CEO and council achieve these goals. I will bring to council a range of experiences and skills helping Ararat develop strategies and policies to achieve positive outcomes for all residents I have worked in both public and private sectors with proven experience in the following; high school teacher, nurse educator, director of nursing and acting CEO pleasant Creek Training Centre, budget and policy development Community Services Victoria, small business owner Freechoice Ararat, Boss Hogs Hot Dogs, Fiery Creek Roadhouse and presently employed as a TAFE teacher at Hopkins Correcional Centre teaching business while also operating Commercial House Accomodation Ararat. I bring to the council proven senior management skills, excellent communication, corporate governance, strategic planning in large and small businesses, training and development, quality compliance and good understanding of legislative and regulatory requirements. I will listen to all points of view and act for the best interests of Ararat I have considered the full candidate field and choose to support Jo Armstong, Peter Beales and Jane Goninon. We represent a diverse range of skills and experience and electing us will bring a positive mix of perspective and opinion to the council chamber. Lets build Ararat's future together.

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

To assist the CEO in maintaining good governance. Be part of a unified team to promote the best interests of all residents. Effective use of rates/income in the provision of services, roads and infrastructure. Support local businesses, recreational groups and agricultural sector to maximize opportunities and funding. Build Ararat stronger

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

Ability to listen to all points of view, excellent communication skills. To be open, honest and trustworthy. Advocate on behalf of all residents. Senior management experience. Good corporate governance, policy and procedure. Strategic planning and business development. 20 years staff training and quality compliance procedures. 20 years successful small business.

Are you currently a Councillor? No

The Ararat district has been my home for 50 years and I have been married for 37, have three children and five grandchildren who all reside in Ararat and are current ratepayers of the ARC. Having attended Ararat High and completed HSC my love for the land led me to working on the family farm. I worked as a shearer to supplement my farming income until I joined the correctional services. My wife and I purchased a small electrical/furniture business employing 2 staff which grew to 12 after the purchase of larger premises. Since leaving retail I have successfully started and operated 2 new businesses. Having been involved in the Ararat Commnuity for many years as a keen volunteer I have held many executive positions within a variety of local organisations and am currently president of Ararat Lions and chairman of 2020 Lions district convention. I see the Ararat Rural City being in a unique position to be able to be a more vital part of this state due to our central position in western Victoria and feel that I can provide a positive impact on the growth of our council. I look forward to working with all fellow councillors and our CEO in turning some of the negative past into a positive future by achieving maximum benefit from ratepayer dollars. With broad experience in differing roles as a volunteer, my business acumen, being a ratepayer of both rural and commercial properties and a clear understanding of the rating system, I seek your support for the opportunity to represent the people of Ararat and district.

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

Promote the council as a positive place to live and encourage the development of further industries. Maximise the use of ratepayers monies and in the longer term lower rates. To question the archaic way rates are sourced and search for new rate revenues to cover the services provided.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

I have a variety of skills formed from my working life as a farmer, shearer, correctional employee, retail business owner, self employed and many diverse rolls in volunteer organisations. These skills have led me to being quite successful and feel that they can be of great use to council.

Are you currently a Councillor? No

I retired from Council in 2016 with a serious illness that had affected my attendance during the last six months of that term. I have now recovered. I have retained my interest in municipal affairs, within this Council, and in other Councils of similar size and structure. I am involved in community activities in the district. Many Council projects now being developed were commenced in my last term. Thanks for the opportunity of applying to represent residents again. Best wishes to all candidates.

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council? No answer supplied

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor? No answer supplied

Are you currently a Councillor? No answer supplied

Responsibly led, Ararat Rural City could have full employment, reduced rates and excellent services. New legislation enables Council to work with its community through trusts, partnerships and co-operatives financed by grants and low-interest borrowings. To put Covid behind us and rebuild prosperity, Council needs your help. We need to create a place where you can register your expertise, experience and interests to participate, brainstorm, then prepare for implementation, the best ideas we have. For example, we could make money through CouncilLandholder Agroforestry: timber is increasingly scarce and expensive. We could provide inexpensive freight for our produce by building, the long over-due, rail to road, truck to train, freight terminus. Nowhere else can so easily reach so many important inland cities and sea ports. We could upgrade the old Pyrenees Railway to provide a luxury, slow train, tourist route. We should be part of the push by 13 Councils for Gold Fields World Heritage status. Professional advice suggested, to be successful, our bid should include examples of how life was lived before the Gold Rush. Our municipality not only has old and enduring diggings, relict and beautiful buildings, we also have Rock Art, hidden springs, sacred trees, evidence of macro fauna, booree rings, eel traps and, best of all, precious Aboriginal People prepared to teach us their unique and enduring cultural respect for landscape and life. To combat extinction and provide an excellent recreational resource, we could network all our towns with walking/cycling paths, landscaped to save vulnerable species, while, simultaneously, providing Bed and Breakfast business opportunities. We can continue to beautify our towns and support more culturally-enriching activities. We need more politically unfettered GST revenue to seal our dusty roads. If you agree, please vote Atkinson, Bernardine, number one.

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

Prosperity through full-employment and fair wages. ADF Reservist Barracks for development, disaster relief and home-guard preparedness. Sporty challenges, like Trifunlongs and old-time dances. The resumption of opportunities for ladies and menfolk to exhibit their crafts at local shows. Musicals, tennis and sailing! Clean water and sealed gravel roads!

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

I think it is important for Councillors to be high-minded and have integrity. It is important to act on principles, not personality politics. It is important to aim for win/win situations rather than either/or, bitter stand-offs. I will strive to do my best for the people of our municipality.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes

It is crucial that ratepayers and residents understand how much we need a skills-based council with a strategic mindset to deliver the best outcomes for all. The work to be done for COVID-19 recovery further emphasises this need. You first elected me in 2016 and as your Mayor for the past year I have helped build the foundation for a mature and productive relationship with our community. Good leadership and advocacy assist council in securing support and funding from external organisations and government. My vision has stayed strong since 2016: a vibrant future for this generation and beyond, balanced by economic sustainability. Improved service delivery and asset renewal should continue while cost to community is carefully controlled. Fairness and equity matter for everyone in our community. I want Ararat Rural City to grow. We must offer greater housing choice to welcome the people we need to fill diverse job opportunities across our growing manufacturing industries, tourism and hospitality potential, and agribusiness expansion that will flow from the East Grampians Rural Pipeline. More people will boost our local economy and small businesses will prosper. With my husband Pete, I have farmed sheep and grain on our Yalla-Y-Poora farm for 30 years, raising four children and loving my connection with rural life. Many years of volunteering across a range of community organisations has given me insight to the sense of belonging at the heart of our unique rural communities. I ask you to vote 1 for me and support Peter Beales, Henry Burridge, Rob Armstrong, and Jane Goninon because we share a range of proven skills and experience. Together, we will bring stability, an energetic and positive approach, and a diversity of perspectives to keep Ararat Rural City moving forward. You can trust I will do my best for you. Facebook @JoArmstrongArarat

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

Our new council will: - make evidence-based, responsible, and sustainable decisions - have razor-sharp strategic focus to get the best outcomes as we lead our community's COVID-19 recovery - work to deliver equitable results for all ratepayers and bring change to the broken local government revenue system - be the best in Victoria!

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

I respect my community. I value trust and integrity. I am empathetic and I build relationships. I have considerable experience in business and financial management. I am highly literate and understand policy and local government framework. I am a strategic and critical thinker, an active listener, and I ask questions.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes

I have lived, married, raised a family and worked in Ararat since I was 10 and as most know I am the most passionate Araratarian anyone could find. My commitment to the Ararat Rural City Council and its ratepayers has always been an important part of my life and this commitment is still very real for me. I was originally elected to Council when I recognised a need for new netball courts in Ararat and since then have fought for many infrastructure improvements - the latest being the refurbishment of the Outdoor Pool, which some wanted to bulldoze, and more recently the Skate Park. I am extremely proud to have been part of a Council which is putting so much effort into improving sporting, recreational facilities, roads, bridges, and halls not only in Ararat, but also in the outlying townships of our municipality. As a Councillor I have always been available and willing to listen to and help ratepayers and others in whatever way I can. I love Ararat and I want to represent you and improve our wonderful Community in any way that I can, please vote Allgood 1

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

My vision is a united council working with Council officers for the betterment of residents of the Ararat Rural City by promoting Ararat as a regional centre and leverage our proximity to Melbourne and other regional centres.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

I have been a Councillor with Ararat Rural City for 30 plus years with the ability to be contacted at any time to listen and learn from others, and I am prepared to take these ideas to the Council table.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes

Hi, Rob Armstrong here. Thanks for taking the time to have a read of my little spiel. I am a sixth generation farmer in the Tatyoon district, I was born in Ararat, grew up here, pretty sure I'll happily die here (eventually). Don't let that make you think I am narrow minded though. I have done plenty of travelling and run my own businesses off the farm also. I raised my kids here and was heavily involved in their primary school council. I am running for council because I really want to see the Ararat community unite: it may sound cheesy but we have a bit of divide between those who live in town and those who live out of town. I think there is a lot of benefit that could come from us working together. I want to really push hard to bring more businesses to Ararat providing jobs for those in town, and services for those operating farms. I have noticed a lot of businesses close down in Ararat which leaves farmers without anyone to repair machinery or provide products, but at the same time this has affected those looking for work in the town. Ararat really needs some energy about it. We need businesses to want to open up here; we need jobs to support those who live here, encourage other people to want to live here. We need tourists in our hospitality businesses and retail shops on the weekends because that keeps them open and booming, so we locals can enjoy having those great places to go ourselves. This is a great place to live but I think we can do better, do more. I am keen to provide some of that energy and hope with your help we can really change things up a bit.

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

To unite those living in the town with those living further out on the farms. To bring more businesses to Ararat to improve employment opportunities in the town. To think outside the square on improving tourism and supporting the growth of businesses already operating in the town.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

I am energetic & enthusiastic about taking up a position on the council. I have business experience as well as local knowledge and a true understanding of the issues that face those living in Ararat & district. I am willing to listen, be open minded.

Are you currently a Councillor? No

I have had nine terms as a Councillor of two municipalities, and been a member of numerous statewide local government committees. I have integrity. I was a member of Victoria Police for 29 years and did numerous courses on risk management and administration. I've also owned a small business. First elected in 2016, I am seeking a second term. Jenny and I moved to Ararat, purchasing land after the 2009 fires in Kinglake. I represented Kinglake for 8 terms with four terms as Mayor, including from 2009 to 2011. I was a member of the Victoria Police for 29 years, owned the Kinglake West General Store for seven years and worked in disability, retiring in 2016 upon election to Ararat Council. I have been involved in sporting and community groups as a participant or official, was a Scout leader for 30 years and currently volunteer two days a week with Ararat Neighbourhood House's Second Bite food program. I am passionate about helping young people. I am a mentor for the L2P driver program and President of the Rotary Club of Ararat. I have been active in all parts of the municipality, bringing to light projects that seem to have disappeared, such as the refitting of Willaura and Elmhurst Halls. As Mayor, I supported the CEO in his restructuring of Council management which is no longer top heavy. I have been very proactive in promoting Ararat as a place to live and invest. Since 2018, Council has spent more on targeted infrastructure and has low borrowings. Voters should be aware of the 2017 Commission of Inquiry's results and should contact all candidates about their views on the Inquiry. During the past three budgets, Council had one minimum rate rise with the last rate a decrease, the only Council in Victoria to do so. My experience was crucial during the turmoil of the past and I seek your support to continue. After consideration, I choose to support Jo Armstrong, Jane Goninon, Henry Burridge and Rob Armstrong who represent the values and skills that I admire in prospective Councillors. pdbeales@icloud.com or 0437118582.

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

A vibrant, diverse community with good government services, high employment, a strong business community and economy. a community with excellent recreation and cultural infrastructure to attract new residents and visitors for a unique experience. A municipality where residents respect the role of Council and Councillors.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

I have had nine terms as a Councillor of two municipalities, and been a member of numerous statewide local government committees. I have integrity. I was a member of Victoria Police for 29 years and did numerous courses on risk management and administration. I've also owned a small business.

Are you currently a Councillor? Yes

I have nominated to stand for Ararat Rural City Council because I value living in the city. I would like to be part of the team that encourages innovation and development in the City so that others can benefit as the City grows. I was a partner in Ararat Holiday Homes and our business was supported and encouraged by the tourism unit of Ararat Rural City Council. This support is invaluable to beginning businesses. I would like to see business come to Ararat and be nurtured and thrive. I support continued development of community services and resources such as parks and gardens, sporting facilities, housing and nature reserves. I believe that we must support the rural sector of the City, as the farming sector and rural towns provide employment and resources for much of the population. The stability of this population contributes greatly to the communal spirit of the city through business interdependence and the personal relationships and resect that comes through knowing people over time. One of my concerns is the growing number of people working in Ararat but not living here. My concern is due to the need to have a diverse population with personal interest in the city where they work. If Ararat is able to attract these people to live in the City we will benefit from the involvement of these peoples families in our community. Another of my concerns is that the money earn here isn't spent here and therefore local businesses struggle. In order to make Ararat a place for people to bring their families we need to manage our resources well and provide services suitable to the needs of their whole family . My vision for Ararat is a community growing together and welcoming innovation. A community taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

My vision is to be a part of the leadership team that manages the resources and services of the City of Ararat so that the residents of the city are able to grow their businesses and feel confident in the security of their jobs. All residents should have a voice.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

Being born in Ararat I have experienced the benefit of growing up in a rural environment. I have served on many committees and been involved in charities in the city. I have owned and operated two businesses in Ararat and have invested in rental property in the city.

Are you currently a Councillor? No

You pay too much in rates. This last budget Council changed the rate differential so that Farmers pay 47%. Home owners pay 100% and Business pays 125% of the general rate. That's right, Council reduced the rates burden on Farmers in the middle of the Covid pandemic when people were on short hours or unemployed and business was struggling. That means that you the home owner or business owner pay more to make up the difference. This is unfair and shows this group of Councillors is out of touch with ratepayers and particularly with those surrounding Councils that use their differential rates powers wisely. Farm rate in Southern Grampians 80%, Pyrenees 79% and Moyne 0% that's right all in Moyne pay the same general rate in the dollar. Ararat needs Councillors that think of all the community not of one sector above others. Given the levels of service we receive Councillors need to drive rates down not play favourites. I believe that Council should help those that help themselves. I pledge to support community groups and sporting clubs. I will support people who put in time to their community clubs, organisations and associations. We need to get back to grassroots politics and support local effort. I have wide experience in local government as a Councillor in Macedon Ranges and as a local government officer. I know what can be done and how to do it. I have run my own business and been on many public and private boards. It's time to be serious about the future and elect Councillors prepared to work for all of the community. Put my name first and think carefully about who you choose and put likeminded persons high on your choices if you want things to change.

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What is your vision for the municipality of Ararat Rural City Council?

A growing and prosperous Municipality with a stable rates base providing services of high quality into the future.

What expertise or attributes do you have which would help you in undertaking the role of Councillor?

I care for Community, I have been a Councillor previously, a council Officer and have been on public and private boards and many community organisations.

Are you currently a Councillor? No

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