I've had the privilege and responsibility of being Mayor during my third year on Council; and bring this knowledge and experience when seeking to represent Flora Hill Ward and the City of Greater Bendigo for a second Council term.

Candidate's Statement

This is the statement from me that will apear in your ballot paper when it is sent to you around 12th November:

"I've enjoyed my first term as your Councillor, the privilege of being Mayor last year, and worked for improvements thoughout Greater Bendigo. I've demonstrated a commitment to good governance and have the experience, common sense and integrity to continue providing an effective contribution to council.

"In Flora Hill Ward we've commenced upgrading our aging infrastructure. I've supported improvements and budget commitments to our community open spaces, parks, pool, footpaths, walking and cycling tracks, revegetation, tree planting, bus shelters and traffic safety.

"Continuing urban renewal will provide improved streetscapes, better facilities, an enhanced natural environment and local amenity. Responsive community services and support will provide safe, supportive and vibrant neighbourhoods.

"Another four years as your Councillor will allow me to consolidate our urban renewal, continue to improve community health and wellbeing, support sustainable business and quality development. Let's bring to life the City of Greater Bendigo's vision of “Living our Potential”."

My Background

With my family at the 2006 Mayoral installation

Bendigo has been our family's home for 24 years and Bruce and I have raised our children in Flora Hill.

I've worked across the education, health and community services sectors; also for local, State and Commonwealth governments in:

• Planning
• Development
• Management roles

I am a member of the Australian Greens.

Our children - our future!

My Vision

“I see Bendigo in the future as a vibrant and liveable city, retaining the charm of heritage and streetscapes, protecting important areas of native vegetation and using skilled community planning and development to create sustained health and wellbeing in our community”.

Discussing Strath pedestrian safety

New linear accelerator at Peter Mac

Discussing parking needs

Chatting with StrathHaven residents

Across Greater Bendigo

I have demonstrated an active, inclusive and constructive way of working with others for a better Bendigo and am generally acknowledged as a conscientious and hard working Councillor.

Improvements over the last few years:

Community

• Increased community grants, programs and services
• Better Council information to residents

Business

• Supported innovation, sustainability and provided infrastructure
• Facilitating $1 Billion in development

Environment

• Sustainable water, waste and energy saving initiatives
• Protecting our natural environment within the planning scheme

Planning

• Improved community input to planning and development
• Reduced planning application turn around time and red tape (plenty more to go)

I helped develop Greater Bendigo's new:

• Natural Environment Strategy
• Economic Development Strategy
• Health and Wellbeing Plan

I've actively supported local residents, community groups, businesses, clubs and organisations and worked with State and Federal Governments for Bendigo's future.

Experience and Achievement

Having served as your local Councillor for the last 4 years I believe I've made a conscientous and thoughtful contribution to the municipality.

I was elected in 2004 shortly after retiring from fulltime work and this has allowed me to fulfill the role of Councillor in a full time capacity.

I've had the privilege and responsibility of being Mayor during my third year on Council; and bring this knowledge and experience when seeking to represent Flora Hill Ward and the City of Greater Bendigo for a second Council term.

Welcoming the Dalai Lama to Bendigo in 2007

What I Offer As Your Councillor

Demonstrated Council and community leadership.

Genuine commitment to good governance and working “with” the community.

Management qualifications and experience.

Strength and common sense.

I've enjoyed my first term as your Councillor, gained experience and knowledge; and have the time, energy and skills to continue making an effective contribution to council.

My How-To-Vote

The best way to vote is to find out all the information you can on the candidates, and then vote for them in the order you feel is best. If you don't have enough information, or are not confident enough to make the judgement, it may help you to know the order that I would suggest for voting

The order of the candidates is the order that they will be in on the Ballot Paper when you receive it. The numbers are my suggestions for the voting order.

Election Dates:

The following dates may be useful to you. The majority of people do vote early, and this is a great practice to make sure that you don't lose or forget your ballot papers.

Date	Event	Currency
3rd Oct 2008	Voter registration closes	passed
22nd Oct 2008	Election Office opens	passed
23rd Oct 2008	Nominations open	passed
28th Oct 2008	Nominations close	passed
11th Nov 2008	Mailout of Postal Ballot packs begins	complete
11th Nov 2008	Postal Ballot open	closed
6:00pm 28th Nov 2008	Postal Ballot closes	passed
29th/30th Nov 2008	Vote Counting	NOW!
5:00pm 30th Nov 2008	Result announced	upcoming