Matt Stephenson is one of 23 candidates aspiring to become an East Gippsland Shire Councillor.
Matt’s family have lived in East Gippsland for eight generations and he says it’s unique landscapes, towns and wonderful people are the reason he moved back here seven years ago.
Matt explained he always appreciated growing up in Bairnsdale and experiencing the natural splendour of the lakes, mountains, rivers and even the crackle of dry leaves underfoot walking through the bush during summer.
Matt believes he has the attributes and experience to be a hard working shire councillor.
“When deciding to run as a candidate in the elections, I initially viewed it with trepidation, after all, it requires much hard work and dedication, however after careful consideration I have decided to throw my hat in the ring,” he said.
“My father who operated car businesses in the area until recently often would say “if you want to get a job done, give it to a busy person” and that is a motto I have drawn on with my push to become a shire councillor”.
Matt has worked in the family motel business, managed a consultancy, continued a 25-year association working for Landcare and has taken up farming at a property at Glenaladale.
“I think Dad’s motto has validity, why run for council elections while you sit on your hands at home on the couch? – getting out and about and keeping busy is the ideal launching pad to stay in touch with local issues and challenges,” Matt said.
Matt worked for a shire council in South Gippsland for 10 years and was the chairman of two statewide organisations, he believes this has also enabled him to develop skills around leadership and decision making at the level required of a councillor.
“Having worked in all areas of East Gippsland over the last 40 years, I have a genuine connection to the area – I have a large family and an extensive network of professional and social contacts which is so important when recruiting information about how locals are faring and what the state of conditions are for those living in the area,” Matt said.
“I have some very progressive ideas gleaned from my experiences dealing with community issues across Gippsland with my work – and I think that whilst listening to and advocating for East Gippsland ratepayers and the general community, I can value add with those ideas and initiatives and the hard work that is required to follow through with them.
“My campaign is based around progress for local businesses and institutions, prosperity for families and the protection of our cultural and environmental assets and I aim to ensure these key principles form the backbone of my delivery of that service.”
