Local council election candidate Valerie Curtis, known to many as Val, is a long-time resident of East Gippsland with deep roots in both Lakes Entrance and Clifton Creek.
Her family has a proud history in the fishing industry — her parents, Lance and Gwen Newman, and her grandparents, Harold and Alveenee Newman, were all active members of the Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale communities.
“Over 50 years ago I married Max Curtis, whose family had been farming in Orbost for generations,” Val said.
“Together, Max and I started our married life as share farmers on the family dairy farm, where we milked cows, raised calves, and managed daily farming tasks. To support ourselves during the farm’s off-season, we operated a sawmill, conducting selective harvesting on our own and neighbouring properties.
“In addition to farming, I held various roles in the community, from working at the cattle sale yards for 18 years to roles at Kansas City Motel, Foard’s Department Store and Bairnsdale Town Council. In 1976, we established a farm equipment repair business, which expanded in 1988 when we purchased four acres to grow the workshop and build our family home.
“In 2001, we seized the opportunity to take over Autobarn in Bairnsdale. Under my management, the business grew from a 500-square-metre retail space to a 1000-square-meter operation by 2015. After 23 years of hard work, I am now retiring, leaving the daily operations in the capable hands of my youngest son, Jamie.”
Val’s involvement in the community extends beyond business.
“I’ve been actively engaged with the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce, Bairrnsdale Christmas Committee, Clifton Creek Primary School, hall committee, tennis club, Sarsfield Fire Brigade, Bairnsdale Classic Car Club, and more,” she said.
“I’ve held various leadership roles, including president, secretary, and treasurer, in many of these organisations.
“As a successful businesswoman and a passionate community member, I bring a wealth of experience to the table. I know our community well and understand the challenges we face.
“I am committed to advocating for the changes we need and the representation our community deserves. i.e. concentrating on core council business, align community satisfaction results survey results with actual community expectations.
“Our region’s livestock, fisheries, forestry and agricultural industries are key economic drivers. Recognising and understanding the importance of these sectors and catering to their needs enables us to sustain our international reputation as a primary food and industry production area.
“Assess community needs and support the development of the infrastructure required. Establish East Gippsland as an ‘Economic Development’ zone to boost commercial investment, recognising and understanding the importance of these sectors and catering to their needs enables us to sustain our international reputation as a primary food and industry production area.
“Regional, State and Federal Advocacy Fight for funding for fire mitigation strategies and wild dog control. Support initiatives for the development of ‘Low Cost Integrated Living’ projects to enhance Aged Care.”
