Suzanne Davies knows if elected she would be a positive, active councillor for East Gippsland Shire due to the skills, knowledge and experience she has gained through her studies and employment.
“While working professionally, I was a cattle farmer for 23 years, so I know firsthand how farming can be so challenging when you work so hard and rely on the weather and commodity prices,” she said.
“Living in Buchan for 35 years I have a strong work history in community engagement, including being a teacher at Buchan Kindergarten, coordinator of Buchan Neighbourhood House, as well as the art’s coordinator. I have also worked in hospitality, managing Point Hicks Lightstation on a roster basis for 14 years.”
Suzanne’s volunteering roles still include secretary for the Buchan Neighbourhood House, Buchan Arts Council and Centre for Rural Communities.
She is also on the committee for the Buchan/Gelantipy District Renewal that was formed after the catastrophic wildfires of 2020.
In 2005 she completed a Graduate Certificate in Regional Community Development through Monash University.
“I went onto pick up Community Engagement Projects, five-year plan, Local Incident Management Plan (LIMP), and the Emerald Link Project within my district,” Suzanne said.
Suzanne believes council should be working to actively listen and act upon as in this role, listening carefully to community and responding to community needs are extremely important.
“Creating vibrant, resilient and inclusive communities always, involves locals in the decision-making process,” she said.
“This is vital to achieving the positive outcomes that communities seek. We need to stop telling communities what they need, as each community across East Gippsland is unique and often need different solutions.
“I have sound credentials for being an approachable and resolute Councillor who will listen to and advocate for a wide range of community views.”
