Eighteen council candidates fronted the lectern to a packed crowd at last Wednesday night’s meet the candidates event at the Bairnsdale RSL.
Hosted by the Bairnsdale Advertiser, the event saw candidates speak about what they would do if elected into council.
It didn’t take long for tensions to rise, with residents becoming disgruntled after multiple candidates chose to acknowledge Country before beginning their speeches.
Four of the 18 candidates, Jodie Ashworth, Jes John, Mark Reeves and Sasha Kruse acknowledged Country, with the audience becoming more vocal.
It was Mr Kruse’s acknowledgement that proved to be the breaking point with the audience.
The night threatened to get out of hand after an outburst from audience members, who shouted “thanks for recognising the rest of us”, before another resident said “I feel ashamed of anyone booing an acknowledgement of Country”.
More than 100 local residents, the vast majority of them over the age of 50, listened to the candidates who had five minutes to make their speech.
Cheryl Jakobi was the only one to stand in front of the lectern, choosing to engage with the crowd. Barry Davis, Aly Nichol, Clive Bury and Valerie Davis were unable to attend the meeting.
Residents have now received their ballot papers, with voting closing at 6pm on Friday, October 25.
The results will be declared on Friday, November 15.
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WHAT CANDIDATES SAID
JOHN WHITE: “Something I would like to see return is the passes for the people on Raymond Island.”
JODIE ASHWORTH: “If elected, I’d like to be a part of a positive councillor group that actually seeks out engagement with community, provides good governance and strong financial management.”
JES JOHN: “Both in 2016 and the present day, my decision to run for council was based on my belief that the elected decision makers in our community should be a realistic representation of all the diverse people who reside here.”
CHERYL JAKOBI: “I’m honest, I collaborate and talk, I am a solutions-based person, that’s what I do I’m here for you because I want to be”
SONIA BUCKLEY: “We need to focus on what matters in our region, on the economy, the infrastructure and our community.”
SUZANNE DAVIES: “We need to stop telling communities what they need, as each community across East Gippsland is unique and often need different solutions. This approach also fosters stronger connections in our communities and ensures initiatives undertaken by local government are desirable and align with the values and priorities of the people they serve”
MARK REEVES: “My vision includes enhancing tourism and and supporting local businesses, ensuring our communities survive and thrive economically.”
IAN TREVASKIS: “Let’s get back to local issues; roads, rates, rubbish and resources. Let’s rebuild pride in our community and rebuild values that have stood the test of time, to move forward to face the future with confidence.”
JUDY IRELAND: “As a councillor, I will work to ensure that council’s interactions with all members of the community reflects a genuine concern and commitment to help. I will advocate for services to address some of our local needs, such as affordable housing, accessible buildings and well-supported community food banks.”
JANICE COATES: “As your voice on council I will focus on minimising bill shock when rate notices arrive, delivering real value for your rates dollar, ensuring services like road maintenance, building approvals and public safety.
TOM CROOK: “My approach in commitment to East Gippsland I think has been demonstrated over this last four years, and I’ve shown that I’m willing to listen, collaborate and make evidence-based decisions.”
BERNIE FARQUHAR: “If elected, I will be re-prioritising some of the funding to assist homelessness. With some careful planning involving key stakeholders within our community such as Changing Lanes, is a great example of what can be done with young people.”
SASHA KRUSE: “I definitely recognise there’s a lot to be learned from our community and I’m very happy to be able to do that”
“I’ve been working a lot with the creative community, working on trying to provide a platform for local artists and entrepreneurs to earn more money and to support everyone and also develop a stronger community around that.”
– Focus on social housing: “this is a very important issue to me.”
STEVEN COLUMBUS: “My campaign focus is to improve the supports and opportunities available to our youth and young families.”
ARTHUR ALLEN: “It’s not about climate emergency – it’s about rubbish collection, road maintenance, it’s making sure that the services the shire deliver are delivered in the most efficient way possible – in other words, they want value for their rates.”
JAMES NICHOLAS: “I’m standing for council fully aware of what I believe is the need to concentrate on core functions, that is, getting the basics of local government right, so that we can then do the special things when we need to.”
SUSIE BADY: “I think East Gippsland’s everyday heroes deserve more support than they get, and I’m standing for council because of the personal commitment to take every possible opportunity to make that happen.”
– Focus on health
JOANNE EASTMAN: “I know how to make this council run more effectively and efficiently, I know the things that need to be done – they include better financial management, improve governance, timely and transparent reporting…we need to listen to our communities and making sure we listen to local knowledge.”
