Council
6 September, 2024
Five to stand again for seats on shire council
Yarriambiack Shire mayor Kylie Zanker is putting her hand up for another year on council - her 17th - and is one of five Yarriambiack councillors who say they are likely to stand for re-election.
Graeme Massey and Tom Hamilton both say they will stand down at the October 26 local government elections.
Cr Zanker, currently serving her third consecutive term as mayor, says she will be able to devote more time to council, having just accepted redundancy from her role as aged care services manager at Horsham Centre for Participation.
"I enjoy the role and engagement with community, and I enjoy seeing community projects and community members reach a goal," she said.
"I enjoy advocating to get fair share in childcare, kindergarten and health services. I like seeing things happen and advocate for that."
Cr Zanker, 52, will be standing in the Warracknabeal ward.
Joining her on the hustings will be Karly Kirk, also standing in the Warracknabeal ward, and Hopetoun ward hopefuls Chris Lehmann and Andrew McLean.
Cr Kirk, 48, said: "I feel like there’s work to do and I’ve just started getting the hang of it.
"There's plenty to do and I'm still interested and feel like a voice for the community."
Cr Lehmann, 63, who has represented Hopetoun for the last four years, said he had long had an interest in local government and projects, and he was eager to continue representing people in the shire.
Farmer and former teacher Andrew McLean, 64, of Patchewollock, has been a councillor for 16 years.
He said he wanted to continue supporting the community with what they wanted, acknowledging the challenges with the "pros and cons of wind farming and sand mining".
School bus driver and Minyip farmer Corinne Heintze says she intends to stand "at this stage".
"There's unfinished business," said Cr Heintze, 65.
"We've got challenges of renewable energy and mines. I'd just like to see more ticked, and I enjoy the challenge."
Cr Heintze represents the Dunmunkle ward.
Farmer Tom Hamilton, 45, who lives in South Murtoa and has represented Dunmunkle ward for eight years, said he had always planned on a maximum of two terms because of family and work commitments.
"I've really enjoyed time with Yarriambiack," he said.
"I highly recommend anyone to run. There should be more interest in local government.
"We are lucky enough to have an exceptional CEO, two in my time. They've taken the opportunity to advocate for areas not in council’s business."
Former mayor and one of Yarriambiack's longest-serving councillors, Graeme Massey, is bowing out after 12 years representing Warracknabeal ward on council and, at 77, is ready to hand over the reins.
"I’ve been on council for enough time and it's time for new blood," he said.
"When you get older your priorities change a bit, and I didn't want to stay on council if I couldn't put in 100 per cent."
Yarriambiack Shire will be represented by six councillors following redistribution by the Victorian Electoral Commission.
Hopetoun and Dunmunkle each retain two councillors, but Warracknabeal will see its representation cut from three to two.
Nominations for council open on Monday and close on September 17.
Information on the mandatory online local government candidate training is available from Local Government Victoria at www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/candidate-training