Shaun Whitechurch hopes to bring more diverse voices to the table with his handpicked ticket for the upcoming Federation Council election.
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The current Howlong Golf Resort general manager has been deputy mayor for the entire length of the council’s four-year term.
This election, Mr Whitechurch heads group D and has selected experienced councillor, and retired high patrol officer Norm Wales as his number two.
“Norm Wales has served three terms on council and sits on seven committees within the shire including the traffic committee. His 43 years as a highway patrol officer provides valuable knowledge on traffic issues,” he said.
Mr Whitechurch also hopes to elevate the voice of young people in the Federation Council area with Jack Schilg selected as his number three.
“I have acknowledged that the younger generation were often not heard or unrepresented,” he said.
“This became evident during the mentoring program the council ran with our youth council in which I was a mentor.
“The younger generation is our future, to that I was excited when young local business owner Jack Schilg of Docs Café decided to put his hand up and be part of my ticket.
“Jack was born and raised in Corowa and a regular senior player for the Corowa Rutherglen Football Club. If elected, Jack will be Federation Council’s youngest ever councillor. His perspective would be a real asset to council.”
Number four on Mr Whitechurch’s ticket is well-known local rural identity Peter Ellis.
“The farming sector is the largest part of Federation Council. Council has always been fortunate to have a rural voice who can talk the talk when it comes to discussion on those issues faced in these areas,” Mr Whitechurch said.
“Once again, council needs this person and Peter Ellis, a stock and station agent, is around the entire shire talking to farmers, driving the roads, and taking in all that is presented to him.
“I was also rapt that Peter wanted to join my ticket as opposed to running under the line on his own.”
Corowa businessman Damien Rosser is number fiver on the Whitechurch ticket.
“Damien also born and raised in Corowa joins my ticket with a bringing a wealth of local and business knowledge to the table,” Mr Whitechurch said.
“Damien owns two furniture/electrical shops, one in Corowa and one in Mildura. He is a great volunteer around the town and is a member of the local Apex Club. I think Damian will be an asset to our council.”
Mr Whitechurch said his ticket represents many voices of the Federation community but said it was important people understand the concept of group voting verses under the line voting.
“A group is formed with people who in their own right have a genuine interest in making the entire council area better and they believe they have what it takes to be a councillor,” he said.
“The only difference in voting 1 above the line is your preference votes are already shared to those in the group you vote for.
“Those group members need as many votes as possible to be elected after the first person in the group.
“When you vote under the line the same result is achieved except you have to manually select the people you wish to get your preference votes.
“A vote for Group D is effectively a vote for me. If I secure enough votes, the votes flow on down the group to the other group members and to be honest a 1 or 2 vote under the line for me or any of my group has almost the same result.”
Mr Whitechurch said there is plenty of unfished business he would like to see achieved if elected to serve another term.
“When I was elected to council in 2017, I knew I had to try and fulfil my election pledge to my voters. It was a sharp learning curve and to by given the role of Deputy Mayor which I have held the entire term, promoted the need to learn the ropes quickly,” he said.
“Fortunately I have had great support from two former mayors and current Mayor Pat Bourke who were all part of this council.
“When you become a councillor you are that peson 24/7. You are approached, called, texted, mentioned on Facebook or just part of a council discussion almost everyday. I believe you need to be the type of person that is easy to appraoch and willing to listen at anytime.
“Eveyone’s issue are as important as the next and as a councillor quite often the process is not as easy to fix the problem as one would of liked. That can be frustrating at times.”
Mr Whitechurch said he will continue to listen to voices of the community and speak on their behalf.
“I have never and will never go against the people’s voice. You need that passion and drive want the shire to succeed,” he said.
“I believe I still have that drive and with some big jobs yet to be finished I want to be there to ensure these go through.
“I also sit on eight committees including the local health committee and if elected will maintain my connections with each one.
“As the election approaches people are asking me what my policies are and what are the main areas I will be supporting. My answer is simple, you do this work for the betterment of the shire, and you listen to the people and work with the other elected councillors to try and achieve what each and every town wants.
“Unfortunately, the wants and needs are always greater than the funds available and that’s where the fairness and decisions need to be made by the entire council no matter what the individual councillor has promised you prior to the election.”
Mr Whitechurch said persistence and patience is key in local government.
“I have explained to all of my group, as has Norm Wales, it’s great to have a drive and a want to make things happen, but once you get on council and realise what is involved and how the process of local government works. That is when you appreciate what your predecessors were going through.
“In saying that, I again ask for your support by voting above the line for Group D and if voting below the line at least give one of my group your 1 or 2 vote. We look forward to your support!”