Rowena offers a fresh approach

“The Federation Council region is a fantastic place to live, work and visit. With the mighty Murray River and prime agricultural land, we are blessed with so much beauty and potential around us,” she said.

“I want to see our shire continue to prosper and to also transform into an exciting area to live and visit.”

Ms Black has strong ties to the rural community having grown up on an irrigation and dry land farm near Blighty. She moved to Corowa around 25 years ago, marrying local farmer Grant Black and has played an integral part in running the family farming business. 

Ms Black has experienced the highs and lows of the agricultural industry as part of the family farm and the impact that it can have on townships and businesses. 

“Our Shire is a highly productive agricultural area and as a shire we need to support and provide opportunity to this industry as much as we can. Good roads and other infrastructure that keep this industry competitive,” she said.

The mother of four has a business-driven mindset and has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance) from Charles Sturt University.

Well-known in the sporting community, Ms Black has been involved with Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club for over 14 years as a player, netball committee member, board member and now serving as secretary and treasurer for the last four years. 

Her community involvement goes beyond the local sporting club. For many years, she has been involved in the Corowa Baptist Church community where she also holds the position of treasurer. 

Having children at Corowa High School, Ms Black is also involved with the P&C where she also manages finances.

 Her love for music, saw her at the forefront of the Corowa Carols for several years and part of organising a combined school’s choir at the last street festival.  

Ms Black said she hopes to bring her skills and experience to council and the community.

“I love seeing our local community come together. It’s something I really enjoy being part of and contributing to,” she said. 

Ms Black is also advocating for open and honest governance and more community engagement and accountability.

“We need to look at how council can better interact with the local community,” she said.

“If people are lent in and engaged with what’s going on, the community can move forward more quickly.”

Proactive planning is another key message Ms Black is driving. 

“Being involved with the Corowa Community Action Group has really highlighted the need for council to be proactive in their planning and be at the forefront of what they want towns in Federation to look like,” she said.

“Having a framework for what is suitable for our towns is key to future developments, particularly in Corowa, Howlong and Mulwala.” 

 Ms Black said tourism is also high on her list of priorities.

“The new precinct has so much potential for tourism in Corowa,” she said. 

“The general plans with the boardwalk along the river and sporting grounds are great, and we need to ensure we find ways to fund it because it will be a real drawcard if comes off. 

“Corowa in the past has been focused on camping and boats which is great, but we can expand that to attract different people to stay. 

“With the masterplan for the boardwalk along the river and the new cycling tracks, we have the potential to attract more people who love the outdoors and enjoy walking or cycling.

“There is so much potential for the natural environment and where we are located.”

Ms Black said she would like to also see young people consider moving back to the Federation region. 

“Covid has highlighted the possibility for young people who go away for university to be able to work from home. I would love to encourage kids to come back, work, raise families here and our towns as lifestyle towns,” she said. 

“Our rural community is a beautiful place to live and and I would love to be a part of and contribute to the future of Federation.”