Council
20 September, 2024
Three-way contests and two unopposed
Three of Horsham's seven newly-created wards will see three-way contests between one sitting councillor and two newcomers - while two candidates are already poised to be elected unopposed.
David Bowe, the first councillor to put his name forward for re-election after nominations opened last week, is up against Dylan Hesselberg and Angela Munn in Oatlands.
Mr Hesselberg, 42, is a civil engineer by profession, currently working in property development for a large not for profit organisation aimed at helping individuals in the community.
"I believe our council is in need of revitalisation," he said.
"I am committed to listening attentively to the needs of the community I proudly call home and addressing them with integrity and transparency."
Retiree Ms Munn, 64, was straightforward in her reason for standard: "I care about the community and think we can do better than what we have done," she said.
Pine Lake is another ward with a three-way contest, with incumbent councillor Ian Ross preparing to hit the hustings against Toby Haynes and Michael Bond.
Cr Ross, 64, a farmer of Telangatuk, is seeking a second term, adamant the "job's not finished".
"There's a lot to do still," he said. "We need to get a better satisfaction survey. There's poor community engagement at the moment. We have to do better as a council than we have been."
Mr Haynes, 43, an IT manager at Horsham College, lives at Haven.
"I feel the Wimmera community could do with some people to work hard and smart for them, to bring a solid perspective to the council for the working citizens of the area," he said.
Australia Post contractor Mr Bond, 61, of St Helens Plains, also saw room for improvement in the council chamber.
"It's time to get some common sense back into council and listen to what the community is saying instead of going ahead with these 'brilliant' ideas," he said.
Claudia Haenel was one of three councillors to nominate in the 24 hours before deadline.
She will be standing in Horsham North against Todd Wilson and Kathy Ross, wife of Cr Ian Ross.
"I am deeply connected to the community of Horsham North, being the third generation to live on the same street," Cr Haenel said.
"I am well-prepared to serve and offer stability, support and collaboration for the new council."
Ms Ross, an administrative researcher, said her biggest priority was the community.
"I'd like to see good change in Horsham," she said. "I'm a big believer in relationships and the community coming first."
Green Park and May Park wards are both two-way bets.
Dean O'Loughlin will be contesting Brian Basham for the seat of Green Park, while in May Park Cam McDonald will be aiming to topple Les Power, the only councillor seeking a third consecutive term in office.
The two remaining contenders - Rebeca Sluggett and Brian Klowss - will be declared elected after voting closes on October 25 as the only nominees for Kalimna and Wyn Wyn wards respectively.
Ms Sluggett, 35, of Pimpinio, is a livestock administrator at AWN and partner in a hobby farming business.
"I want to help ensure that while we are shaping Horsham's future we ensure the basics work well first," she said.
"I have also been pretty critical about our current council at times over the past few years, and it wouldn't be fair to be so vocal and not be willing to walk in their shoes."
Mr Klowss can also begin preparing his acceptance speech.
Registered voters in Kalimna and Wyn Wyn wards will not be required to vote.
* Those candidates not quoted this week were quoted in last week's election coverage story.