The 2024 Campaspe Shire Council elections are coming up and standing councillors have begun asking themselves the big question — will they run again?
The election, to be held in October and conducted entirely by post, will look a little different this year.
While our friends down the road in Shepparton are becoming warded, the Campaspe Shire will drop the ward structure and become completely undivided.
Subsequently, it is more important than ever for people to put their hands up for council positions and represent their communities, small or large.
Between The Riverine Herald, Campaspe News and Kyabram Free Press, we will be covering the 2024 Campaspe council elections as an undivided unit, much like the shire is soon to be.
We reached out to sitting Campaspe Shire councillors to gauge their interest in running for another term in an unwarded Campaspe council.
Out of the nine councillors, we heard back from seven.
Here are their responses.
Echuca Ward councillor and sitting Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos said he intended to make his intentions known at a different point in time.
Echuca Ward councillor and sitting Deputy Mayor Tony Marwood said he would be standing for another term.
“I’m running again because council has put a lot of time and effort into structure with the new management team, with a focus on service and with rebuilding the culture — and we started to see results come from that. For me, I’d like to see that through,” Cr Marwood said.
“The job’s only partly done. The organisation is in a good position to represent the community, and we enjoy being the voice.”
Kyabram Deakin Ward councillor Daniel Mackrell said he would be standing for the next council election.
“The change to an undivided council means no separate wards, which for many may mean not having an elected member specific for their area that will represent them as one,” Cr Mackrell said.
“I have been asked to stand again by many people in the electorate which is a sign that things are going forward in a positive way.
“The last seven-and-a-half years has shown that persistence can pay off and that by being able to be the voice for others is a worthwhile goal.”
Waranga Ward councillor Adrian Weston said he intended to seek another term.
“I am running once again to make sure people and communities are front and centre in everything that Campaspe Shire Council does across the whole shire,” Cr Weston said.
Rochester Ward councillor Paul Jarman will also be running for another term.
“With the removal of the ward system in the upcoming election, I believe I am very fortunate to have lived in Rochester, Ballendella and Echuca and have a strong understanding of small and large communities in the shire,” Cr Jarman said.
“I feel the job isn’t finished and would like to continue to drive our community to improve in many areas.
“We live in a great part of the world, but we should always try to make it a better place.”
Kyabram Deakin Ward councillor John Zobek confirmed he would be standing for another term on council.
Cr Zobek said as a councillor in the Kyabram and Deakin ward, it had been an interesting and satisfying journey.
“I will continue to support and advocate for the communities, to assure important issues are brought to council for the future benefit of our communities,” he said.
Western Ward councillor Leanne Pentreath will not be standing for the 2024 council elections.
”I’m in my ninth year of council,” Cr Pentreath said.
“During this time have been privileged to meet many lovely people who continue to achieve much for their communities.”
Cr Chrissy Weller for the Echuca Ward and Cr Colleen Gates for the Kyabram Deakin Ward had not responded to the question.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in standing as a candidate for the 2024 Campaspe Council elections, please reach out to the Kyabram Free Press, Campaspe News, or Riverine Herald to make your intentions heard.
Contact Kyabram Free Press at editorial@kyfreepress.com
Contact the Riverine Herald at editorial@riverherald.com.au
Contact Campaspe News at editorial@campaspenews.com.au