The Victorian local government elections will be held in October and conducted entirely by post. To help you make informed decisions on who should be making the big decisions for the Campaspe Shire, Jemma Jones has spoken to all prospective candidates to help people decide whom to tick off on their ballot paper.
The Free Press, Riverine Herald and Campaspe News will be rolling out two candidate profiles each week in the lead up to the election.
Brett Ould has been living in the Campaspe Shire region for almost six years and this year has put his hand up for a seat on council.
This is not Mr Ould’s first turn around the campaign circuit, having experience as a councillor.
He said he believes in the potential of Campaspe Shire to grow and thrive, and with his previous experiences he wants the opportunity to help communities grow and ensure voices are heard.
“If elected, my goals are to ensure our community remains a place where businesses can flourish, a place where families feel safe and supported,” he said.
Having an ear in the community, to both listen and represent residential and rural communities, is the way he will ensure that issues are addressed.
The safety of the community is also an important issue to him, along with promoting local businesses and attracting new investment into the community.
He wants to support sustainable development, improve roads, public transport and have input into the overall infrastructure of Campaspe, which he stressed is “crucial for our daily lives”.
Mr Ould believes in transparent, accessible government that listens to the community, and wants to ensure that everyone across the entire Campaspe Shire has an equal say.
“As a councillor I like to travel and listen to people, being involved in many community groups, I will ensure I have a presence across all the municipality.”
Through his experience in both public and private sectors — as a former councillor and as a general manager for NDIS — he said he has proven community engagement experience.
He said this experience will equip him for a seat on council because he can listen, understand and work with the community to achieve goals.
Mr Ould said he loves the diversity of Campaspe with the mix of rural and residential.
“The opportunities to live, experience the culture Campaspe has to offer, from shopping centres to rural areas, markets, arts, festivals and sporting facilities … allowing me opportunities to be involved in the growth of Campaspe, being involved in many community groups.”
Head online to view all profiles for Campaspe Shire Council candidates ahead of the 2024 local government elections.