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.
Daniel Mackrell has lived in Campaspe Shire for all of his 52 years.
He started on a dairy farm Wyuna, spent his early years in Tongala, travelled to Kyabram for high school and since being married has lived in Echuca
While his business interest has taken him across Australia, he said he’ll always call Campaspe home.
After spending two terms as a councillor, he is running again because he understands the operations of council and wants to represent the people who feel like they are unheard or are not given a fair go.
“There are no more wards, so it is important that everyone is represented such as smaller towns, farmers, small business, community groups and people that fall through gaps in the system,” he said.
His concerns lie with the people he represents, such as the cost of living, housing, roads and how the council spends their rates, and he wants to see a Campaspe Shire Economic Strategy implemented so the community can thrive into the future.
“I have always had the entire shire to represent and when people or groups need assistance that’s where it’s good to have someone who knows the struggles and has empathy to assist.”
He has been a chair of a Neighbourhood House, a member of the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning, EMTDA board member, president of Echuca Business Chamber and treasurer of the farmers market.
With his previous roles, Mr Mackrell believes he is best equipped for council because he understands how local government red tape can deter communities and groups from the great things they do, and said this is where changes can be made to make sure communities prosper.
What he loves the most about Campaspe Shire is the welcoming community spirit.
“(I love) that I can walk down the street and say hi to people I know, or when waiting for the cows to wander across the road have a chat to the bloke on the motorbike about the weather or the milk prices … and watching my boys enjoy growing up in a place I know welcomes everyone.”
Head online to view all profiles for Campaspe Shire Council candidates ahead of the 2024 local government elections.