With Greater Shepparton City Council being separated into nine individual wards this election, it is now more important than ever to have a councillor from Kialla with experience around the table advocating strongly for the people of Kialla.
Needed on council is a team of dedicated, experienced and highly skilled councillors to see us through the next four years when the cost of living, water security and infrastructure upgrades need to be prioritised. Councillors need vision, on what is needed in their ward, what is required across Greater Shepparton and where we sit regionally and across the nation, particularly when it comes to funding projects.
The aim is to ensure that not only Kialla but all of Greater Shepparton is the most liveable regional centre in Victoria. With that, we need continuity at the council table to make sure we have strong economic sectors, growth in our industries, gaps filled in our medical professions, educational settings and a reliable and professional workforce that can meet the demands required to produce the food and fibre we are renowned for.
As a council, we need to set the environment to increase stimulus for our retail and commerce sectors, to make sure our eateries, restaurants and sporting clubs flourish, even in tough economic times. We have the most amazing cultural diversity in Victoria, with people from around the globe making Shepparton their home, a safe and welcoming haven, a region with opportunity and prosperity. We have an incredible and generous mass of volunteers servicing our community day-in, day-out.
We have exciting festivals and events and sporting competitions that continue to be at state or national levels, and we need to make sure they are continued to be invested in.
We have challenges ahead, but it is an exciting time, with projects like GV Link under way and a new designed sports stadium and events centre that have been reinvigorated under this current council.
We are seriously challenged with labour force shortages and the advocacy and perseverance of maintaining water security, which is the lifeblood to our industries and community. Much has been achieved under the current council; however, many more needs addressing, such as infrastructure, housing and land availability, roads and footpaths, transport connectivity and pushing for community priorities under the community action plans.
My experience includes four years on council, two as deputy mayor, as well as having worked with two federal members of parliament and a Senator for Victoria, as facilitator of the Fairley Leadership Program, and careers in education across the region and in customer service in Shepparton. Having chaired numerous sporting clubs and associations and educational boards I have the knowledge required and the drive to continue to get things done.
I live in Kialla, my tennis and Rotary clubs are in Kialla. Kialla is a great place to live, raise a family or simply retire. It’s my home and I ask the people of Kialla for your vote, to be your voice at the council table.
Anthony Brophy, candidate for Kialla Ward