The Weekly Advertiser invited all 15 Horsham candidates to provide profiles ahead of the local government elections. 

Candidates were emailed a questionnaire to fill out, with a 200-word limit, and supply a photo. Some candidates chose to answer the questions while others submitted their candidate statements.

The questions were:

Name:

Municipality/ ward:

Occupation:

Please provide a brief background in the context of why you would make a good councillor? (Suggestions: involvement in community groups/ family ties/ professional skills or qualifications)

Have you stood for/ been on council before? If so, outline details of when?

Please outline your reasons for nominating for council?

Do you have any particular platforms that you are standing for?

Why should people vote for you?

How can voters contact you for more information?

The Weekly Advertiser will continue to publish profiles of candidates in other councils across the region.

Next week, Hindmarsh and Northern Grampians will be featured, followed by West Wimmera and Yarriambiack candidates.

Key voting dates

Monday, October 7: Ballot pack mail-out begins

Friday, October 25: Voting closes

Friday, November 1: All postal votes must be received by noon

Friday, November 15: Results 

declared

 

 

Green Park: Brian Basham

 

Occupation: Self-employed mental health counsellor; licensee of The Creekside Hotel, Warracknabeal.

Background: I have been coming to Horsham since 1990 as my wife is a local, and her family have been here for generations. In 2016, we made the move back to Horsham permanently. I have over the time volunteered at the cancer centre, worked as a casual in the library, and for the past five years, I had hosted an All Aussie Music radio show on Triple H 96.5FM Horsham and District Community Radio. I hold several academic qualifications and as a small business owner, I understand how difficult the current economic climate is on all of us.

Have you stood for/ been on council before? I ran for council in 2020 and missed out on preferences.

Outline your reasons for nominating: I have a long history in putting the community first. In my younger years growing up in rural NSW, I was an SES volunteer and assisted in teaching and St John’s First Aid. Most of my career has been in the public service, state and federal, and have seen a decline in honest engagement with the community they serve.

 Our council is the level of government we are more likely to interact with, and we need to see open and honest engagement with the residents and ratepayers. This, in my opinion, has not happened for years. This needs to change.

Particular platforms: Reviewing the return on investment and the impact of the parking meters; advocating for the whole municipality; development of councillor portfolios so we generate subject matter experts in our council, and providing the community with a contact point to discuss their concerns; placing the community at the forefront of discussion held by council.

Why should people vote for you? I have been a long-standing critic of the last two iterations of council. Through this I have developed a strong understanding of where things need to change to return the community to the forefront of council’s considerations. I want to part of the solution.

Contact: Mob: 0437 327 150; email: contact@brianbasham.com.au; 

Facebook: Brian Basham’s Horsham Halo.

 

Green Park: Dean O'Loughlin

 

 

 

Occupation: Director of community services, Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative

Background: At 53 years old, I have lived and worked in our local region for the majority of my life. I am fortunate to have worked in the community development and services sector for many years, predominantly in leadership roles. I love serving people in the community and have done this for most of my life in a variety of roles, both personally and professionally. I have enjoyed a variety of management roles within our local community with Uniting Victoria, Grampians Community Health, and for the past 10 years, with Goolum Goolum. Throughout my career, I have continued to study, holding three separate diplomas in Community Services Management. 

I have also had time away from Horsham, pursuing personal and professional goals in the west Melbourne region. During this time, I held leadership roles in community engagement with two different councils – Melton and Maribyrnong city councils. All this experience has given me an applied knowledge of strategic and social wellbeing plans in government and non-government settings. 

Have you stood for/ been on council before? No, this is my first time nominating for council.

Reasons for nominating: I believe I really have something to offer, moving forward. I would like to see our council work together with community members, families, businesses and groups to support a connected community environment, creating a safe, livable and vibrant municipality for all local residents.

Particular platforms: Provision of safe, inclusive and accessible social and recreational opportunities is a priority of mine. I believe our municipality is well-positioned to continue to grow infrastructure that creates environments for community and families to gather and interact. I would advocate for a council plan that reflects the needs of a diverse community, providing ongoing opportunities for all community members to ‘stay and play’ locally.

Why should people vote for you? I feel like I am well-known by a lot of locals, and I would like to think that the people that do know me consider me engaging, honest, thoughtful and a good mate. A proud father, partner, family man, and active part of our community, I will advocate for greater access to family friendly recreation and social inclusion opportunities for our local residents. I will offer a fresh approach to the representation of our community, supporting opportunities for greater economical and capital growth for Horsham and surrounds.

Contact: Facebook page: Dean O’Loughlin for Horsham Rural City Council: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565095096476. LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/in/dean-o-loughlin; PO Box 314, Horsham or call 0437 870 988.

 

 

 

Wyn Wyn: Brian Klowss

 

 

Occupation: Broadacre and sheep farmer.

Brief background: I have a great understanding of the local area as l’ve been involved in Natimuk Primary School, Natimuk Lions Club, Natimuk Cemetery Trust, Natimuk Lake Foreshore committee, Natimuk Field and Game Club, Economic and social plan for Natimuk and Horsham Rural City Rural Roads plan.

 Have you stood for/ been on council before? No.

Reasons for nominating: I want to bring stability, forward-thinking and economic growth without penalising one sector of our community by responsible spending and decision-making. My time on committees and boards of management have taught me the community must be at the forefront of every decision that is made, because ultimately you have to live with it.

Particular platforms: I believe council should be transparent and open about its decisions and reporting. I also firmly believe the community needs to be at the forefront of every council decision. The community must be consulted and included in the decision-making process. I commit to work with the other six elected representatives, to make Horsham Rural City the place to live, work and do business. We need a cohesive council that makes the best decisions for everyone in the municipality.

Contact: Feel free to give me a call 0428 190 937.

 

Kalimna: Rebecca Sluggett

 

 

Occupation: Mum, livestock administrator and hobby farmer.

Brief background: My strong history in volunteer community roles and interest in local government allow me to see issues from more than one point of view, and how it is likely to impact the bigger picture. I was part of the community panel that created our current 2041 Community Vision and witnessed the conversations and thought processes that were behind the final document. 

Have you stood for/ been on council before? Yes, I unsuccessfully stood in West Wimmera Shire Council in 2016.

Reasons for nominating: Being a councillor would be the ultimate community service role for me. Giving me the opportunity to help the Horsham community decide and direct the future of our home. While providing a space for me to do something I enjoy, while growing as a person.

Why should people vote for you?  I enjoy meeting people, I have always enjoyed politics, especially local matters and I like bringing ideas and different views together to analyse an issue before deciding on what to do. I genuinely care about what the community wants and will make myself available to people who wish to discuss council matters with me.

Contact: E: rebeccasluggett2024@gmail.com, Facebook or phone 0447 011 676,

 

Horsham North: Todd Wilson

 

 

Background: As a fifth-generation farmer, I have a deep family connection to Horsham, where my fiancé and I live in Sunnyside and plan to raise our family. Managing our farm has equipped me with the important skills of hard work and commitment, while my ongoing studies of law and accounting provide me with a great knowledge for budgeting and future planning.

Reasons for nominating: My nomination for council grew from frustration with the processes and systems currently in place and the only way to make a change is to get in there and have a go. 

Platforms: I would advocate for fully researched, viable projects and a more cost-effective delivery of services. I would also like to see council focus on the little things that make our community better, like fixing potholes and unblocking storm water drains. As a councillor I would also commit to attending council meetings and briefings to ensure the voice of my community is heard. It is crucial that council restore trust and respect by successfully engaging with community members for the benefit of Horsham.

Why should people vote for you? A vote for me is a vote for ensuring that council looks after all its community, young or old, urban or rural. No sector is any less deserving than another and I will commit to that because my community matters.

Contact: Phone 0481 81 3400; email: todd4horsham@gmail.com; Facebook: Todd Wilson for Horsham Rural City Council.

 

Horsham North: Claudia Haenel

 

 

 

Occupation: I am currently serving as a councillor while caring for my elderly mother and pursuing a Master of Business Administration. Additionally, I am intern at the Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia and New Zealand. 

Background: With over 20 years experience in business and 13 years in media, I am well-equipped to provide stability, support, and collaboration within a new council. 

Reasons for nominating: I ask for your number one vote to ensure that Horsham North receives the dedicated representation it truly deserves. As a third-generation resident of Horsham North, where my mother has lived in our family home for over 60 years, I have a deep connection to this community. I am passionate about Horsham North because it is my birthplace and upbringing. 

Why should people vote for you? Strong representation is essential, and if you vote for me, I will advocate fiercely to prevent increases in residential rates. 

Platforms: My priorities include:

1. Economic opportunities to alleviate cost of living burdens

2. Increased housing options

3. More childcare facilities

4. Funding and resources for families and retirees

5. Improved accessibility and connectivity

6. Parks, playgrounds, and meeting places to enhance health, well-being, and safe environments. When Horsham North thrives, the entire Horsham municipality benefits. 

Contact: PO Box 766 Horsham 3402; Email: claudiahaenelvote1horsham@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/councillorclaudiahaenel; www.linkedin.com/in/councillor-claudia-haenel-horsham-rural-city-council-1a6b88189.

 

Horsham North: Kathy Ross

 

 

Occupation: Administration (books, research, funding), general work, home-keeper

Reasons for nominating: With community dissatisfaction being high, I would like to contribute to hopefully a better platform of delivering responsible fiscal management and community involvement with engagement in decisions that affect the people. It would be exciting to be a part of turning our council around, so that other councils can talk about HRCC’s positive performance. 

I am independent of political affiliation or any organisation that could influence my decisions. Decisions are always important, especially now there is a ward system to bring forward your ward’s ideas; but we must also take into consideration all wards as we live in a community where our friends and family live in different areas. 

In the past I have been involved with different people helping them with their concerns in this ward area. I believe in honesty and truth, that there should be more transparency with council as a public body. 

Promises can be ‘cheap’, but are difficult to make ahead of time without knowing the future. We can worry about tomorrow, but tomorrow can bring a whole different scenario, but we can plan to have sound policy and then continue to adapt to the changing times and situations. 

Contact: 0429 882 223.

 

May Park: Les Power

Occupation: I am currently a Victorian Police officer at Horsham Police Station for the past 22 years. Prior to that, I was employed by Victorian Railways/ V-Line at Horsham Railway Station for 25 years.

Brief background: I have lived in different parts of Horsham during the past 49 years. Other than policing studies, I have obtained an Advanced Diploma of Management from the University of Ballarat and a Diploma of Community Development from RMIT with Grampians Regional Family Violence Regional Action Group. I have volunteered with many and various sporting and community groups at present Radio 3HHH and the Blue Ribbon Foundation.  My aim is to continue to see the completion of community projects already started and work with state and federal governments to grow Horsham into a prosperous regional centre of the Wimmera. I will work to improve the quality of education, transport by road, rail and air and our medical facilities and encourage industrial and commercial business to make Horsham their home creating more employment for our residents.

 Have you stood for/ been on council before?  I have been a councillor for HRCC for that past two terms, I was elected in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Reasons for nominating: I have nominated again to be, as in past two councils, an independent councillor listening and working with the community to achieve the goals of the majority of people in our community. We talk of being a regional city we need to improve and grow to meet the standards set by other regional cities.

Particular platforms: The platform I stand on is being an honest, transparent community member working to achieve good governance and strong financial management in delivering priorities identified by the majority of our community.

Why should people vote for you? My successful record of my past two terms as a hardworking, extremely positive and transparent councillor is the reason why community members of the May Park Ward should have confidence to vote for me for this term.

Contact: Email: lespower@supernerd.com.au or phone 0419 922 687.

 

May Park: Cam McDonald

Occupation: Small business owner/operator of Grampians Horse Riding Centre for 35 years. Family status: Married to Sandra with three adult children, who all attended Horsham College.

Have you stood for/ been on council before? I have not been a councillor before, so I am not yet institutionalised or prejudiced by ‘the council way’. 

Reasons for nominating: I was encouraged to stand by several locals who thought my no-nonsense approach was the right skill set along with other smart, independent community motivated candidates to bring some positive change.  

Particular platforms: Issues affecting May Park Ward are gopher access along Natimuk Road, the progression of the skate park master plan. The CBD needs a moratorium on ‘shopping-stopper’ parking meters and crossings. Traders and shoppers need incentives not penalties. The focus of the last council was ‘city to river’ and literally everyone else has missed out, including road repairs. This needs addressing.

Why should people vote for you?

Please vote for a fresh face and new energy. My pledge: I am committed to a four-year term. I will show up and be a fierce advocate and positive contributor to the benefit of all ratepayers. 

Contact: Call me on 0429 839 255 for more information.

 

 

Oatlands: Angela Munn

 

Occupation:  Retired

Brief background: Horsham has always been my home, and I imagine it always will be. Like many others, I’ve had some adventures in other places, but this is my home, just as it was for my father and grandmother. I have a reasonable understanding of the ebb and flow of our community. With over 15 years of advocacy work, including co-authoring a petition to remove parking meters, securing enhanced safety on Dooen Road, I like common sense and simple solutions, where possible. I have managed people, including staff, and finances. I am keen to be part of a council group that works together to get back to basics, keeping respect, community, inclusion and finances as central themes. I believe that anyone who chooses to participate in council shouldn’t be left behind. Together, we can move forward with a little more kindness and compassion.

Contact: 0493 647 655

 

Oatlands: Dylan Hesselberg

 

Occupation: I’m a civil engineer by profession, currently working in property development for a large not-for-profit organisation aimed at helping individuals in the community.

Brief background: I consider the critical traits of any truly effective councillor to include commitment to community, vision and leadership as well as accessibility/responsiveness. Although relatively new to this community, I am a big believer in community and pledge my commitment to conducting myself in the best interests of the constituents and the Rural City of Horsham more broadly. Moreover, I demonstrate a track record of bringing people together to find common-ground solutions and I am not afraid to make tough decisions and stand up for what I believe is right for the community. Finally, as any good elected member should, I commit to being an appropriately accessible and responsive councillor, making myself available to meet with residents, attending neighbourhood meetings, and responding promptly to constituent enquiries and concerns. I believe strongly in open and transparent government.

Have you stood for/ been on council before? While I have experience as an employee of the local government sector, this foray into local politics is a first for me.

Reasons for nominating: I have chosen to stand in the upcoming election because I believe council is in need of revitalisation, and I am well suited to represent our community. With a background in public service, strategic leadership and corporate governance, as well as a genuine love for people and community, I am committed to listening attentively to the needs of the community I proudly call home and addressing them with integrity and transparency.

Particular platforms: I don’t. But I hold firm to the view that a council earns its trust, and that in respect to community concerns, ideas and suggestions, nothing at all will ever start out as ‘off the table’ with me.

Why should people vote for you? I believe in the transformative potential of community and consider local politics, when done well, to be a powerful medium capable of cultivating genuine social action that reflects the needs and aspirations of constituents. I am deeply committed to enhancing our local area by ensuring that every voice is not only heard but valued.

Contact: Email: dwhesselberg@gmail.com; Phone: 0422 627 707 – please leave a message if no answer and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

 

Pine Lake: Michael Bond

 

 

Occupation: Australia Post contractor and part-time farmer.

Brief background: I live in Pine Lake ward and travel the local area each day as part of my job so I have a fairly good idea of what’s going on in the council area. I am not aligned with any political party or self interest groups. 

Reasons for nominating: Your councillors should be available and working for you. That is my aim. To do the best I can for this area.

Particular platforms: In the past the local community has not been well-served by its representatives. I seek to change that. My involvement with various sporting clubs and organisations has given me an appreciation of what we have to offer as a region and also what difficulties we are all facing.

Why should people vote for you? I would come into council with no personal agenda or axe to grind except to work with the other elected councillors to get our fair share of government funding and bring vibrancy and life back to the area in consultation with the community. Our council needs to be driven by and accountable to the community. 

Contact: I am available during business hours on 0437 428 912 or if you see me down the street, I can usually stop for a chat. So please vote for me.

 

 

Pine Lake: Ian Ross

 

 

Occupation: Farm manager.

Horsham Rural City Council must improve decision-making by prioritising with sound governance, including cost-benefit analysis, risk management, and meaningful community engagement. 

Major projects are being undertaken without these crucial elements; the community must be consulted before significant decisions are made, for example parking meters and wombat crossings, mining at the WIFT. 

Our rural roads are in a poor state, gravel roads are not maintained to a safe, drivable standard. A significant increase in funding needs to address this. 

Additionally, our outer communities require better planning and strategies to improve the entire municipality. 

Crucial to Horsham is an alternative truck route, to get the heavy trucks out of town to decongest traffic. 

I have deep roots in the district where I farm with my wife and raised our family in an isolated corner of HRCC. I was locally educated, studied at Longerenong, and then returned to the family farm with many challenging circumstances. My community involvement includes playing for local football and cricket teams, 19 years in Apex, local churches, 12 years as director on the GHCMA, and past chair of my local Victorian Farmers Federation group. I am currently chair of the Kanagulk Landcare Group and have been an active Country Fire Authority  member for 46 years.  As a potential second-term councillor, I would like to take HRCC into the next term with my understanding of policy, budgeting and planning processes. I am independent with no political affiliations, and am committed to representing our whole community.

Contact: 0409 330 603

 

Pine Lake: Toby Haynes

 

 

Occupation: IT Manager at Horsham College

Brief background: My professional background in the corporate arm of Victoria Police, working in the projects division, has equipped me with a strong skill set in strategic planning and project management. The community engagement in my current role at Horsham College and my previous role at Wimmera Lutheran College enables me to stay connected with the community and understand its needs firsthand.

Have you stood for/ been on council before? No.

Reasons for nominating: My motivation to run for council stems from seeing many projects at the council lacking solid direction, devoid of commonsense and missing affected citizen input into them.

Particular platforms: I stand against forced rezoning of the rural areas of our community.  I stand against domestic and family violence in any form.

Why should people vote for you? I would be dedicated to representing the interests of the hard-working members of the community, ensuring that their needs are not overlooked. My commitment is to work hard and smart to help our council reach its full potential, fostering efficient and exceptional results for our community.

I am keen to use my experience and enthusiasm to enhance our local government and the quality of life for those that it represents.

Contact: Email Toby4horsham@invisimate.com.

 

 

 

Oatlands: David Bowe

 

 

Occupation: Media consultant and community/youth worker.

Background: I’ve proudly lived in Horsham and Oatlands Ward for over 27 years, actively participating in community initiatives and council matters. My experience has equipped me to advocate effectively on issues like infrastructure, public spaces, health and well-being, etc.

Have you stood for/ been on council before? Yes, I’ve served on council – 2020 to 2024.

Reasons for nominating: I’m running to continue making a positive impact through community-first leadership, focusing on practical solutions, transparency, and long-term sustainability. My goal is to empower our community by fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Together, we can build a brighter future.

Particular platforms:

Infrastructure: Action roads, footpaths, and parks etc.

Health services: Advocate for better local healthcare access and services.

Inclusive spaces: Make parks and open spaces accessible and enjoyable for all.

Transparency: Ensure open decision-making that reflects the community’s voice.

Why should people vote for you?

You talk, I listen – I’m committed to putting our community first, ensuring transparency, delivering better infrastructure, services and providing practical solutions with inclusive representation for all residents.

Contact: 0457 023 145; email djbowe4u@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/davidbowe4oatlands

The entire October 2, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!