Council
18 September, 2024
Cath nominates for Tandarook Ward
SOUTH Purrumbete’s Cath Jenkins has announced her intention to run in the upcoming Corangamite Shire Council election to represent the Tandarook Ward.
Moving to the region two decades ago with husband Adam, the couple have immersed themselves in the region and all it has to offer.
“We’ve been living in the region for 20 years, dairy farming for 16 years of that and then the chooks and beef farming since then,” Mrs Jenkins said.
“Other work I’ve done in the region is working with the farming communities through Fonterra, WestVic Dairy and ANZ as an agribusiness manager.
“I’ve really enjoyed these professional roles.
“I’ve also been a part of the community through sports and different volunteer groups.”
Mrs Jenkins said she had decided to nominate as a councillor as a way to contribute to the local region.
“I’m pretty positive about the region and what it has to offer,” she said.
“I see being a local councillor as a real opportunity to give back in a way, set things up for the future, make the most of the opportunities that are coming up and promote the strengths of the region and help to best manage the challenges of the future.
“I think it would be a pretty interesting role, you get to meet lots of different people and be a part of the future, really.”
Mrs Jenkins believes her involvement with various industry and volunteer groups has given her insight into the community development side of the councillor role and the impacts councillors can have on a local government level.
She said she believed the Corangamite Shire was “well placed” going into the future.
Mrs Jenkins said she wanted to ensure “the funds collected from ratepayers are spent effectively and efficiently”.
“I think the Corangamite Shire is very well placed because it’s got such a strong farming backbone and where we are located is an attractive place to come work, visit and live,” she said.
“I’d like to be part of the council so I can help to contribute to attracting people to the region and overseeing service and provisions.
“But I’d like to do it in a way so we can stay how we are and keep our rural character.”
Mrs Jenkins said she was “excited” about Cobden’s future.
“I’m really excited; I think over the next four years there will be a considerable amount of changes,” she said.
“Looking at the Cobden Football Netball Club there’s an ability to promote that to bring more people to the area through the Cobden Structure Plan.
“As the structure plan comes to life, the demographics of Cobden will change.
“I just think that’s really exciting.”
Mrs Jenkins said as part of the growth for Cobden if elected, she would be looking to what other support council could provide, which included day care, educational opportunities and health services.
She said the reaction to her decision to nominate for the councillor role had been positive.
“I’ve been really grateful for the support,” Mrs Jenkins said.
“It’s good for people to have a choice.”