FORMER pastor, keen sportsman, father of five and local welfare organisation manager Michael Adamson has called Swan Hill home for more than a decade — now he wants to help lead the community.
Mr Adamson has added his name to the list of candidates set to contest this month’s Swan Hill Rural City Council election.
Having crossed the New South Wales border, he and his family relocated to the area after he was appointed pastor of the Church of Christ.
He held that position for six and a half years and during this time played an integral role in the planning and establishment of new church premises at The Grain Shed.
Following that role, he briefly headed west for a stint in Western Australia but returned to Swan Hill 12 months later.
Today he works for Mallee Family Care where he holds the position of manager for the Southern Mallee.
“I was on the board prior to working for them and I really appreciated the work they did and the support they provided,” Mr Adamson said.
With five children, Mr Adamson is familiar with multitasking.
He said he has always had a key interest in community development and it was this interest which prompted his council nomination.
“I have worked closely with council and council staff through work and my role with the church,” he said.
“I’m really keen to see Swan Hill move ahead and economically and socially develop into a vibrant community.”
An avid squash player and cyclist, Mr Adamson is also involved with local football, netball, basketball and motocross clubs through his children.
Having been involved in a number of leadership roles throughout his career, he is familiar with working within a team environment and dealing with many facets of the community.
While he is a newcomer when it comes to local government elections, he believes he has the right skills to represent the community within council.
“I bring a fresh perspective, am open and engaged with the community,” Mr Adamson said.
“I have good knowledge of the local community and am prepared to listen to people’s perspectives.”
Mr Adamson said if elected one of his key issues would be engaging in public consultation to build key community policies.
He said it was important that residents have a say in relation to the shape and direction of Swan Hill in the future.
“Good leadership actually supports that,” Mr Adamson said.
“It supports good consultation and visionary direction.”
Turning to the future, Mr Adamson said it was important to seek new development opportunities within Swan Hill’s agricultural and retail industries.
“We need to be creative in developing new opportunities for this area as economic development brings a great deal of social benefits.”
