FIRST-TIMERS soon to step up to Swan Hill Rural City Council have outlined their plans for their first terms.
Jim Crowe, Jessie Kiley and Michael Adamson have emerged as the three new faces on the seven-seat council after their polling success in Central Ward.
Twenty-five-year-old electee Jessie Kiley said she felt “humbled” to receive almost 15 per cent of first preference votes in Central Ward.
“I feel like people are ready for the change and value the contribution our youth can make,” she said.
She said youth and youth issues were often under-represented on council and she was anxious to correct that.
“It’s something close to my own heart — I consider myself to be a part of Swan Hill’s youth.”
Ms Kiley said she had no problems serving next to father and fellow councillor Jim Crowe, who was voted in with about 17 per cent of first preferences in Central Ward.
“Dad and I have a pretty close relationship; we’re very much into debating, so it’s no skin off our noses if we have a difference in opinion,” she said.
“It will be lovely to be there for each other to give support, but if we have a difference of opinion it will be the same as any other councillor relationship.”
As she didn’t consciously employ a political strategy, she said she was a “little suprised” to be voted in.
“I didn’t get too heavily involved in the politics of the campaign — one main issue was with the bridge — most importantly I was just being myself, and if that’s not the person people wanted that was okay with me.”
On whether the Planning Minister’s approval for the 9a option could be overturned, Ms Kiley said “nothing is impossible”.
“My position is the 9a option is inappropriate, 4b is a great position,” she said.
“I’m not saying it has to be 4b — conflict can only be healthy, it’s a democracy.”
Fellow councillor-elect Michael Adamson said being elected for his first term in local government was “a little bit overwhelming”.
“Saying ‘this is me and vote for me’, takes a bit of courage,” Mr Adamson said.
“There’s a sense of affirmation by the community certainly for who I am and roles I’ve been involved in,” he said.
The former pastor and current Mallee Family Care Southern Mallee manager said he was surprised some of the seated members didn’t achieve a better result at the polls.
“But apart from that, it would seem there’s been a fairly strong push from the community on the issues around the bridge… that’s something we need to take note of.”
Mr Adamson said his official position on the bridge was in line with the community’s position.
“I believe we need to hear what the community’s desires are and respond to them,” he said.
“If part of the community are expressing concern, I think we should be calling for greater consultation.”
Another plan for his time on council is to support the creation of a multicultural hub.
“A location for people from other ethinc backgrounds, especially refugees, can connect with other people from their community, with resources for them in their own language” he said.
“It gives sense of identity — a bit like the Italian Social Club was 30 years ago, we now need for our current community.”
During the lead up to the campaign, Mr Adamson also suggested a transport hub could boost economic opportunities.
Mr Adamson declined to comment on whether he would run for mayor next week, while Ms Kiley ruled out a bid for council’s top job.
Also elected for his first term on council, Jim Crowe was unavailable for comment.
