SEA Lake resident Nel Kershaw nominated for the Buloke shire by-election because she wants to “make a difference”.
She’s passionate about the town she’s called home for the past 11 years.
“It’s a great town, the people are friendly and it’s a quiet, safe little town,” she said.
With a medical background, Ms Kershaw moved to Sea Lake from the Northern Territory.
She’s currently studying a psychology degree and is the manager of the Sea Lake RSL.
“I want to stand up and be a voice for Sea Lake and other towns within the municipality as well,” she said.
With the majority of Buloke Shire councillors residing in the southern part of the electorate, she wants to ensure fair representation across all wards.
Describing herself as someone with a “can-do attitude”, Ms Kershaw believes her empathetic nature and willingness to listen will equip her for the councillor role.
She wants to see positive progress within the Buloke, while encouraging new business opportunities, the development of new residential areas and improved health care facilities to better support the ageing community.
She’s also witnessed the town become divided and lose its identity over the abrupt cancellation of Sea Lake’s signature event – the Mallee Rally, Australia’s longest running off-road race.
“This has had a huge impact on the community,” Ms Kershaw said.
“The town is mourning this event which brought so much vibrancy and economic benefit to the region.
“I can’t grasp why the Mallee Rally has been taken away after four decades.”
While she welcomes further tourism development for the town, Ms Kershaw said it was important that council remained transparent, providing open communication for all constituents.
“I want to see our regional rural towns flourish,” Ms Kershaw said.
Below are what other candidates have to say
https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/hogan-a-voice-for-farmers
https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/delaney-up-for-the-challenge
https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/odea-has-experience-and-vision
https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/muscat-keen-to-make-a-difference
