CHARMAINE Delaney is a strong advocate for her local community and has been heavily involved in a range of organisations since moving to Donald.
Originally from South Africa, Ms Delaney moved to Australia 13 years ago and was based in Perth before relocating to Victoria.
Having lived and worked on a dairy farm in South Africa, Ms Delaney embraced the move to Donald, noting it “was great to head back to the country.”
Much of her work is focused around bettering local communities, while ensuring the health and wellbeing of residents.
She’s been manager of the Donald Learning Group for the past five years.
The not-for-profit organisation provides a range of educational, social and recreational programs within the Neighbourhood House Network.
Throwing herself into the rural community of Donald since relocating to the town with her husband, Ms Delaney also sits on countless boards and is involved with numerous organisations, including the Buloke Strategic Health and Wellbeing Partnership, East Wimmera Health Service, Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership, Donald Chamber of Commerce, Donald Friends and Neighbours Society and Buloke Emergency Management Planning Committee.
It’s through her involvement with these roles that she has come into contact with a range of different people, and gained a thorough understanding of the complexities of rural living and the issues which exist.
According to Ms Delaney “economic and social development is the basis for everything” when it comes to improving the liveability of rural communities.
She said mental health, housing availability, rural roads and the ability to secure emergency service volunteers were some of the concerns which had been raised in recent months.
Ms Delaney said she was “up for the challenge” and remained confident she could make a difference if elected as a councillor.
Passionate about local government, Ms Delaney said her interest was ignited when she met former politician Cathy McGowan in 2018, through her participation in the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program.
Inspired by Ms McGowan’s decisiveness, awareness of issues and ability to challenge one’s thinking in a bid to reach a desirable outcome, Ms Delaney said this encounter “truly lit the flame”, for her desire to be a part of the decision-making process at a local government level.
Respectful conversations are key to solving issues, according to Ms Delaney and if elected she hopes to “encourage community conversations, whilst improving infrastructure and services to a higher standard within the region, while assisting all towns to grow.”
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/can-do-kershaw
https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/odea-has-experience-and-vision
https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/muscat-keen-to-make-a-difference
