Election planning starts for Wangaratta Council

Wangaratta will have elected councillors for the first time in three years, following the previous council’s sacking in 2013.

Eighteen prospective leaders already went through the first community leadership program earlier this year and the council had plans for three more in the next six months.

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program executive officer Kim Scanlon said the positive feedback was exciting.

“(Wangaratta Council chief executive) Brendan McGrath wants us to get through 100 people,” she said.

“They wanted at least one or two people to put their hand up and stand for council.”

Dr Julian Fidge was the only former councillor so far to confirm he would make a bid to return in the next election.

Former mayor Roberto Paino did not rule out a return to the position.

“I always take a great interest in council, but it’s a bit early to make a serious commitment,” he told The Border Mail.

Lauren McCully, who served on council until 2012, said the election would be an interesting time for the future of the rural city.

“I think you’ll get a horse field of candidates put their hand up,” Mrs McCully said.

“I have thought about it, but I haven’t 100 per cent committed to it.”

Ms Scanlon said the community leadership program would also be useful for people new to Wangaratta or who wanted to contribute to the community.

“It’s targetted at people who want to find their voice, but aren’t quite confident enough,” she said.

The council’s community well-being director Jaime Carroll said it provided a chance for networking and learning the “know-how” of making change happen.

“All communities, particularly rural and regional communities, have a need for people to show leadership,” she said.

“If people go through this kind of program and find a chance to (run for council) then that’s up to them.”

Anyone interested can contact the community well-being executive assistant Zoe Giglio via z.giglio@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.