SIMON Wyatt wants to make Shepparton great again, which is why he is running for the Goulburn River Ward in the upcoming council election.
“I am standing as a candidate because I want to see common sense and a change of focus restored to council operations and management,” said Simon.
“I want to help make Shepparton great again and assist in the future development of Greater Shepparton in the best interests of all our community, with a focus on core services and local issues, not social policy.”
Simon sees roads, rates and rubbish as some of the biggest issues facing the community.
“I support and will advocate for a back-to-basics plan to review the cost and effectiveness of all core and additional services and help identify underperforming and unnecessary programs that can be eliminated. I support price capping on rates and examining ways to reduce rates.
He is connected to many community clubs including, a director and member of Mooroopna Golf Club, Group administrator of Goulburn Valley Social Dance Group, the Aquamoves Men’s Health Group and a community participant at Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre.
Simon was also a community representative on Greater Shepparton Council’s Positive Ageing and Action Committee for five years but resigned in 2022 in protest at council’s decision to force all Council Committees to begin their meetings with an Acknowledgement to Country, without ever having any consultation with members of these committees, and felt that it was unnecessary and a form of harassment.
“I am a proud Australian who believes our history and traditions should be observed respectfully and joyously and embraced by all diverse sections in our community.
“I believe we are all one and should be united in our goals and aspirations for ourselves and our community.
“I do not support moving the date of Australia Day or changing the way we celebrate it, and I would advocate to remove the divisive Acknowledgements to Country forced upon us at Council events.
“My focus will be on services and local issues, not social policy.
“I will bring common sense and a practical approach to addressing issues and decision-making. Vast experience in community engagement and advocacy, business management skills and qualifications, and a well-rounded mature life experience.”
