Firstly, I would like to introduce myself as a teacher in the fields of music and art.  After completing a Bachelor of Visual Art in 2003 as a photojournalist, I have advocated for Social Justice and Human Rights. My work has been exhibited locally and internationally in mixed media formats of photojournalism, art, music, writing and public speaking over two decades.

My focus has been to highlight marginalised sectors of the community concerning drug and alcohol awareness, domestic violence advocacy and youth support projects. It has been this experience that has inspired me to become a freelance photojournalist and promote justice in the areas of mental illness and disability services. Post Graduate studies in law and social sciences led me to the completion of a creative led PhD project that promotes social and cultural awareness through art and theatre.

My name is Vyonne McLelland-Howe
@vmhforlockwood and I am standing as a candidate for the Lockwood Ward.

I am standing because real and substantial changes can be made at the local government level, and you have shown me, through your words and your resolve, that our community craves real action on decreasing our carbon footprint, on job creation, on rejuvenation of our Greater City and on cultivating safety and inclusiveness for our brilliantly diverse community.

I am a mother and grandmother and it is from this part of myself that cares fiercely and deeply about the environment we leave behind for our future generations. We have a critical choice to make as a community, join me in choosing to be the people who had the courage to lead and who continued to forge a better world than the one we left behind.

As a family lawyer, I have learnt to listen to my clients, and to their stories, their opinions, and hardships. It is my job to search for and find resolutions, so they can move forward with dignity and determination. In applying this skill as a member of council, your diverse voices will be heard, and our community will find just resolutions together.

I have lived in the City of Greater Bendigo for 56 years. I played as a child in the parks, walked through our bushland, and swam in our pools. I was educated in our schools and tertiary institutions, and I have held many and varying jobs. I have owned and operated businesses. I raised three children as a single parent. I have laughed, loved and grieved in this great city.

I have only just begun to hear the many voices of Bendigo, and as a councillor, I will continue to do so with meaning and purpose.

What is my vision for the municipality of Greater City of Bendigo?
A municipality where social justice and climate justice are paramount. A green, clean and safe community where all residents and experts are heard. An environmentally sustainable community where biodiversity is protected, human rights are upheld and the economy prospers. A municipality that exemplifies the best that we can be.

What expertise or attributes do I have which would help me in undertaking the role of Councillor?
I have tertiary qualifications in law, science and education. I am a lawyer. I have worked in Government, non-Government and not for profit organisations and owned and operated small businesses. I am a mother, a grandmother and a wildlife rescuer and Bendigo has been my home for 56 years.

What is my immediate priority for Maiden Gully?
To ensure that there is a continuing and growing line of communication between the Maiden Gully residents and the Bendigo Council as the Precinct Structure Plan progresses. I will insist that all residents have a say in the development. It is imperative that a robust feedback mechanism be developed and implemented, especially considering that COVID 19 has limited the face to face communication and activities that would normally take place for these types of projects. Feedback is essential so that the concerns of residents are heard, such as the most appropriate siting for the Community hub and other infrastructural assets, that environmental assessments are up to date and speed limits and traffic lights are correctly sited. It is essential that the community maintain its unique environment but at the same time allow for the enormous growth expected over the next 10 to 15 years.

Authorised by Vyonne McLelland-Howe, PO Box 2111, DC Bendigo 3554

Nathan is a former CFA Volunteer, Charity CEO and Founder has decided to Stand for election as a Councillor in the 2020 City of Greater Bendigo Elections In October. Nathan has been involved in the Bendigo community over many years in various aspects from local Sports where he has played junior football and cricket as well as been a goal umpire at both local and state level football league (VFL) from 2008 until 2010.

Mr Rogers also has been a CFA Volunteer from 2000 until 2016, in which time he was involved in major firefighting campaigns in NSW 2001, North East in 2003 and 2005, Grampians in 2006 and most recently the Bendigo Black Saturday Fire on February 7th 2009.

Following on from being a CFA Volunteer Nathan Established and founded the Bushfire Foundation Inc; a Charity organisation that assist vulnerable people like the elderly to better prepare for bushfires through services that offer help to undertake preparedness measures on their properties. The foundation also assists with recovery and has  distributed in excess of $40,000 in Recovery Support grants to Bushfire victims from the 19/20 Bushfires in NSW, VIC and SA.

A highlight so far to my community involvement and being recognised was the opportunity to carry the Queens Baton in the 2018 Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay as one of 19 Bendigo leg participants.

Mr Rogers is also a participant in the lead - Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program, a Scholarship based, which Nathan has been sponsored by the North Central Catchment Management Authority, and is a hands on, community first leadership program teaching community leaders about real life community issues and builds skills to assist them grow and develop ways to deal with and manage those issues.

Having been involved in local sport and Emergency Services and being able to work with venerable people and build rapport and trust amongst those who the foundation has assisted and having being able to build partnerships that have created employment skills and pathways in regeneration of fire damaged bushland , is something I am proud of and believe that I have the right skills and abilities to communicate and listen to the people of Bendigo and be there Voice in council will be something Mr rogers will continue to pride himself on and Stand For.

My Personal Values are Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Empathy, combined with the ability to listen to people which I believe is what the people of Bendigo need right now, the Covid 19 Pandemic has effected many people in many different ways and they are going to want a council that can listen to their needs and be able to deliver community projects that help businesses and community get back together and restore the cash flow and recreate jobs and opportunities to  help Greater Bendigo Recover, and I will put all issues on the table that places Bendigo and its people in the right direction  and work hard with every industry and community get Bendigo back on track.

My Main priorities

• Improving or addressing the Mall Situation and working with and consulting with the community to revitalise and bring it back to a thriving hub of activity.
• Better Support and Assistance for Community Groups to help them grow and develop
• Review and Improve Community Safety which includes Emergency response and develop a more community focused Approached to Preparedness response and Recovery, which includes animals and wildlife.
• Improve the city’s ability to host National and International Sports on a permanent Basis such as AFL, A League Soccer, Big Bash and One Day Cricket.
• Covid 19 Recovery for all aspects of the community

This is my First Time Standing for election in the City of Greater Bendigo Elections, and if elected I aim to give all of Bendigo a Voice and I will be Your Voice for a Better Bendigo.

To have your say on my priorities or communicate and tell me your issues, concerns and improvement needs for the Lockwood ward or any matter in the Greater Bendigo region that you feel is important please visit www.nathan-rogers.com or email yoursay@nathan-rogers.com, or like and Follow my Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/yourvoicebendigo , Instagram https://www.facebook.com/yourvoicebendigo and Twitter https://twitter.com/RogersVote1 ,
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Yours Truly

Nathan Rogers
Lockwood Ward Candidate 2020
Your Voice for a Better Bendigo

Mobile: 0424 970 190
Website: www.nathan-rogers.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/yourvoicebendigo ,
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natrogvote1/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RogersVote1