Council Election Lockwood Ward Candidates - Vyonne McLelland-Howe

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

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