By Tanya Steele
Climate change, road maintenance, health services and more – the Mothers of the Hills community (or MotHs as they are more commonly known) hosted an online forum for local voters to question prospective candidates on Sunday 20 October.
Bringing many vital issues to the forefront, the forum aimed to help the community firm up their votes in the upcoming local council election for the Yarra Ranges.
Several candidates confirmed their attendance across the wards and provided locals an opportunity to question them via the online webinar.
“These forums are an opportunity for candidates to connect with residents in their ward and for residents to hear about the issues that matter most to our community,” said MotHs president Belinda Young.
Residents should by now have received their postal ballot packs through the mail.
“There will be a heap of people who will still be waiting to decide who to vote for,” said Ms Young.
“MotHs have conducted online candidate forums for local and federal elections since 2020.”
“These forums are an opportunity for candidates to connect with residents in their ward and for residents to hear about the issues that matter most to our community.”
Conducted earlier in 2024, Ms Young said MotHs reached out to residents through the Yarra Ranges with a survey which revealed key issues and unrepresented demographics in the community.
“Respondents consistently raised high concerns on climate change, roads and infrastructure,” she said.
“Area-specific concerns also stood out including health services, particularly in the Yarra Valley, long daycare and telecommunications.”
“Surprisingly, 32 per cent of survey respondents identified as neurodiverse or supporting a neurodiverse family member, revealing a potentially large proportion of our community that needs additional support to feel inclusive.”
The survey covered several areas from infrastructure, insurance, and cost of living, to name a few.
“Climate change directly and indirectly impacts Yarra Ranges residents.,” said Ms Young.
“The cascading impacts can be more difficult to identify, but the effect on housing, homelessness, jobs (especially in a tourism economy like ours that is dependent on our amazing natural environment) and family violence are well documented,” she said.
“Knowing where candidates will focus their energy to help our communities mitigate these known impacts will be of key interest.”
Ms Young said MotHs received a number of questions from individuals attending and consolidated them so they can keep to time on the night
“Candidates were split into online rooms to formally introduce themselves to residents in their ward before returning to prevent and discuss key questions,” she said.
On the night candidate Belinda Grooby, running for Chandler Ward spoke on supporting youth, especially teenagers.
“By empowering young people to have meaningful connections with their communities and providing them with a platform to share their insights and opinions on important local issues, we unlock their potential to shape the future they envision,” she said.
“Together, we can create an environment, where their voices drive positive change and inspire a brighter tomorrow.”
Weighing in on climate change and the role of councillors Jeff Marriot, running for Streeton Ward said council needs to think global and act local.
“It is the heart and soul of sustainable living for now and the future. A balance for quality of life with an increase of non-detrimental practices is a huge start that can begin and continue with Councillor support,” he said.
Sigrid Petersen running for Streeton Ward spoke on community in general and said as a candidate for councillor, seh was not there to make lofty promises or push grand policies.
“I’m here to listen. My focus is on the real issues that matter to our community, and I believe that by working together, we can make meaningful, lasting improvements,” she said
The webinar was held online via Zoom on Sunday 20 October from 7.30pm – 9pm.
“We hope that by providing this opportunity we enable Yarra Ranges residents to make a more informed voting decision in the upcoming election,” said Ms Young.
Voters in Yarra Ranges Shire Council have until 6pm on Friday 25 October to vote in the local election via postal ballot.
