WITH the election just around the corner, The Adviser caught up with the candidates and asked them a list of questions to find out why the community should elect them.
Liberal Candidate for Shepparton, Cheryl Hammer
- 1. What do you think you could bring to the region if elected?
My connection to the community is what has motivated me to stand as the next Member for Shepparton. I am known for my energy, enthusiasm and advocacy for our region.
I am an award winning small business owner, a farmer, a mother and my work in the not-for-profit and philanthropy sectors has led to many valuable relationships with grassroots community where I believe I can make a real difference.
I have connections with youth groups, the business and farming sector who I often represent on committees and boards; social welfare groups where I support efforts to improve disadvantage, homelessness, food insecurity and mental health.
I choose to live here, I invest here through my small business and family farm and I have raised my boys here.
I can relate to who makes up our electorate and my proven record at standing up for what I believe in and being able to affect change means I can start work immediately if I was to be elected.
- What are your main points that you would focus on if elected?
I would focus on the issues the people in this electorate are concerned about. They talk to me about are our skyrocketing cost of living including our energy bills, crime and safety and the need for the laws to reflect the expectations of the community; our roads are in desperate need of attention; Stage 2 of GV Health is a top priority and of course protecting our water for our farmers.
Supporting access to sport and quality sporting facilities and growing our tourism offering to attract more visitors to our region in a bid to grow jobs and a healthier economy is also on my agenda.
I want to be the strong voice to deliver the Liberal Party’s plan to grow the whole of Victoria, not just Melbourne, which presents huge opportunity for the Shepparton electorate.
We need the right growth, at the right time in the right place and I support Matthew Guy’s plan to decentralise our jobs, our services and our people.
- What do you think are the main issues facing the area right now?
Water security underpins so much of what our future looks like, as we are still very much reliant on our agricultural and horticultural industries for local production, jobs and cash flow into our local economy. If farmers and producers are not prospering, the rest of our city and surrounding towns feel the effects.
Job creation, particularly full-time employment, has been neglected and we need to do more to support and encourage small to medium business, the backbone of our country, to offer secure work.
On the other hand, we have a skills shortage in a number of areas such as aged care, doctors and other specialists that we need to address.
Mental health and the increasing use of drugs is a major concern for residents, along with crime associated with drug activity.
Addressing the cost of living including the delivery of affordable energy for both householders and the business community will be very important for our region.
- What is your future vision for the region?
Our region will be the leader in our exciting plan to decentralise our jobs, our services and our people. We will embrace the opportunity to attract investment, both government and commercial, to build a strong local economy where young people can graduate from their studies into work; and skilled professionals and other workers choose to move here for the work/life balance we offer.
Our future region will be a safe, affordable place for our young families and our senior citizens to live with access to quality public transport and health services.
We need to strengthen all of Victoria’s economy, not just Melbourne, and I will be our voice in parliament to see that happen.
- 5. What is your point of difference compared to other candidates?
I have a proven record in working and fighting for a better now, and a better future, in the region. I enjoy a reputation as an honest and reliable member of the community who is willing to work hard to make a difference.
I would be a member in a major party room who can make commitments to our region and influence policy and funding.
I know the electorate very well due to my business background and my many years as a volunteer. I will bring local knowledge and understanding to the role immediately.
I enjoy a strong relationship with decision-makers in local and state government and advocacy groups from Committee for Greater Shepparton and Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
I believe much of my work for the community over the past 20 years has led me to the decision to put myself forward as the Member for Shepparton. My distinctive set of skills and lived experience as a local will set me apart.
