WOMEN’S advocate Cyndi Power makes no secret of the fact that she has an agenda to push as a first-time candidate in the upcoming Mildura Rural City Council elections.
The hypnobirthing practitioner, doula and mother of four said women and women’s health were her priorities.
“I tend to work with women a lot and believe there needs to be more women voices on council and someone who is a voice for women,” Ms Power said.
“Of course I support men who love women as well, but that’s my main focus.”
Ms Power, who has a background in public relations, said there was a “distinct shortage” of specialist health professionals in the Mildura municipality and she was working on a plan to attract long-term professionals to the region.
“I want to start an initiative — and I’ve done some groundwork already — to permanently attract new graduates and established professionals, to not just visit Mildura and work on a rotating basis, but to actually settle here with their families and become part of the community.
“Once they’re part of the community, they have a bigger interest in the health of that community and it is one of council’s responsibilities to develop health services and initiatives.”
She said over the past five years she had become the go-between for local women who were uncertain about how to navigate maternity, obstetrics and postnatal services.
However she said expectant and new mothers needed better access to information, so they knew what services and support systems were available.
“I get about 25 messages a day from local women asking questions and about their concerns.
“Right now I’m pushing for a bit more transparency with the birthing unit at the hospital to engage with the public more.
“Other regional hospitals, the big hospitals, they all have beautiful social media campaigns to promote their services and I just see nothing from ours.”
Ms Power said she did not see the councillor’s role as one of prestige, but rather serving the community.
Time to nominate soon
NOMINATIONS to stand as a candidate in the Mildura Rural City Council election open in less than three weeks.
However the election will look different this time around and all voting will be done by post.
“The eligibility requirements for candidates have recently changed,” electoral commissioner Warwick Gately said.
“If you are thinking about standing for election, make sure to confirm your eligibility and complete the mandatory online candidate training before lodging your nomination.
“This includes candidates who are currently or have previously been a councillor.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Victorian Electoral Commission’s recorded candidate information session can be streamed online from September 3 and will be complemented by statewide interactive candidate seminars based on the information session video.
Candidates must make an appointment with the election manager to lodge their nomination forms and pay their nomination fee and must have completed the online candidate training.
Candidates can also pre-fill a nomination form using the online Candidate Helper.
Nominations open on September 17 and must be lodged by noon on September 22.
For information on nominating as a candidate, visit vec.vic.gov.au, or request a candidate information kit from the election manager.
The council election for Mildura Rural City Council will be held on October 24.
