BURONGA resident Cr Jo Rodda said her biggest asset to Wentworth Shire is her grassroots community interaction.
Having completed her first term on Wentworth Shire council after a condensed three-year tenure, she is seeking re-election to build upon her and her fellow councillors’ achievements.
“Community underpins everything that I do and community supporting community is kind of my mantra,” Cr Rodda said.
“I’d like to have the opportunity to continue to do that.”
Since 2021 she had represented council on the Board of the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, and spearheaded a fundraising initiative for the Magenta Art Prize.
She was also on the Wentworth Regional Tourism Committee, Carramar Drive Users Group, Pooncarie Reserve Users Group and the Wentworth Shire Interagency Group.
“To be able to advocate for grassroots community people and community groups back into council is something that I really do appreciate,” Cr Rodda said.
“Hopefully the community groups that I’ve been working with do as well.”
More broadly, Cr Rodda had built significant connections through long-term volunteering and work on both sides of the border, frequenting the boards of the Mildura Field Days, Willowfest, Mildura Show, and C.H.A.I.L.I S.
She said she planned to continue to focus on promoting the region, and that she was pleased to have a council term under her belt.
“It is quite a learning curve and I’d like to see a mix of some new and returning councillors because I think its important to be able to have that continuity and that information,” she said.
“To have such experience and such long time councillors on a council who have the history to different issues is something that’s really valuable, otherwise you’re starting from scratch again.”
If re-elected, she looked forward to council promoting the region, providing open spaces for play and recreation, and supporting businesses and residential developments.
Reflecting on the last three years, she said the outgoing Wentworth Shire councillors were a cohesive team that achieved a lot, even when they clashed on issues.
“We’ve been able to have spirited respectful debate and have been able to work collaboratively together, which is something that I really appreciated,” Cr Rodda said.
“It is important, even if you are on the other side of the ledger and you don’t agree with the decision, that you come behind council’s decision and we’ve been able to do that pretty well.
“I’m pleased for that opportunity and look forward to hopefully having the opportunity to continue with a new council.”
