Mayor and Councillors

I bring extensive experience from both public and private sectors, paired with a strong commitment to our region's growth and sustainability. I manage two livestock and cropping farms in Wahring and co-run a sports, merchandise, and trophy business in Melbourne with my husband. My career spans media, politics, and nonprofits, including roles as Chief of Staff to Damian Drum, Federal Member for Nicholls, and Director of the GV Health Foundation and Engagement.

My academic background includes a BA in Media & Communications, a Master’s in Social Investment and Philanthropy, and Speech and Drama qualifications from Trinity College London. As a proud mother of three adult children deeply rooted in our region, I’ve devoted myself to community contributions since moving here full-time in the late 2000s. I’ve supported local organisations such as school councils and sporting teams and actively participated in community groups.

Currently, I serve on the Regional Development Australia Committee for Hume and engage with local clubs and businesses. I enjoy cheering for the "Redlegs" at Longwood and exploring markets, businesses, and events that celebrate our region's vibrancy.

My vision for Strathbogie Shire Council is to build an inclusive community that balances economic growth with farmland preservation. I aim to make the region more accessible for businesses and events while addressing our growth corridor from Melbourne. Fiscal responsibility and transparent service delivery are key priorities.

Together, we can create a thriving, welcoming community for residents and visitors alike.

As a fifth-generation farmer and engineer, I grew up in the hills of the Strathbogie Ranges, deeply connected to this land and community. I spent 17 years working with BHP and South32, gaining diverse international experience in strategic analysis, planning and operations, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and business optimisation. From 2009 to 2021, I owned and operated Boadle’s Chaff in Euroa, employing local staff and proudly supporting events like the Euroa Show.

Now living in Avenel, I divide my time between our Management Consulting business, the family farm, and various community commitments. I’m a dedicated volunteer with the CFA, serve on the Avenel Primary School Council, and contribute to maintaining Avenel’s historic stone bridge and park.

I’m passionate about respecting our history and securing a sustainable future for the generations to come. With your support, I’m excited to bring my unique skills and experience to serve you, your family, and your business on the Strathbogie Shire Council. Together, we can create a bright future for our community.

As a proud member of the Strathbogie community, I bring a diverse background that spans service in the United States Navy to financial and business analysis. I began my career as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy, where I was awarded multiple personal decorations over three deployments. When I transitioned to civilian life, I relocated to Australia, obtained advanced qualifications in finance, and spent over a decade working as a Financial and Business Analyst with major banks and the University of Wollongong.

Ten years ago, I returned to my mother’s family property in Strathbogie, a place the Walters family has called home since 1963, to begin a new chapter in farming and agricultural contracting. I’ve also launched a consulting business, applying my financial and analytical expertise to support clients, particularly in the construction and transportation sectors.

In 2024, I was elected to Council with a commitment to serve our community with transparency and dedication. My goals are to enhance Council’s engagement with our community, prioritise customer service, and advocate for strong financial discipline and value-driven outcomes. I believe that accountability, respect, and hard work are essential for achieving meaningful results for our Shire.

My wife, Julie Anne, and I are grateful to call the family farm our home, along with our much-loved dog, Winnie. I look forward to working together to make a positive impact on our community and our Council.

Growing up in Broadford and then remaining close by, has meant I’ve been connected to the Strathbogie Shire for over 50 years. I served in Victoria Police for 36 years with the majority being based in Seymour. My specialist area meant I was closely connected to the Strathbogie, Mitchell, and Murrindindi Shires. My two daughters grew up locally and are now raising their own families in Geelong and Nagambie. I’m a very proud grandmother to five. Today Nagambie is my home and my future and I’m excited to contribute to its growth and enhancement.

Over the years, I’ve actively engaged in communities through my work, diverse leadership roles, or on committees and volunteering. Apart from early school and sporting connections, I have been involved with Girl Guides, the 2000 Olympic Torch Relay, Broadford Historical Society, and Seymour Rotary (President in 2008–09). As a Mitchell Shire Councillor from 2016 (Deputy Mayor in 2022 and Mayor in 2023), I’ve acquired additional up to date knowledge and skills within local government which I proudly now bring to Strathbogie.

Strathbogie Shire offers incredible opportunities.It has stunning scenery and pleasant climate; is well located with good connectivity; operates with thriving agriculture, equine, and tourism industries. As your representative, I’m committed to working for, and with you, to unite our community and driving well planned and sustainable growth by:

• Advocating strongly and extensively for government and business support.
• Ensuring Council operates efficiently and responsibly.
• Encouraging well planned good growth that enhances local investment and services.
• Building strong, connected communities proud to call Strathbogie Shire home.

Together, we can achieve a bright and prosperous future for our Shire.

I own and operate a 1,500-acre grazing property along Creightons Creek near the township of Longwood. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our community once again, having previously held various leadership roles over 14 years as a Councillor, serving across three councils from 1990 to 2008. I’ve also contributed to several statutory boards, including a period as Chairman of the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Management Board.

With the recent election, I’m excited to work alongside a talented and dedicated group of Councillors. After a challenging period for our council, I believe this new team is well-positioned to provide strong leadership and a clear sense of direction for our shire. While we face substantial challenges, I am confident that together we will make a real difference for our community.

I look forward to collaborating with my fellow councillors to support the growth, stability, and wellbeing of Strathbogie Shire.

Born and raised in the foothills of the Strathbogie Ranges, I returned to the area in my mid-30s after spending 16 years pursuing education and work across Melbourne and various countries. With a background in architecture and construction, I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects of all scales—from large practices to managing my own small business.

My commitment to our community runs deep. I’ve volunteered extensively across Violet Town and the Strathbogie region, taking on roles in environmental, art, and gardening initiatives. From leading grant applications and designing public spaces to providing graphic design and organizing community festivals and fundraisers, my goal has always been to foster a more connected community.

I’m thrilled to be part of a professional, high-functioning Council dedicated to good governance and delivering positive outcomes for Strathbogie Shire. My focus for this term is to ensure that our Council is set up for a sustainable future—financially, socially, and environmentally. Together, I’m confident we can achieve great things for our community.

I come from a family of strong, community-focused women in Euroa. My mother, Heather Houston, managed Gilburn House, supporting aged and disability care, while my grandmother, Lilian McLaine, led Teson Trims, once the largest local employer. I’m 51, a proud mother of three, living in Euroa, with roots in Longwood, where I grew up on our family’s prime lamb farm.

Born at Euroa Bush Nursing Hospital, I attended Longwood Primary and Euroa Secondary College before moving to Melbourne to earn a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Physiology, a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, and an Advanced Diploma in Building Design. My career began in sales training and designing data systems. After returning to Euroa in 2008, I restored homes and later managed a biodynamic lemon farm in Gooram, distributing produce directly to Melbourne cafes.

Now, my children attend St. John’s Primary and play soccer in Nagambie. I’m active in the equestrian community, supporting local riding groups, and run a building business revitalizing homes and fostering connections.

My vision is to help rebuild trust in council leadership, ensuring financial stability, sustainability, and responsiveness. Together, we can create an engaged, thriving community and a council that plans responsibly for Strathbogie Shire’s future.