My Community
| The Willaura communty, of which I am a part, had 467 residents as at the last census (2006). This community supports four churches (Anglican, Uniting, Catholic and Lutheran), a kindergarten and school, numerous sporting teams (cricket, netball, football, tennis, golf, bowls), a hospital, an op shop, and at least one and possibly two quilting groups. Then there’s a development group, a local Liberal Party branch, VFF chapter, silo committee, cemetery trust, hall committee, recreation reserve committee, two (maybe three) Landcare groups, the RSL, a historical society, etc. etc.
In addition. community members put together a number of community-wide events each year. These include a harvest cut-out (basically a big party to celebrate the end of harvest), the Good Friday appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital (another big party, this time to raise money for sick children), Christmas in July (Christmas dinner in July put on by the Uniting Church) and an annual show, The Willaura Fleece and Floral Show. I’m sure I’ve left out a whole slew of clubs and activities there is so much done for the community by the community. Below are the groups I’ve joined and a bit about them. |
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 The East Grampians Health Service operates hospitals at Ararat and Willaura. It is a true country hospital, intricately connected to its community and seeking to deliver outstanding care to the community. In early 2009 I was fortunate to be appointed by the health minister to the Board of Management. |
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 I joined the Upper Hopkins Landcare group to help with community revegetation projects and to get a better idea of possible environmental management projects that could be implemented on the farm I live on. |
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 I joined the CFA a few years ago to learn more about what to do in a fire threatening me and since then I’ve participated in roadside burning and fighting grass fires. When the big Grampains fires got a bit too close for comfort I was the only one on the farm as everyone else was off fighting the fire. Thankfully we were not burnt but it really brought brought home to me how reliant we are on our neighbours and other volunteers to keep us safe. The local Willaura brigade, like all rural brigades is entirely voluntary. |
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  I am a registered volunteer with the Australian Red Cross and help out with making food for firefighters during fires. At the time of the Grampians fires in January 2006, the women of the Willaura Red Cross provided thousands of meals. I did a bit but there were women who worked 18 hour days and then went home to a house with no power for a week. Before I came to the country I had no idea what a massive impact a fire has on rural communities both during and after. |
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 I have been a member of the Liberal Party since 1983. In that time I have held office at all levels of the party from branch secretary (I am still branch secretary and will be until I die I suspect!) to State vice president. I am a strong believer in everybody joining a political party and trying to get things done rather than carping on about politicians failings. I think members of political parties play a vital role in Australia’s democracy, not only do they choose the candidates for preselection they also are the first port of call for many MPs in sounding out community attitudes. It is therefore of utmost importance that a true cross-section of the community are members. |
