As chief executive of Providing All Living Supports (PALS), the Yarrawonga resident feels her work has given her the chance to listen to the community’s needs and has decided to run for a seat on the council at October’s council election.
“For the past 13 years my working life has centred around (Cobram, Yarrawonga and Numurkah) communities, so when I am out and about I do get the opportunity to speak to a lot of community members,” she said.
“I feel like I do have a fairly comprehensive handle on what the issues are for locals.
“I’m very interested in representing the women of the shire, I am disappointed there are only two female councillors out of a field of nine candidates currently representing the female voice. I feel strongly that women should have a voice in local government.”
Mrs Brooks first gained an appetite for local government through her father, who served on Berrigan Shire Council for 30 years.
Her passion for community leadership, paired with a desire to assist the vulnerable, are at the heart of what she hopes to achieve if she is elected.
“I’m a strong advocate of better facilities and access to services for those who live with disabilities; and these are not just people who are born with a disability, that is also elderly people and those who acquire a disability during their life,” she said.
“I think it is up to the local community to step up and make sure we are providing the services that make a community inclusive and welcoming of those people.”
The local government elections will be held in October via postal ballot.
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