Hearn to re-run for Council

Why have you decided to re-run for council?

I believe I still have unfinished business, many of the projects we have started will come to fruition in the next year and we can make a real difference in improving the outcomes of Benalla citizens.

We have had some great success over the past four years. We were able to see the roof raised at the Equestrian Centre, the splash park built along the foreshore, many new farms established and a strong focus on business support and jobs in Benalla.

Lower rates was a high priority, but also continuing valuable services for the people of Benalla.

I am extremely passionate about the Murray PHN involvement in improving mental health support in Benalla for Benalla.

I love this town, I have chosen to make my life in this community and I want to continue to giving back.

Sport stars support Benalla students

What has been the highlight for you during your current run on council?

The highlights for me have been:

● The construction of the equestrian indoor arena - having the privilege to work with such an energetic, compassionate and driven group of equestrian people, who were striving for a common goal;

● The development of the splash park - I was asked about the chances of the council putting in a splash park for our young families that were travelling out of town for this activity, early in the last council campaign. It was amazing to be able to obtain funding for this fun and entertaining project. How fantastic it will be with the additional grant funding for the foreshore precinct when finished;

● Cell 2 at the landfill – after working through the problem with the last cell, to have built this cell within budget and be able to include the start of the next cell has be a big bonus for the community;

● Starting the transfer station;

● Starting the construction of the junior football club rooms after all these years and preparation;

● Being part of the suicide prevention place-based trial, steering committee and also being part of the sub committees have been very intuitive and enlightening. I will continue my support of these mental health issue; and

● Working alongside some amazing community groups. We have a incredible group of locals who volunteer their time every week, month and year to change our community for the better and I have been blessed to work alongside some incredibly talented people on these committees who truly love their causes, from The multiple user groups at the showgrounds, equestrian centre, arts community.

Benalla festival latest COVID-19 casualty

What has been the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge has been advocating for additional mental health services in our community.

The youth are our future and I want to empower more of our teenagers to see a life in the Benalla Rural City and realise how lucky we are to live in this beautiful part of the world.

Mental health and tertiary education supports are at the forefront of all of the work that I have been doing on council.

Supporting providers to stay and continue to operate in the Benalla Rural City is the upmost prerogative.

Working to find funding for emergency housing for youth and victims of domestic violence.

Frontline workers at Cooinda aged care

If re-elected what are your plans for the next four year's of council?

● During the next four years I would like to see our landfill be a variable business and make a profit for our council including the completion of the transfer station;

● Build up our recycling capabilities;

● Provide additional services to youth and mental health;

● Keep rates as low as possible for all ratepayers;

● Improve footpaths, roadworks and repairs;

● Support small business and innovation to continue employing Benalla people for Benalla work; and

● Encourage more female leaders in our community.

Ryan calls for government to address V/Line loophole

Would you like to add anything?

I have enjoyed my time in council and learnt so much about my hometown it has been a privilege to be entrusted to this position.

Our small rural communities and their wonderful volunteers run some of the most amazing events in our district.

I am pleased to have been in attendance at many of these celebration from silo art, Easter sports, Remembrance and Australia day celebrations, and even had a drive in a wheel-bin race.

I have had the opportunity to work alongside our state and federal representatives and focus on improving our hometown and providing every opportunity to the people of the Benalla Rural City.

I have spent my life on a farm in Warrenbayne. We have a fantastic agricultural industry that needs our support.

My thoughts and actions over the next months, will be to support those who have been affected by COVID-19 in our community, as we work together to overcome the devastating effects of this pandemic.

I am happy and eager to speak with any one in our community. I am listening.

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