COMMUNITY consultation is high on the priority list of all Moyne Shire nominees, but few are embracing the internet age to do so like Jordan Lockett.
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As well as heading across the municipality to meet with residents, Mr Lockett is hoping to engage with people via social media to learn more about their concerns.
He even has a catchy hashtag – #itsyoursandmoyne.
One of the things I learnt at uni was how to learn, how to change, and how to have an impact.
- Jordan Lockett
“One of the things I think the shire doesn’t do well is social media,” Mr Lockett said.
“Since announcing that I’m running on Facebook, people have been contacting me through social media and the ideas and issues are flooding in. In the next couple of days I’m going to create an online survey … so people can fill it in and tell me what they want to tell me about their community.
“I also want to go around to the communities and ask the people what they want.
“I’m not going to pretend I know about things like dairy farming, but if we have a diverse team of councillors I’m very keen to work with them and learn. One of the things I learnt at uni was how to learn, how to change, and how to have an impact.”
Born and raised in Port Fairy, Mr Lockett is a social worker at South West Healthcare and a member of Port Fairy’s tennis club, surf life saving club and historical society.
“I’m passionate about Port Fairy and the shire,” he said.
Among the key issues Mr Lockett said he wants to tackle if elected are improving tourism opportunities across the shire, extending the plastic bag ban beyond Port Fairy, ensuring Moyne Shire remains pokie-free, increasing community engagement through social media, and dealing with the problem of the former Port Fairy tip site at East Beach.
He said he’s also very passionate about mental health.
“We have high rates of suicide in the area,” he said.
“I think the shire can do more to link in with and help promote mental health services in the area, and help reduce the stigma around mental illness.”
Mr Lockett has run a small business, worked in real estate, hospitality, retail and education, and been employed as an art therapist in a prison.
He’s also a musician and his focus on community engagement was evident in his most recent project, which saw him bring together dozens of south-west musicians, artists, and members of local sporting clubs to create a concept album about Port Fairy’s history.
The survey can be found at the Jordan Lockett For Moyne Facebook page.
