Vicki Jellie, the founder of Peter's Project which delivered Warrnambool its cancer treatment centre, has announced that she will stand for city council.
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The lifelong Warrnambool resident and 2017 Australian of the Year Local Hero brought the community together to raise $5 million to establish the $30 million South West Regional Cancer Centre.
Ms Jellie indicated that her years of experience at the helm of Peter's Project were the ideal foundation for the role as a councillor.
"Peter's Project was a community campaign, driven and respected by the community and we were responsible for achieving what the community wanted and making the dream a reality," Ms Jellie said. "We were dealing with community funds, community needs and really had to rally together to achieve this vital facility.
"It took years of hard work, transparency, honesty and listening to and delivering for the community, and these are the values and experience I intend to bring to council."
Ms Jellie said she had been considering running for council for some time, but the recent council upheaval and ongoing unity issues helped shape her decision.
"Council needs to engage with the community, gauge opinion and understand councillors are elected to represent the needs and views of the community.
I love our city and the great things we can achieve.
- Vicki Jellie
"The Covid-19 shutdown has created an uncertain environment, and as an elected councillor, I would prioritise a unified effort with council and community to provide the immediate needs required and jointly negotiate the pathway to stimulate recovery for business, employment and our entire community."
The new candidate, who was the recipient of a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2018 Australia Day Honours for significant services to community health, said she wouldn't be basing her campaign on one particular issue. "I have a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes for the Warrnambool community and that is the strength I will bring to council if I am fortunate enough to be elected.
"After my husband Peter passed away in 2008 I saw a need in our region. I didn't hesitate but rather I was determined to do something about it.
"Passion makes a difference and I am ready to take on this commitment with eyes open because I love our city and the great things we can achieve.
"I want to be part of a cohesive, respectful and progressive team, open to listening to other's ideas and working for the future of the city.
"I have no political alliance and will provide representation without fear or favour.
"That is what I am standing for - to bring council back to the community."
Others vying for a seat on council in the October 24 elections include: Mike Neoh, Kylie Gaston, Robert Anderson, Tracey Togni, Ben Blain Jim Burke and Otha Akoch.
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