Well-known community volunteer and project manager Bruce Campbell has announced his run for Warrnambool City Council.
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For the past nine years, Mr Campbell has volunteered his time to head up Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network which oversees the award-winning Middle Island Little Penguin Project.
He said he was not aligned to any political party and had years of governance and management experience in government and community sectors.
His professional background, he said, gave him a wealth of experience in research, planning and project management.
Mr Campbell is also a musician who has run entertainment venues, a retail store and worked as a trainer and manager in the community sector.
He said that working with local contractors and traders through his community and work roles helped him to understand the significant challenges of running a business in the current environment.
A sustainable recovery for the local community is one of his priorities in running for council.
"I would like to see a respectful and accountable team at the council table," Mr Campbell said.
"I want to support local businesses, invest in creating jobs in the new economy - IT, the creative industries and renewables.
"Warrnambool also has huge potential to support growth in small businesses producing food that is consumed in Warrnambool, the region and further afield."
Mr Campbell said that we had turned our back on a fantastic natural environment on our doorstep - the Wild Coast Precinct west of Thunder Point.
"This is a critical recreational and tourism area for our future but not enough effort has gone into protecting it or plan for increased activity out there," he said.
"We have a great community but there are issues that need addressing, especially in the recovery from the pandemic.
"Lack of affordable housing, homelessness, a range of social inequalities, family violence - we can't ignore these if we want to have a happy and healthy community for everyone."
Mr Campbell said Warrnambool people really value access to the coast and he wanted to see safe boat launching facilities and maintenance of our iconic breakwater as infrastructure priorities for the next council.
"I know that every single member of our community has something to offer if they are given the chance to contribute and are listened to," he said.
"I will work hard to build a strong, healthy and respectful council that values diversity and creates opportunity for everyone."
Along with partner Julie Eagles, Mr Campbell has been involved in the Save The Silver Ball and Fletcher's Gardens campaign and the FJ Stories project.
He has also helped with the annual F Project FJ garden party and market since the beginning.
A long-time volunteer at the Warrnambool Community Garden, he has helped develop the successful weekly produce market and is project manager for the garden's quarry redevelopment that will create a unique amphitheatre and new event space for the city.
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