Avalanche of support for Korumburra’s Bronwyn Beach

LEADING light in early childhood education and the performing arts in South Gippsland, Korumburra’s Bronwyn Beach has announced a tilt at the South Gippsland Shire Council.

And if the way her simple announcement on social media has been greeted is any indication, she’s a shoe in!

Elections are due to be held by postal ballot in October.

“So excited to give this a crack,” announced the former communications consultant on Facebook and within a few hours there were 150 supportive comments posted and well over 250 ‘likes’.

It’s hardly surprising given Bronwyn Beach’s community involvement.

A former president of the Board of Management of Karmai Community Children's Centre, as a representative of the former Korumburra Kindergarten Committee, Bronwyn was a member of the original steering committee that drove the development of this key piece of community infrastructure.

And she has also been a leading figure in the local performing arts scene, presently in her third term, this time around, as president of Leongatha Lyric Theatre and secretary of the South Gippsland Dance Eisteddfod.

As an extension of these roles, Bronwyn is a member of the South Gippsland Shire Council’s Arts Advisory Committee.

She currently works at the Gippsland Southern Health Service as an addiction counsellor, having previously worked for GippsTafe and the Latrobe Community Health Service.

“I guess it follows on from the experience I had with the Karmai Community Children's Centre project, the Korumburra kinder before that and with the arts advisory group,” said Bronwyn this week.

“Having been involved in those areas, it was a no brainer really to want to extend that and to continue working for the community.

“I’m passionate about South Gippsland and I care about the community, and I feel like I’ve got something to contribute.

“I won’t be across everything, I don’t think anyone is, but I’ve had plenty of life experience and I feel like I know the issues families have to face.

“I was raised in a housing commission house by a single mum and I know what it’s like not to have a voice which is what drove me to get involved in the kinder originally.

“But yes, I’m a good communicator, and I’m very interested in good governance too, and would love the opportunity to step up in that space as well.”

Bronwyn is chuffed with the response so far.

“I’ve been encouraged over the years to have a go at local government but you’re always a bit nervous when it comes to it. But yes, absolutely thrilled with the support.”

Here’s an example of the messages posted on Facebook:

• Rock it Bron Beach! You are definitely the woman for this job!
• Bron, how exciting! I'd vote for you.
• Amazing Bron. You have my full support!
• You want to make change - go in and change it! Woohoo!!
• The Mayor of Korumburra! I told ya! Good on you, Bron! Have no doubt you will be amazing.
• I wish you were running in our electorate, I would vote for you.
• Yes Bron, exciting times ahead!!

And Bronwyn already has the endorsement of the South Gippsland Mayor Cr Clare Williams: “Bloody amazing, you’re a superstar”.

Who else will stand for the three positions in the Strzelecki Ward presently held by the former mayor Cr Nathan Hersey, Cr Jenni Keerie and Cr Mick Felton has not yet been revealed but several other names have been mentioned. It seems almost certain that voters there will be going to the polls in October.

However, you can’t have a say if you’re not enrolled to vote. The rolls close at 4pm on Wednesday, August 7. You can check your enrolment HERE

Key election dates

• Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - Roll closes at 4pm
• Monday, September 9, 2024 - Nominations open at 9am
• Tuesday, September 17, 2024 - Nominations, candidate statements, photographs, and questionnaires close at 12noon
• Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - Ballot draw
• Monday, October 7, 2024 - Ballot pack mail out begins.
• Friday, October 25, 2024 – Voting closes at 6pm.