
I have lived in Queenscliff for many years and, together with my husband Andrew, run the popular Shelter Shed restaurant in Hese Street.
Working closely with residents and visitors, and being involved with and supporting several clubs, charities and associations has allowed me to gain an insight into what we value most about our special part of the Bellarine Peninsula.
My priorities will be firstly, to ensure the Council preserves these key social, economic and environmental values, and secondly, to empower the community to have a greater say in policy in policy development and the management of sporting, campaign and foreshore areas.
My agenda is inclusive, ambitious, optimistic yet achievable, and some of the outcomes I’d like to accomplish are:
Ensuring the Council remains viable through sound budget management while operating within the rate cap. Like any business, the Borough must provide good quality, value-for-money services which meet the needs of ratepayers ad residents.
Ensuring new projects are only supported which reflect community values, and are based on a sound business case or demonstrable social need, such as the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club beach base.
Incorporating environmentally-friendly practices into Council service delivery and greater advocacy of strategies to improve sustainability locally.
Completing strategies and policies which maintain and protect the Borough’s distinctive character, such as the Coastal Management Plan, Heritage Review, Significant Tree Register and the appropriate amendment to the planning scheme to reflect these values.
Preserving and promoting the Borough’s extraordinary military, maritime and architectural built heritage as a year-round tourism drawcard which supports local businesses. We need an agreement with the Commonwealth on Fort Queenscliff’s future which respects heritage while revitalising the site. We need more walking and improved cycling trails for health and encouraging visitors to move between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale.
*Edited

I first moved to The Borough nearly 40 years ago when I started my hospitality career. I am married with two girls who attended Queenscliff Kindergarten and Queenscliff Primary and we have always been keen participants in community life, including being Board Member, Inaugural Chairman and Life Member of The Queenscliff Music Festival.
Living and working most of my life in The Borough of Queenscliffe I want to continue to contribute to our community.
Why am I standing again?
I am standing again as I still have a lot to contribute to this great Borough. In this last term of council, I was elected the Mayor of The Borough of Queenscliffe. Although as it turned out not to be the year any of us thought, I have been able to connect closer with our community and would love the opportunity to again represent The Borough of Queenscliffe as an elected Councillor.
If re-elected as your Councillor I Will:
Continue to work hard, Engage, and Listen to our community and keep The Borough great and the envy of other municipalities
Continue to support our small business operators
Establish a significant tree register for the Borough
Continue council listening posts – post Covid-19
Remember that small things do matter to our residents
Ensure the Borough remains independent and financially viable
Continue monthly meetings with our community and business associations
Continue to be available to all our residents
Advocate for an upgrade to the existing skate park and create a new and exciting bike track for our youth
Ensure Council completes its current major projects before taking on any new one’s
Protect our pristine environment from the effects of Climate Change
Continue to provide stability and leadership during these difficult times.
I would like to thank all the residents in The Borough who have made contact with me over the past years as a councillor and as your Mayor. We live in such a beautiful and safe part of the world and with your help we can keep it that way.

Point Lonsdale-based Fleur Hewitt is an experienced lawyer. As a mother of two young girls, she is passionate about shaping a sustainable and bright future for residents of the Borough.
“I am excited to join the campaign trail and look forward to engaging further with our community on issues that really matter to the Borough,” she said.
“More action is needed than ever to respond to the twin crises of climate change and COVID-19. We are in the midst of a climate emergency; our beaches are eroding and we are vulnerable to rising sea levels. We’ve done a great job staying healthy in this pandemic, but we have not been immune to its economic impact.”
Key initiatives include:
• Installing electric vehicle charging stations in public spaces, which will not only encourage a local switch to electric vehicles, but also environmentally-friendly tourism;
• Reducing red tape for businesses, supporting increased outdoor dining and assisting with COVID safe plans;
• Improving and building new footpaths, bike tracks and safe crossings, refurbishing the skate park and establishing a hub for playgroups and a toy library
As a new voice for the community, particularly for young families, I will bring to the role extensive legal experience in all areas of real estate, having acted for both private and public sector clients.

Jacqui and her family have lived in Point Lonsdale for over 20 years, where she has combined raising her two children, running her own business and extensive community service throughout that time.
In her professional life Jacqui provides consultancy in the disability sector. Her work is centred on advocating to improve the lives and support for people with disability. With tertiary qualifications in Education, Disability, Public Policy and Management, Jacqui’s career has included the responsibility of being a Ministerial appointee on various regional councils.
"My career has given me great experience with complex projects and initiatives, advising policy, developing strategy and lobbying at all levels of government. Human rights and social justice underpin everything I do." says Jacqui, who has also completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.
Jacqui is currently the Chair of Bellarine Community Health’s Community Advisory Group, and she has been an active volunteer on the Committees of many other local organisations, including: Point Lonsdale Playgroup, Queenscliffe Toy Library, Queenscliff Kindergarten and Point Lonsdale Civic Association. She has also been a long-standing School Councillor and President of both the School and College Council’s at Point Lonsdale Primary School and Bellarine Secondary College, which her daughters attended.
"I am standing for Council because I am passionate about our community. It’s an amazing place where we live and it’s a wonderful community. To serve you is my pleasure and privilege. I know I can help make a real difference by taking local action in response to local, national and global issues,’ says Jacqui.
"As an independent candidate, my campaign is centred on three platforms: integrity, inclusion and innovation in local government.
"Campaigning for public office during a global pandemic and whilst we have various COVID 19 restrictions in place in Victoria is certainly going to be a challenge’ says Jacqui. ‘
"My preference would be to come and sit and talk with you personally, and to meet with your community groups, to further develop my understanding of your ideas, needs and issues.
"In the current circumstances we have to do things differently. I really do welcome the opportunity to have those conversations with you and your group via phone or video and encourage you to make contact’."

My husband Woody and I have decided to raise our family in the Borough of Queenscliffe, because my connection to this place runs deep -- I am a direct descendant of Henry Charles Dod, who established the first post office and bank in Queenscliff, and I attended Queenscliff kindergarten as a child. My family and I have been community members for more than 30 years.
We live here because we love this place. We want our children to enjoy what we have - the waves crashing along the Point Lonsdale esplanade; the warbling magpies (who have a knack for remembering human faces, so be sure to keep them on side); a glittering Queenscliff harbour.
In loving this place, we also embrace its stories. I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years, including overseas in Jakarta and Copenhagen, and know the immense power of stories. They are great equalisers, for everyone has a story, and it is through stories that we learn about far away places, long buried secrets, and we come to understand each other and what makes us collectively human.
But COVID threatens our humanity, and all that makes this community great. Yet now is no time for isolationism or silence. The pandemic has reinforced that local people, places and stories are everything. Through them, we remain resilient to this great challenge of our time.
In October, I will run as a candidate in the Borough of Queenscliffe local government elections to represent this historic community and be a strong advocate for community consultation. I will listen, and I will act on the stories of this community.
Stories - even those we discover late or don’t want to hear - are our identity. They can preserve history, upend and correct it, and inform the future. Stories are what make this community great, and the stories we tell each other, our children and those that visit this beautiful Borough, will help us survive COVID and beyond.
Offer your story up, and open your ears to the stories of others. You will be amazed at what you find.

COVID19 is dominating our lives, and climate change looms large. The current challenge is to stay healthy and solvent as we navigate these issues so we continue to enjoy Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff. We can meet these challenges if we work together, and I believe I can facilitate that. So I am a new candidate at the next local election, and I am standing for our community and the environment:
- Maintaining a financially viable independent Borough. We have a small rate base supplemented with government grants and caravan park revenue, but we have relatively few roads and infrastructure to maintain. We are viable when we keep rate increases low, improve our planning and resourcing, involve our community more effectively, manage assets and debt frugally and minimize spending on consultants.
- Uniting the community and Council to act on climate change. We should embrace renewable energy, be more energy efficient, mitigate erosion and storm damage, plant more, manage bush fire risk, better process waste and water, and switch to electric vehicles.
- Supporting businesses create a diverse and prosperous local economy. We should shop locally, and creatively promote our natural/heritage/hospitality assets, and our cultural events. We can improve collaboration with our region and the telecommunications that enable more of us to develop business.
- Better protecting our wonderful environment. We can do better maintaining our diverse coastal landscapes, parks and streetscapes through better education, management and resourcing.
- Caring for our community wellbeing. Provide support programs for those who need it most, in particular older people, those with disabilities and the very young. Continue to deliver effective support to our community organizations including sporting groups, art groups, older citizens, the young and neighbourhood house.
- Protecting and promoting our diverse cultural and built heritage. Let’s celebrate the Aboriginal heritage of our area. We also have a valuable legacy of architecture to look after, including two lighthouse areas. I support new development that complements the characters of Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.

I have been a permanent resident of Queenscliff for six years but have been coming down to stay in both Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff for around 30 years.
My background is in public relations, marketing and communication and I have a qualification in business administration.
Since living here I have become concerned at the Council’s lack of relevant community consultation. I do not believe residents issues have been listened to or addressed well.
For example, over the last few years Council has undertaken numerous costly and repetitive surveys (eg improvements to Hesse Street) to gain insight into residents and visitors thoughts on the Borough. These surveys don’t seem to have led to relevant changes or improvements – there is a lack of follow through action by Council and they are a waste of ratepayer money.
As a result I believe many residents have become disillusioned with the Council and Councillors – the Borough has stagnated. Residents require action, not just talk.
There are some very serious challenges ahead of us, which Council needs to address.
It’s time for Council to look to the future, address these challenges (such as climate change, beach erosion, financial management, state of dune and foreshore management) and put in place measures to make the Borough a safe, viable and vibrant place.
It’s time for a change!
WHAT I STAND FOR:"
"I want to see:
- A Council that is efficiently and cost effectively run;
- A Council that listens and acts more with the community on issues;
- A Council and Councillors who communicate well and regularly with the community;
- Our rates used on things that are relevant to our community’s requirements;
- The ability for residents to discuss issues at Council Meetings.

I am standing again for Councillor to continue the recent important progress taking place. I am a Borough resident and have been a Councillor for the last nine months after winning the seat vacated by Cr Francis.
The appointment of the new CEO has seen real change in the way Council deals with community consultation in the Borough. I actively support the “get it done” agenda of 2020 and beyond.
I stand in support of a financially strong and independent Borough and a consultative Council focused on residents and supporting local business
We have progressed the Climate Emergency Response Plan and the Avenue of Honour action plan to replant this important memorial. The Hub, a substantial project which will improve resident and visitor experience in Hesse Street is progressing without cost or timing issues.
I have advocated for years, as a member and president of the PLCA, for weed reduction on Ocean Road and improvements at The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve (PLLHR). Real action is finally underway.
I believe our caravan parks need amenities upgraded. The income is important for Council and our businesses need these visitors now more than ever.

I am proud to have been a member of the Queenscliff Point Lonsdale Community for my entire life; and over the years I have seen how this community has succeeded in dealing with challenges both big and small.
However, Covid-19 and the current recession may be the greatest test that we will ever face. I am asking for your vote so that I can join the Council and work to help the Borough at this important time.
I am a true independent. I have no connections with any political party or special interest groups; and if elected, I will represent the ordinary ratepayers and residents of the Borough to the best of my ability.
I have tertiary qualifications in Communications and Management and have successfully run my own retail business for over a decade.
Running your own business teaches you the importance of managing your finances. If elected, I pledge that I will work to ensure that the Borough manages your rates responsibly. Existing services to residents will be maintained and priority will be given to supporting local jobs and businesses.
There are many things that the Council does well, but these need to be expanded and promoted to benefit our community. I would establish a "Waste and Recycle Fortnight" to co-ordinate e-waste, chemical waste, and hard waste collections to assist residents in managing household waste more effectively.
The catastrophic fires at the start of 2020 highlighted the importance of having "Neighbourhood Safer Places" within the Borough. I believe that it is critical that a Fire Audit of the Borough be done this year.
This may be the most important vote that we cast in our local elections. I am asking for your vote to ensure that an independent voice will be your representative on Council.

I moved from South Australia to Queenscliff in 2000 seeking a lifestyle change after having held senior positions in a family business and outside industry committee roles within Tafe South Australia and the SA Guild of Furniture Manufacturers.
My education comprises Bachelor of Arts (Flinders University), and Graduate Certificate Property (University of South Australia).
Since arriving I have renovated many houses and commercial properties within the Borough, enjoying the many components of restoration of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale’s beautiful, diverse post 19th century architecture in a sympathetic and complementary manner that conserves and enhances their historical significance.
I am actively involved in the Queenscliff Lonsdale Yacht Club, on the management committee and an enthusiastic sailing member with a passion to show the benefits of outdoor water activities to young and old.
Key directions:
Nurture discourse and collaboration to create coherent nuts and bolts plans for infrastructure and the community.
Re-ignite the Borough as a must visit regional destination.
Strengthen our community's rich history, culture, social, environment and economic life.
Recognise the Wadawurrung people’s history and culture in our future.
Support residents and visitor infrastructure to create an environment for local businesses to flourish.
Support museums, the Hub, sport and park facilities, caravan parks, public toilets, town footpaths, walking and cycling tracks and the twin main streets, beaches, jetties, Shortland Bluff and Swan Bay.
Engage residents and council to connect the Borough in matters of marine and history, from Queenscliff Harbour to the Point Lonsdale lighthouse, to tell a powerful and vibrant local story.
Choose environmental best practice for our future generations.
Encourage back to basic principles in governance, asset, and financial management with the resources available.
*Edited

I came to live in the Borough of Queenscliffe in 1984. It has been a serendipitous blessing. Living where the land meets water.
I have been a Maths teacher at Bellarine Secondary College until my retirement in 2016. I was a member of the Save the Borough Committee in the early 1990. Our Independence continues into this century, and I continue to advocate to expand the boundary. Independence is assured by good governance and financial accountability.
I was honoured to be elected to council in 2012.
Over this time I have been a very active councillor, delighted to attend many local events and to catch up with many of you. I was privileged to be Mayor in 2018.
I introduced our Community Listening Post system, in which many of you have participated.
I have always valued the history our communities, ancient and recent, the heritage of the built environment, the surrounding environment. I have actively and strongly supported the heritage of our towns. Pleasingly, Stage 1 of our Heritage Review is finished. This is the first time since 1984 that this work has been updated and I look forward to completing Stage 2 and thus protecting our lovely towns into the future.
I have actively supported the Hub community complex in Hesse Street, and look forward to its completion.
During this term, Council has completed a wide range of tasks, including the netball courts, the cricket nets and drainage works such as Hesse Street south, in Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff, to manage flooding.
I have been the chair of Anzac Avenue Reference Group. You will have all enjoyed the benefits of the new trees this winter. But there is more to done. I look forward to further working on this with members of the community.
Over the last period of Council, thousands of native trees and plants have been located in streets and parks. I will be supporting more environmental work, including the removal of weeds. I look forward to working with community members to develop priorities in this area.
Following a community petition of more than 2000 people, I moved a motion declaring a Climate Emergency. The Council has already completed some work towards addressing this and will continue to do so into the future based on community consultation in which everyone will be invited to participate.
*Edited