Get to know the Weddin candidates: Jan Parlett

I am standing for re-election as it has been a privilege to represent the community and I feel it would be remiss of me if I did not stand, having gained years of experience as a female Councillor. I have enjoyed working collaboratively as part of a team, and in my many delegate roles, working on projects and outcomes that have been beneficial to the community.

I moved here twenty years ago and love this town and the idyllic lifestyle it offers. In serving as a Councillor I feel I can make a contribution to ensuring Weddin is a great place for residents, visitors and future generation. Having a background in business, designing, teaching, building, renovating and community involvement wherever I have lived, I feel I can add valuable input as a Councillor.

How long have you been on Council and what do you feel you contribute?

I've been a counsellor for nine years, and this experience has made me very aware of the importance of good leadership and governance. Good governance I feel is about having healthy working relationships that foster individual strengths, collaboration, consultation, effective teamwork, and efficient informed planning. With good leadership your Shire doesn't just thrive, it prospers and has community connectedness and pride.

I feel over the years I have brought a sense of calm, especially with debates, to the room when Council is addressing difficult issues. I speak up respectfully to address community concerns, representing you and advocating for what is beneficial for the Weddin Shire. I'm always striving for the "care factor", whether it's flag raising, poppy tourism projects, beautification of the cemetery, whatever needs addressing that has been initiated by strong community requests for a voice of representation and challenge. I am that someone who is politely questioning the culture and embracing creative healthy change.

In my nine years of service, I have represented you as one of the delegates on the Art, Heritage, Tourism and now the Henry Lawson Festival 355 Committees. I am currently Councils delegate for the Weddin Health Council, Suicide Prevention Working Party, Interagency, Centroc Health and The Wellness Network. I am very committed to supporting the ongoing instrumental work the Weddin Health Council has done to ensure the MPS increases in size.

What has been your biggest challenge as a local government representative?

One of the biggest challenges for me lately has been negotiating the current disharmony within Council and my concern for our Shires reputation. I have, and will always step up and question procedural fairness, especially when it jeopardises our Shires reputation, image, and future. Councillors take an oath to abide by a code of conduct. Recently I would have liked to have publicly expressed views on issues but have abided by the Code of Conduct and what we as Councillors refer to as the "pub test". The pub test being; if you told the facts to community members, what would they say, do or want? This is where the moral compass and the big picture of what's best for the Shire come into play, not just personal grievances.

Equally concerning has been the communities' feelings regarding the Main Street upgrade. Change is not an easy process, always Main Street upgrades are problematic, uncomfortable and bring angst to every community where upgrades are attempted. I am always impressed at the constant interest, concern, and attention to 'what's going on' that is apparent in this Shire. This demonstrates we care as a community and want what is best for our Shire. The Main Street upgrade is the last of the big progressive capital projects the community wanted in the Community Strategic Plan.

I have to say I think this is Councils hardest project to date because it was inevitably going to upset everyone digging up their street over an extended period of time. Hopefully you feel as I do, upon completion it will be time for a community celebration, given we have all been implicated in some way in the process of our Main Street upgrade. These big, uncomfortable projects are what unites a community, the sharing of the journey of hardship, a whine together, rebuilding, achieving goals and celebrating final outcomes. One of which will be the much needed benefits to tourism in these challenging times.

Despite any challenges I feel confident in our community, in their direction, support, sense of fairness, your values, and I am guided by your conviction of wanting the best outcomes for Weddin Shire.

How do we encourage more women to stand?

Personally, I would like to see more female representation as this would be a balance in population representation. In saying that I'm not gender biased, and wish to thank the male Councillors, Clrs Best, Bembrick, Diprose, O'Byrne and McKellar for having shared a comfortable working relationship with them over the past Council term and I feel they will confirm I will speak up with concerns.

We currently have many wonderful strong, skilled women contributing to their leadership roles professionally, and in volunteer roles who are making significant impact in our Shire. I am constantly suggesting they stand for Council, but many are hesitant, already overcommitted, and have expressed concerns regarding a perceived culture.

To change the balance of representation -

- the community needs to vote for women as a Number 1 vote. Traditionally rural areas vote for male representation, so a shift in community support is essential to ensure female representation.

- voting on merit, not gender

- maybe we need to change a saying to, "behind every good woman is a good man"

- a shift in culture is needed to attract strong women to want to be involved in what is currently perceived by some as a male dominated domain.

What needs to be done to encourage residents aged 18 to 40 years of age to stand?

I do believe the groundwork is being down by our community groups, (Lions, Rotary, Grenfell CEF to name just a few), who are currently endorsing and encouraging our younger residents by providing opportunities for personal skill development and building personal confidence. A youth Council was started at one stage as an outcome from the Interagency meetings, but with change of staff and Covid implications it has not progressed. The Weddin Health Council have a youth representative position. If we provide more opportunities for input, representation and recognition for contributions from our youth this will lead to more involvement. Reinvigorating a youth Council with a delegate representative, nominated to a Council 355 committee member would create a steppingstone of awareness of Councils business, hopefully leading to future candidature. With involvement and familiarity, Council must make inroads to welcoming, recognising and appreciating the significant role the 18-to-40-year age group could have in contributing their perspective, viewpoints and fresh ideas. I feel very privileged to employ six young adults who constantly add vitality to my thinking.

What are the rewards of being a local government representative?

The rewards are many! Being part of this time frame where there has been so much Government potential money available for communities has been quite amazing. We, as a Council have had to work as a team and recognise the importance of "being shovel ready," so we can apply successfully for grant funding when opportunities arise. Being part of implementing strong strategic planning, writing strong grant applications, progressively updating action lists, gaining insight regularly into community needs and the strong support from our political representatives has meant Council has gained funding for endless projects. Seeing all these projects come to fruition for the community benefit, from the teamwork and efforts of many has been personally rewarding for me, as it's all about what's best for the community and the Shire's longevity.

What will be the biggest challenge, in your opinion, for the next council?

One of the biggest challenges may be addressing and restoring Weddin Shires' reputation. Electing a Council that can implement restorative measures, proactively seek to engage the community in consultation, and demonstrate good leadership is essential.

We need to restore community confidence, create better communication channels, ensure the whole community has a voice and input with community consultation to ensure the new Strategic Plan is truly representational of the future needs of Weddin.

Addressing potential growth and future needs with population growth, service provision, jumping on board current opportunities for tourism and the provision of land for future business and residential needs are going to be exciting ongoing challenges for the next Council.