That 20 locals from all backgrounds have put their hands up and offered themselves for a four year term on council is an indication of a very strong and healthy community.

Only two of the present councillors have not nominated – eight are seeking re-election.

And they probably have a strong case to be returned too.

The council in the past four years has done a wonderful job.

They were required to make some tough decisions to keep our shire progressing. And to avoid any hint of amalgamation.

It was most definitely not a popular move to raise rates by 13 per cent for four years, but they bit the bullet and sold their case to the ratepayers.

As a result, the amount of work which has taken place and is still going on around the shire to set us up for the future is most impressive.

I doubt there would be too many communities anywhere which have had so much infrastructure and improvements carried out.

And it is on-going, with more than $60 million to shore up our water and sewerage requirements.

But there are some other outstanding candidates as well who have backgrounds, experience and knowledge which could prove invaluable.

It is most heartening to see them throw their hats into the ring.

How it will all work out is up to us all – we have the voting power and we should use it wisely.

It is imperative to make sure you vote correctly and definitely number your candidates accordingly because preferences will play a big part in the outcome of the election.

I have no doubt we will finish up with a fantastic council who will steer us into even more exciting times.

Best of luck to all the candidates.

To those who miss out, take some heart from the fact you have made a significant contribution anyway – it is particularly reassuring to know there are some many fine residents willing to step up and look after us if required.

By the way, thank you to all those who encouraged me to nominate.

It’s an itch I had and I seriously considered it – but it was still a bit too soon after retiring from my newspaper role.

I was keen to have a few more months break before getting back into community affairs.  Maybe at another time.

Besides, I was desperately keen to make sure I was available for those two gorgeous granddaughters if they needed their Opa’s help.