Starting as Mayor this week has been an absolute honour, and I’m grateful for the trust the community and my fellow Councillors have placed in me.

It’s been a busy start, but also energising, and it’s reminded me why I’m so committed to this region and the people who call it home.

East Gippsland is more than where I live – it’s where I’ve raised my family, built businesses and seen our community come together in challenging times.  

As a business owner, I understand the pressures faced by local operators and the importance of Council being a partner in success. Running businesses has taught me to make smart financial decisions, manage risk responsibly, invest in people, and innovate when times are tough.  

As an advocate for people in crisis, through the Black Summer bushfires, COVID, floods and drought I have stood beside residents who had lost homes, livelihoods, stability, and hope. I have listened to heartbreaking stories, navigated complex systems, and helped families access financial support when they needed it most.  

Those experiences strengthened my belief that a caring, responsive, community-focused Council is essential.

As a conciliator in dispute-resolution cases, I have brought people together in situations where emotions were high, trust was low, and outcomes mattered deeply. I have learnt to listen carefully, find common ground, de-escalate conflict, and help people reach fair agreements.  

My vision for East Gippsland is of a region that is stronger, fairer, more connected, and ready for the future.

I want us to be a Council that supports our existing businesses and removes barriers that slow them down. A Council that encourages new investment, fosters innovation, and promotes East Gippsland as a region of opportunity.  

Tourism is important, but so too are our trades, agriculture, manufacturing, marine industries, creatives, small operators, and entrepreneurs.

My vision is that our young people can see a future here — with jobs, services, and opportunities that allow them to stay, grow, and thrive.

As a proud volunteer, I have a deep commitment to the volunteer-led organisations that hold our region together. Our neighbourhood houses, sporting groups, event committees, emergency services and community groups who contribute countless hours and resources to our communities.  

Every community deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

My vision is for a shire that plans boldly and responsibly for the long term. We face real challenges: housing supply, climate resilience, economic transition, environmental protection, and an ageing population.  

My commitment is to plan strategically for a financially sustainable, future-focused East Gippsland that is positioned strongly for decades to come.

I’m looking forward to working closely with the community, my fellow Councillors, our CEO and Council staff – our different perspectives and experiences make us stronger and help deliver outcomes we need.‍

Cr Jodie Ashworth, Mayor