Charlotte Varcoe
NOMINATIONS have closed for those wishing to put their hand up for a vacant position within the Wattle Range Council with one Penola resident having his application approved by council.
As of The Border Watch’s print deadline, local resident and retired viticulturalist Chris Brodie has been confirmed as the only approved application.
If no other applications were approved by council prior to the deadline – Thursday 5pm – Mr Brodie will be elected.
On August 3, the position became available to those wishing to apply earlier this year following a sudden resignation by Rick Paltridge.
Mr Brodie is known within the community for his extensive volunteer work at the Penola War Memorial Hospital garden and his involvement with the Penola National Trust branch.
Alongside his volunteer work, the resident was also the viticulturist for Katnook for over 21 years.
“I decided to go for the position because I truly believe what goes around comes around,” Mr Brodie said.
“My wife and I arrived in the Penola community in 2000 and the region has been really good for us throughout the years, we have been able to raise a family here and become part of the community.”
He said once he noticed a vacancy for the Penola Coonawarra specific ward, he decided it was worth “giving it a go”.
“The vacancy is only for one year and I thought I would give it a go because if I didn’t like it, I would not run again and if I did, then I would run again next year,” Mr Brodie said.
“Taking part in council is a big job and to help the community I plan on allowing their input to get what needs to be done, done and following Mr Paltridge I believe I have big shoes to fill but am happy to give it a try.
“There are not many issues within the Riddoch Ward which have been highlighted to me but I have noticed there have been a lot of things going on such as drainage and the new entrance way but I am also hoping to find out about other things which may be of concern.”
Mr Brodie said he continued to care about the community and that he planned to help enhance the care the community has expressed as well.
“There was a need for someone to join the council and I thought I would be able to do that, so I am hoping I could be of some benefit,” he said.
