Vol. No. Vol. 2518No. 2 27
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CELEBRATING HISTORY: The Ellis family, Ben, Chelsea, Chris and Mick are celebrating four generations attending Brigidine schools in Horsham. This weekend St Brigid’s College is a feature of the centenary celebrations of Brigidine education in the Wimmera. Story, page 9. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Leadership chance BY JESSICA GRIMBLE
M
ember for Lowan Emma Kealy says her appointment to deputy leader of The Nationals puts rural and regional issues ‘front and centre’ of the state’s decision-making.
The Nationals selected Ms Kealy as their new deputy leader at a meeting on Monday. It comes after the resignation of Member for Euroa Steph Ryan last week. Ms Kealy said while her work for Lowan remained ‘first priority’, the appointment offered an opportunity to represent all rural and regional Victorian voices at ‘the leadership table’. “To be around the decision-making table as part of the leadership team
will mean we get a voice front and centre — and not just for our region, but for all rural and regional Victorians,” Ms Kealy told The Weekly Advertiser. “It’s always been important to me, as a member of parliament, that I am approachable, accessible and engaging; and that people feel their voice is being heard. “Just because we live a long way from Melbourne doesn’t mean we don’t count. Of course, it would be much easier if the Nationals were in government, but we still fight every day for our region.” Ms Kealy grew up at Edenhope and worked in the private and public healthcare systems before being elected as Member for Lowan in 2014.
She holds the shadow portfolios for mental health, women, and the prevention of family violence. She said highlights of her political career to date were the aspects that didn’t make the news. “No-one tells you, when you’re running for pre-selection, what the job actually looks like,” she said. “For me, the most rewarding parts are the things that don’t make it into the newspapers. “It’s the small parts of advocacy that make a big difference — listening to somebody and believing in them can be transformational. A listening ear may be enough for them to get a resolution or closure on an issue. “Those are the special moments that you never really prepare for, and that
are extremely impactful to people’s lives.” The National party’s focus is turning to the State Election in less than 120 days. “It’s never been more important for rural and regional Victorians to see a change from a city-centric government to a government where country people are sitting around the table and talking about investment and policies and have country people at the front and centre of decision making,” Ms Kealy said. “Everyone around the state has felt the impact of Labor’s lockdowns and restrictions. There are pressures to provide more support in the home — particularly more mental health support for children who have strug-
gled learning at home. There are pressures to work more often in terms of rising interest rates and the cost of energy and food. There’s a real tugof-war for families to get that balance right.” Nationals leader Peter Walsh said Ms Kealy was an excellent appointment. “Emma has a strong reputation as a dedicated local advocate who will go above and beyond to secure the very best for the people of Lowan, which is an energy I know she’ll bring as deputy leader,” Mr Walsh said. “As Shadow Minister, Emma has played a crucial role in leading the Liberals’ and Nationals’ response to support Victorians to recover and rebuild from the COVID pandemic.”
IN THIS • Crisis accommodation plan • Quantong residents stand football-netball strong • Football-netball INISSUE THIS ISSUE • COVID-19 protections reviewed • Weekend results action
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