This is the first interview of hopefully four interviews of all the candidates who are standing for the position of Mayor in the upcoming elections. Leanne Raw is a current Waratah-Wynyard Councillor, elected to council on the 22nd of November, 2022. Each candidate is being asked the same questions: Leanne’s responses are below.

How do you think Council can be improved?

Having served as a councillor for the past four years, I’ve spent a great deal of time listening, observing and understanding how local government works. Coming from a leadership background in education, I also bring a different perspective on organisational leadership, governance and continuous improvement. Throughout my time on Council, I have often reflected on how processes could be strengthened and how we could work more effectively together. This is one of the reasons I am putting myself forward for Mayor.

I believe Council can be improved by focusing on five key drivers.

1. Strong strategies, policies and procedures. Council already has many good policies in place, but we need to ensure they are consistently applied and regularly reviewed so they genuinely guide decision-making and improve outcomes.

• Better communication and engagement with the community. I believe our community has enormous knowledge, experience and expertise that can help shape better decisions. Community engagement should go beyond consultation and become genuine collaboration, where people work alongside Council to develop creative solutions for the future. I also believe we should encourage respectful dialogue, where people understand different perspectives and work together towards shared outcomes.

• Good governance and efficient meeting procedures. Council meetings should remain focused on good governance, clear decision-making and effective use of time. Strong meeting procedures help councillors stay on track, make informed decisions and represent the community professionally and fairly.

• Working together as a team. Councillors will always bring different views and opinions, and that diversity is valuable. However, once elected we have a responsibility to work together respectfully as a team, focusing on what is best for the whole community rather than individual agendas.

• A future-focused approach. Council needs to think beyond today’s issues and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Whether it is emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, population change or major developments, we need to seek expert advice, consider a range of viewpoints and make balanced decisions that protect and strengthen our community into the future.

These five drivers are the foundation of how I believe Council can become more effective, collaborative and forward-thinking.

What do you think are the priorities for Council to focus on?

Council’s first responsibility will always be delivering the core services our community depends on: maintaining roads, managing waste, providing reliable infrastructure, parks, recreation facilities and essential services. However, I believe Council’s role extends beyond roads, rates and rubbish.

Council can also focus on creating a community where people can live healthy, connected and fulfilling lives. This means supporting strong policies and partnerships in areas such as youth, ageing, arts, wellbeing, community inclusion and social connection. While Council may not always provide these services directly, it can play a vital leadership role by bringing organisations together, setting clear strategic direction and supporting best practice across the community.

Securing external grant funding is another important priority. Waratah-Wynyard has a strong record of attracting grants that deliver major community benefits, from sporting and recreational facilities to community infrastructure. Continuing to leverage these opportunities allows Council to invest in projects that improve quality of life without placing unnecessary pressure on ratepayers. Ultimately, my priorities are to maintain excellent core services while also building a resilient, connected and future-ready community.

What qualities would you bring as Mayor if you were elected? What have you done in the past that reflects these qualities?

Throughout my career as a school leader and principal, I developed many of the leadership skills that are directly transferable to the role of Mayor. I have led large organisations, managed significant budgets, guided strategic planning and worked closely with staff, families and the wider community to achieve positive outcomes. One of my greatest strengths is the ability to take a long-term vision and turn it into practical action. In education, that meant taking a school’s vision and ensuring it translated into everyday practice in classrooms and across the organisation. I believe the same approach is essential in local government.

The values that guide my leadership are:

• Equity – ensuring resources are directed to where they are needed most and that everyone has the opportunity to participate and succeed.

• Integrity – acting honestly, transparently and consistently.

•  Impartiality – making decisions based on evidence, research and the merits of each issue rather than personal bias.

• Respect – listening carefully to different viewpoints and considering everyone fairly.

• Responsiveness – following issues through, helping people find solutions and connecting them with the right services where Council is not the responsible authority.

• Accountability – being willing to explain decisions, acknowledge mistakes and continually improve.

I also bring strong organisational skills, the ability to make decisions under pressure and the confidence to step forward and lead when circumstances require it. My commitment to community extends beyond my professional career. I still volunteer with Vincent Industries, first serving on the local board and later delivering literacy and numeracy programs for people with a disability.

I currently manage the Stringalong Orchestra, which is based in Burnie, helping provide children with free access to music education and opportunities they may not otherwise receive. These experiences reflect my lifelong commitment to service, inclusion and community development. At the heart of my leadership is a simple belief that has shaped my life: communities are strongest when people give back. This philosophy, together with my experience as both a community leader and councillor, is what I would bring to the role of Mayor. I believe Waratah Wynyard deserves strong, thoughtful and future-focused leadership and I am ready to provide it.