In a candid conversation, Deputy Mayor of Meander Valley, Cr Stephanie Cameron, shared her insights on local politics, community values, and the challenges of balancing her personal and professional life. Though she never envisioned herself in politics, her commitment to helping her community led her to become a passionate advocate.
“I probably had never had a desire to enter politics,” Cameron admitted. “I always thought about [becoming a councillor] as helping your community.” Her foray into public life began with assisting in a local election campaign, which she thoroughly enjoyed. The 2018 local government elections prompted a deeper reflection on the representation at the council table. “There was no one my age and very few females. I thought, I could contribute to that,” she said. Five years later, her contributions are evident, and she’s proud of how much she’s grown as a councillor.
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A mother of two young children, Cameron juggles her responsibilities on the farm in Chudleigh and her role in the council. “Council never stops,” she laughed. “People say it’s one day a week. It’s not. My kids always ask, ‘Are you on the phone?’ Yep, always on the phone.” While her schedule is undeniably hectic, she embraces the challenges, thriving on the opportunity to make a difference for her community.
Cameron credits her upbringing for instilling in her the values of hard work and family, which guide her work in council. “I talk a lot about my family and hard work, reward for effort. I like listening to people and trying to help them,” she shared. Her role as a councillor is not just about policies but about actively engaging with the people of the Meander Valley.
Reflecting on her time in office, Cameron noted the positive shift in council composition. “The makeup of this council is quite different now,” she said, referencing the diversity in age and background. Years ago, council chambers were stereotypically filled with “65-year-old men,” but today, young people are stepping up. “We’re much better for it,” she added.
One of Cameron’s primary focuses has been improving local infrastructure, particularly public facilities. “I’m the toilet police,” she said with a smile. During her tenure, she has championed the reopening of toilets in Hagley and the construction of new ones in Carrick and Alveston Drive in Deloraine. For her, such seemingly small projects make a significant difference to the community, especially for families. “When I first got on council, I had one kid and was pregnant with the other. I remember thinking, why are we having playgrounds without toilets?”
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In addition to advocating for local facilities, Cameron is passionate about addressing the broader issue of waste management. “Rubbish removal and the tip sites are a huge challenge for us,” she noted, calling it a complex but crucial area of focus.
When asked about her future in politics, Cameron remained open but non-committal. Having run in state elections twice, she found the experience valuable but is currently enjoying more time at home with her family. “I like helping people, and I get frustrated if I can’t solve an issue,” she said, adding that she would continue her work as long as it aligned with her personal circumstances.
As a lifelong resident of Meander Valley, Cameron’s deep connection to the area is palpable. “I love it all,” she said, when asked about her favourite part of the region. The Meander Valley is more than just a place—it’s home. “We’re very lucky. We have the best people.”
Looking ahead, Cameron hopes to see Meander Valley continue to grow, particularly in the tourism sector. While the region boasts natural beauty and charm, she acknowledges the need for more strategic promotion. “We need to do a better job at getting people off the highway and stopping here,” she said, emphasising the importance of supporting local events like Agfest and the Tasmanian Craft Fair. She also recognises the need for more diverse accommodation options to encourage longer stays.
Cameron’s dedication to her community shines through in every aspect of her role, from public services to tourism advocacy. Whether it’s ensuring there are adequate toilets in playgrounds or tackling the larger challenges of waste management and tourism development, her focus remains on improving life for the residents of Meander Valley.
