Lessons and learnings of local government

By Meander Valley Councillor Ben Dudman

Council is an opportunity to give back. For me, it’s a chance to support the community that has always supported me.

Local government ensures you can step up, have your say on what’s happening in your backyard, and help shape, grow, and contribute to your community. From day one of my election in 2022, I got to work with the support, encouragement, and shared vision of many in our community. Since then, I have been able to advocate community issues and support projects that are helping to make our home in the Meander Valley just that little bit better.

There have been many highlights for me in this council term. The dump point at Westbury was an early victory that ensured that visitors to our region stopped, stayed, and explored – rather than just fly through en route to an area with better facilities. I know that this has gone some way in helping our visitor economy businesses in the locality. 

Championing and delivering infrastructure upgrades is always high on my agenda. From footpaths in Blackstone Heights, Hadspen, and Carrick, upgrades to our community halls in Mole Creek and Meander, or road signs to protect wildlife across our backroads; I am proud to have participated in delivering these important local projects to the benefit of our community. 

I have also enjoyed the opportunity this role has given me to work with and be a part of community groups, like Blackstone Heights Community News, Westbury St Patrick’s Festival Committee, Westbury and Districts Historical Society, Deloraine House, and the Great Western Tiers Tourism Association. These groups are full of dedicated people, working hard for our community. 

Perhaps one of the biggest causes I have pursued has been the ongoing staffing and police presence in Deloraine and the wider Meander Valley region. It has taken many letters to the Minister, a petition which was signed by over 500 members of our community, and many a heated debate, but finally we are on a clear path to progress. A meeting with Inspector Craig Fox recently saw a commitment made to pursue the return of a customer service operator back in the Deloraine Police Station. This goal will take a joint effort between council and Tasmania Police, but I am confident it will lead to success. 

As the youngest person ever elected to this council, some questioned whether I was up to the task. I hope I have been able to prove that I am. Governing is never easy. But sitting idle is harder for me. Council can be a tough gig, full of hard decisions to be made. But it is also incredibly rewarding. 

I stepped up to represent my community, because I was passionate about our future and our potential as a region. My goal when I first ran for council was to remain open, accessible, and work towards a brighter future, right here in the Meander Valley. That goal hasn’t changed. It’s what drives me every day and gets me out of bed in the morning. 

The next local government elections are just over twelve months away. It is important that we have passionate people seeking election from across our diverse geography and community demographics. If you have ever considered running for council and would like to have a chat about what the role of a councillor looks like, please reach out to me. I’d love to talk to you and, hopefully, work alongside you on council.

*This article is the personal viewpoint of Cr Ben Dudman and is not an official statement of Meander Valley Council.