Councillor Matters | Cr Jack Blake, June 20, 2025

Published on 20 June 2025

Once again, it’s been a very busy month. The rain gods blessed us over the King’s Birthday long weekend, but it’s only a sprinkle compared with what we need.

This column isn’t going to be a long-winded message telling everyone what we have been doing over the past month, but more of a compassionate insight into a councillor’s life in 2025.

The dedication and commitment to serve our community over the next four years is not only time- consuming, but also emotionally demanding when we continually get criticised.

I joined the council because I love our community and seriously wanted to make a difference.

Knowing I was not the typical person for the role was a huge part of the reason I joined – so I could show any kid who ever doubted themselves that they can become whatever they want in life.

However, nothing prepared me for the criticism we all face daily from a small percentage of people who don’t understand that my fellow councillors and I do not have a magic wand or a bucket of cash.

I have experienced horrendous personal attacks via social media, and it gives me chills to think that if people can do this to me, what are our kids going through?

We have demonstrated the positive effect we can have in our community by standing up for each other, for example, supporting our landowners protesting renewable-energy projects on their land.

Please, let’s focus on being kind and supporting each other rather than trying to tear people down.

With winter set in, I’d also like to give a timely reminder to keep an eye out for our elderly neighbours and friends.

For some, the cold weather brings isolation – let’s make sure we remember to reach out and check they’re okay.

The other point I really want to make at this time of year is around road safety.

With the morning fog setting in it really does concern me that some people don’t have any respect for how dangerous the highway can be – and I’m not just talking about young people.

Too often of late, we are seeing the life-changing devastation that comes with a split-second foolish mistake.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to teach our kids the importance of road safety, and to lead by example.

On a lighter note, I did have the pleasure of visiting The Work Room at the top end of Stawell’s CBD for the Biggest Morning Tea, raising money for the Cancer Council.

I’d like to remind our beautiful people of the shire that if you ever need anything, or just want to catch up for a coffee, I’m always happy to do so.