I am both delighted and humbled by the opportunity to represent Tarrengower Ward for the next four years from November 2024.

Thank you to all who have encouraged, advised and supported me to reach this stage. Thank you also for the volunteers and donors who generously contributed their time and resources, supporting me as the Tarrengower Ward Councillor for Mount Alexander Shire on Djaara Country.

I look forward very much to working together across the community, supporting community voice and values in all that we do.

Standing for Tarrengower

Rosalie is your Councillor  for Tarrengower Ward which includes Maldon, Baringhup, Walmer, Nuggetty and surrounding areas.

She brings a wealth of experience from working in local government, with and for communities for more than three decades.

Passionate about enabling the strengths and values of local communities, Rosalie has the commitment and the know-how to represent you effectively at Mount Alexander Shire Council.

“ A fresh start in Tarrengower means that we can build a better relationship between Council and our community so that we can get things done with and for our community.

With more than 30 years of achievements in community and local government I know from experience how Council works and how we can get things done. When I commit, I follow through and achieve.

I am passionate about bringing the many parts of our community together. I will listen, and represent all parts of our community when it comes to Council matters - from heritage to business, from environment to roads, planning, events and more.

Good decisions need many voices to come together, to be heard and to act for change. The voices of Tarrengower residents, businesses and our many passionate community groups represent a wealth of knowledge and tenacity. It is these voices and the energy that they bring, which shapes and directs our community and which need to be heard and respected.

I will use my knowledge and skills in the vital areas of community, Council, planning, building partnerships and attracting resources to work with the whole community to build a stronger Tarrengower and Mount Alexander Shire together.”

Feel free to contact me if you’d like to

  • Discuss the Council issues that matter to you

  • Invite me to talk with your group

  • Talk about your ideas for ways that we can work together for the good of the whole community

    CONTACT ME

    0407 991403

    tarrengower@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

I acknowledge and pay my respects to the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples. They are the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters that make up their Country, which includes Mount Alexander Shire

I WILL

Listen and learn from the many different voices in our community

Advocate to preserve and share the stories and the heritage of Maldon and Tarrengower and Mount Alexander Shire

Demonstrate respect and work constructively with my fellow Councillors and Council Officers

Support our local businesses - the backbone of our local economy

Promote opportunities for social and affordable housing

Explore ways of ensuring that the impact of the State Government’s targets for future housing growth take into account the character, heritage and values of our communities.

Respect and promote the experience and knowledge of our many passionate community leaders, groups, and volunteers who are the lifeblood of our community

Help you to navigate the sometimes confusing and frustrating process of Council so that you can access the support and services that you need

Be transparent and honest, sharing updates on Council issues and matters through our local radio In Maldon Today and Tarrengower Times

Advocate strongly for a safe, livable community for all : from traffic issues to housing issues and more

Be vigilant in advocating for best-value and efficient delivery of services including waste, roads and maintenance of assets

Promote and support TARRENGOWER TOMORROW - the community plan developed in 2021 through extensive community consultation. The plan captures many of the aspirations we can strive for across the areas of : economy, environment, community, heritage and the arts.

Join with you to celebrate the events, the wins and the triumphs that make Tarrengower and Mount Alexander Shire special

Making a difference

When we work together, we can make a positive difference. Prior to becoming a Councillor my recent advocacy and contributions to Tarrengower community interests included :

MALDON TRAFFIC SAFETY  

Supporting and providing advocacy advice to the Maldon Traffic Safety Group to improve safety and amenity in Maldon. 

The issue of heavy traffic/ b-double trucks passing through Maldon concerns many residents, and interest groups including heritage groups. Through working together, this group rapidly grew support and membership, and attracted over 800 signatures to a petition that has been presented to the Hon Maree Edwards, Member for Bendigo West, and to the Victorian Legislative Assembly in August 2024.

LOCAL PLANNING ISSUES

Supporting a group of concerned residents objecting to a proposed subdivision of flood-prone land at 1 Lowther Street into 16 housing lots. The proposed subdivision, presented multiple issues including: flood risk, safety, impact on natural heritage and lack of connectedness. Through an extended process of engagement, negotiation, research and advocacy we were able to demonstrate to Councillors that the application should be rejected in the interests of the health, safety and character of the Maldon township. ( September 2024)

COMMUNITY HOUSING

We need more affordable housing in Maldon, that is well designed and built on appropriate sites. I am proud to be a part of the Tarrengower Tomorrow - Community Housing Group, auspiced by the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre and seeking ways of funding affordable housing to assist with shortages for staff accomodation, families and other groups.

A little bit about me

From growing up in the Adelaide Hills surrounded by nature I learnt to value the world that we are born into and the importance of taking care of our precious resources.

From being a serious and dedicated young musician as well as working in my parents’ small business from an early age, I learnt the satisfaction of achieving through hard work and appreciating the lessons that others can teach us.

As a parent of a wonderful adult child, and with the privilege of a long and happy marriage, my family is central to everything I do

As a successful student and a professional with more than thirty years of experience working in community, mental health promotion, and local government in Melbourne and regional Victoria, I have learnt the importance of respecting the individual as well as leading effectively within small and large organisations.

I have chosen to make Maldon and Central Victoria my home - I love the natural landscape, the environment, the wildlife that share this home with us; I am in awe of Dharran Gauwa ( “big rough mountain” in Djaara language); I learn from the built form and the legacy of more recent histories that speak the story of gold in our region; I am inspired by the passion, talents and resilience of our people and the extraordinary range of events and creativity that connect across our communities.

We cannot take any of this for granted. There are many, many groups and individuals who work tirelessly to champion, protect and challenge for the good of our communities. With the imminent growth of Maldon in line with the State Government’s goals for increased housing, and the fragility of the heritage fabric of our town and landscape, it is vital that we remain vigilant and active in being a part of future directions and key decisions.

Being Local

View my TedX Maldon talk where I reflect on what it means to be “local”

What makes a "local" in your community? | Rosalie Hastwell | TEDxMaldon Live (youtube.com)

Pictured left with MC Simon Dow , May 2024

Really Local - Maldon Matters

On 21 July approximately 40 local people from Maldon and surrounds came together to talk about what matters to the Tarrengower community and how we might be able to build a stronger relationship with Council.

View the event recap at https://www.reallylocal.au/news-and-events/item/maldon-matters-recap

Women Leading Locally Awards (2024)

I am proud to be the recipient of a Women Leading Locally Award for women preparing to stand for VIctorian Councils that have an under-representation of women councillors. Mount Alexander Shire is one of these Councils.

Pictured at the Awards event in August 2024 with Ruth McGowan OAM, former Councillor and Mayor Mount Baw Baw Shire Council and Licia Heath, CEO Women for Election

Certificate in Community Leadership and Governance ( Local Government) - Institute of Community Directors Australia

Community Leader Fellowship - Institute of Community Directors Australia