Councillor Carol Ryan will be looking to achieve her third term on Cardinia Shire Council, announcing she will be running for re-election this October.
The Henty Ward councillor, representing the centre of Pakenham, told the Gazette that she intends to nominate herself again for the ward in the upcoming council elections.
With the current term marked by the pandemic and tight budgets, she said the tough times have strengthened her resolve to represent Henty.
“The community has gone through some difficult times, tough decisions have had to be made for the changes and upgrade projects to be completed for improvement to our community,” Cr Ryan said.
“To be part of those changes and improvements not shying away from making tough decisions utilising my experience, knowledge, and skills over the past two terms, I know that times are really tough for my community.
“I feel it, I get it, there is still a lot of unfinished business, projects for the community that I want to see be completed, and I hope to serve my community again for another term.”
Cr Ryan has been a Pakenham local for 45 years and has been a strong mental health advocate through her public and professional roles.
She survived stage three cervical cancer after a diagnosis in 2014, through her recovery she became involved in council affairs and made a successful run in the 2016 election in the then-Central Ward.
In her role on the council, she has taken on issues around disabilities and mental health to create a more accessible shire, as well as involving herself in key projects for Henty Ward such as the current Pakenham Revitalisation Project.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve my community. I’ve enjoyed the challenges I have faced as a councillor,” Cr Ryan said.
