In November former Parklea Community Development Officer Tammy Radford achieved her dream of becoming a Cardinia Shire councillor. As she settles into her new role, we thought it was a good time to catch up with Tammy for a chat about how her life has changed now that she is an elected official representing thousands of residents in and around Officer and Beaconsfield.
Tammy had what she describes as a “long and anxious” wait for the postal votes to be counted and the election result declared. “I was relieved and excited once the results were declared as I had worked hard during my campaign to demonstrate to the voters that I would work hard for them if elected,” Tammy said.
“I am so humbled and honoured that the Officer Ward community has entrusted me with this responsibility, and I will work hard over the next 4 years to ensure that all aspects of Officer Ward are well represented and fought for within council.”
Cardinia Shire is divided into 9 single councillor wards. Officer Ward includes parts of both Beaconsfield and Officer. Timbertop is in Officer Ward, while Kaduna Park is in nearby Westernport Ward, represented by Cr Ray Brown. Parklea’s newest development, Ridgelea at Pakenham East, will be represented by veteran Bunyip Ward councillor Graeme Moore.
Since the election was declared, Tammy has been busy undertaking induction and briefing sessions so that she is up to date with council matters. These have mostly been held online. “I have also had the opportunity to attend a number of community organisation meetings, which I really enjoyed,” she said. “I have been so impressed with how these organisations have adapted in order to continue connecting and engaging with the community by running activities online.”
Tammy said keeping up with the demanding schedule of a councillor had been the most challenging part of her new role to date. “Juggling induction and briefing sessions with the added reading required for council meetings has meant that I have really had to focus on my time management to ensure that I still leave time for my family.”
She said her first council meeting was a definite highlight as it sunk in that she was no longer a viewer but a participant with a hard earned place at the council table. “There have been many aspects of this role that I have enjoyed so far. In particular our first general council meeting. Having spent a number of years attending and observing these meetings from the gallery, I was excited to be on the other side and be participating.
“The council meetings are an opportunity for the public to listen and hear the important decisions made by the council. At the moment under the current restrictions the gallery is not open to attend meetings, but you can watch them live from your comfort of your home by clicking this link: Watch Council meetings – Cardinia Shire Council.”
Tammy has two key priorities over the next four years – progressing the Officer Town Centre Precinct development and improving Maternal and Child Health services.
“To maximise and strengthen our local economy and support local business, I would like to see some further progress of the Officer Town Precinct development and I would like to see an improvement to the delivery of Maternal and Child Health services with an increase to availability and facilities.”
As she settles into her new role, Tammy said she would like to thank residents for their support in electing her as their ward councillor.
“I will work hard for you all over the next 4 years to be your strong voice around the council table. I am looking forward to working with you all in building a strong, well connected community that is welcoming, diverse, and inclusive for everyone.
“I welcome you to contact me anytime as I am always happy to hear from you.”
To contact Tammy with any ideas, concerns or just to wish her good luck go to t.radford@cardinia.vic.gov.au, phone 0439 580 797 or find her on Facebook at Tammy Radford-Councillor Officer Ward | Facebook
Kaduna Park Estate residents can contact Cr. Ray Brown via: r.brown@cardinia.vic.gov.au or phone 0419 953 198.
Cardinia Shire residents are welcome to contact any of the 9 councillors for help. For a full list of councillors go to Mayor and councillors – Cardinia Shire Council
