JOIN IN TO MAKE GIPPSLAND GREAT: CHESTER
January 14, 2013
Building stronger, safer and fairer communities across Gippsland will require more people to participate in civic life, according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester said his focus in 2013 was to encourage locals to join community and sporting organisations and to take an interest in helping the region and its young people to achieve their full potential.
“I’m constantly amazed by the service of our volunteers but we need more people to join in to help make Gippsland an even greater place to visit; to live and work; to enjoy retirement; and to raise a family,” Mr Chester said.
“My New Year’s resolution is to encourage all Australians to count their blessings and to be more positive and optimistic about the future.
“We are blessed to live in a magnificent country and although we have many challenges, the future is in our hands and Gippslanders have many reasons to be proud of our region.
“Our region is well served by its volunteer workforce but most organisations are struggling to attract new members and the workload is falling on older members of the community. I’m challenging all Gippslanders to join a community or sporting organisation in 2013 and make a contribution to our region.”
Mr Chester said he would continue his work to build stronger links across the Gippsland and Latrobe Valley business community to encourage more businesses to employ local people and support economic growth in the region.
“The security of a job underpins all of our efforts to tackle the cost of living and build prosperity in Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“Throughout 2013, I will be continuing to highlight the importance of supporting the local business community and encouraging Gippslanders to work together to protect jobs in our traditional industries and to create new opportunities.
“All levels of government can help businesses by reducing red tape, purchasing goods from local suppliers and giving business owners the confidence to invest with certainty.
“I’m keen to listen to any ideas from local business owners who are interested in expanding and creating new opportunities in Gippsland.”
Mr Chester said the Federal election, expected in the second half of 2013, would be focused on economic issues and he was determined to ensure the needs of regional Australia were recognised.
“Regional areas like Gippsland already make an enormous contribution to the wealth of our nation and we need to receive a fairer share of government funding for key services like transport, health, education, childcare, aged care and the disability sector,” Mr Chester said.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the many people in our region who share my passion for the future of Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.”
