ALF Walker says one of his proudest achievements as a councillor in the most recent team was to plant the new Performing Arts Centre firmly on the council’s agenda.
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He is seeking re-election to Goulburn Mulwaree Council to continue such work.
Cr Walker is well-known in the theatre of life, from acting regularly at the Lieder Theatre to the chair of Rocky Hill Music Theatre Company. He is also deputy chair of the Pejar Local Aboriginal Lands Council and works part-time with BaptistCare to provide emergency relief.
He has been an active mentor for the Youth Council through the ‘Be Seen, Be ‘Heard initiative, taking them to Cambodia last year. He also helps with Vibesfest concerts and other youth activities.
“I am proud of our last council, the way the council worked together towards projects such as the Performing Arts Centre,” Cr Walker said.
“It is 16 years since we sold the Lilac Time Hall and since then we have not had a public space to hold such events and the artistic community is crying out for it.
“There were moments when council doubted progressing ahead with it, whether they could get the extra funding required.
“There was a point when the $8 million was taken out of the budget and I demanded that it stay in.
“The Working Party is moving forward and it is a great adaptive reuse of the McDermott Centre.”
Cr Walker says he is there to assist the community.
“My drive is to have an active community focus and whether I am re-elected or not, I will still be active in this community,” he said.
“My family’s leadership within the Aboriginal community has shaped me as a leader and because of the opportunities that I have been given in Goulburn – this is why I want to give back.”
Cr Walker said he would like to continue to improve the council’s community engagement, including tapping into young people through social media, as well as traditional media.
On whether the council could be more open, he said: “Nothing is a done deal until the meeting.”
“But we can continue to strive towards transparency. This is why we are elected: to ensure this for the community.
“I don’t view council as a stepping stone. Politics is not important to me.
“I want to improve council’s essential services, such as roads, rates, rubbish, water and sewers.
“I also want to continue improving our complimentary programs such as services for youth, seniors, our disability services, the library, art gallery, pool and the Veolia Arena.”
To see or follow Cr Walker’s social media posts, go to facebook.com\cralfie
David Cole
Journalist at the Goulburn Post
Journalist at the Goulburn Post
