New challenger steps up for Division One

Jay Fielding

A LOCAL man has announced he will run for Division 1 at the next Fraser Coast Regional Council elections.

Darcy Wain says he is eager to begin campaigning a little over 12 months before residents head to the polls.

“I want to get on the ground and start interacting with our community. I want to give back to our community,” Mr Wain said.

If elected, he said he would be a voice for the opinions of residents of Division 1 and the Fraser Coast at the council.

“I want to run because something I’m very passionate about is doing the best for my community,” he said.

“I want to make those decisions – it might not be the easiest decision – but it’s the right decision.”

Mr Wain said he would be guided by principles of trust and following through on promises.

“If you say one thing, do what you say,” he said.

“I feel like there’s a lot of politicians these days that will say one thing and then go do another thing.”

His pitch to voters is that he will bring a fresher, younger outlook to the council and will be a proactive force for positive change.

Mr Wain said he felt strongly about issues including mental health and the state of local roads.

“We’ve got some of the worst roads around here, especially in Division 1.

“It’s such a large division and we’ve got some shocking roads.”

The born and bred local went to Parke State School and St Mary’s College and has worked in the retail, metal fabrication and customer service fields.

He has also volunteered and been involved with Baddow Scout Group, St Paul’s soup kitchen and the Maryborough City Whistle Stop’s Mary Ann steam train and is a member of the Rotary Club of Maryborough City.

Most recently, he’s started attending Toastmasters.

“One of the big things when I was growing up was my family always taught me to give back to the community, give back more than you take.”

Division 1 is the second largest of the Fraser Coast’s 10 council divisions and includes Howard, Torbanlea, Aldershot, Maryborough West, Oakhurst, Yengarie, Boompa, and Yerra.

It has been represented by Councillor James Hansen, a dairy farmer from Boompa, since 2012.