Cr Jo Armstrong - Mayor
Since her election in 2016, Cr Jo Armstrong has continually strived to foster a vibrant future for all who live, work, and play in Ararat Rural City - balanced with economic sustainability.
An effective change-maker, Jo continues to positively influence Council’s much-improved relationship with the community; Jo’s constituents have enjoyed her guidance across planning matters, health and community care services, library services and the improved standards of our vital roads network.
Jo is dedicated to building regional relationships, which she believes are key to furthering Ararat Rural City’s interests.
“I have put in a sustained effort to build our community confidence and pride over the past eight years – four of which I have been honoured to serve as your mayor,” says Jo. “The exceptional work achieved by our innovative and increasingly efficient council must continue with a team-based, consensus approach.
“I am an empathetic ally to community groups and love supporting people to achieve their aspirations by working together and making the most of available resources.
“Council must do its best to maximise opportunities for economic development, balanced with a long-term view to capacity and sustainability.”
Phone: 0437 132 896
Email: [email protected]
Cr Bob Sanders - Deputy Mayor
Cr Bob Sanders has called the Ararat district home for 50 years, 37 (and counting!) of which he has spent with his wife Rosi. The couple have three children and five grandchildren, all of whom reside in Ararat.
Bob’s early interest in agriculture lead to a job shearing on the family farm, a role he enjoyed for 15 years. He later spent eight years in the correctional services arena, after which he and Rosi purchased a small electrical and furniture business.
As keen volunteer within the Ararat community for over four decades, Bob has served with the CFA, spent 21 years with the Ararat Lions Club, and is the Club’s current president. He has been President of Ararat’s Victorian Farmers Federation chapter, held membership with the Ararat Motorcycle Club, worked as Secretary and President of Moyston Landcare, and been President of the Moyston/Willaura Football Netball Club.
“This period has been, I consider, the most progressive and forward-thinking time Ararat and surrounds has seen,” he says of his previous term. “I look forward to [continuing] working with my fellow councillors, our CEO, and Council staff, in turning Ararat Rural City into a positive place for all in the future,” he says, adding that “good governance and sound fiscal principles are at the forefront of all decisions I make for you.”
Phone: 0427 939 734
Email: [email protected]
Cr Rob Armstrong
As a sixth-generation farmer in the Langi Logan district, Cr Rob Armstrong holds an solid understanding of Ararat Rural City and the issues which face our community.
In addition to being a lifetime local, Rob possesses ample business experience in several areas. He is committed to bringing businesses back to Ararat, creating employment opportunities and expanding the area’s industrial hub. He also holds a strong focus on developing our tourism sector to bring in more money for our community - which in turn creates more jobs.
“I think it is very important that we unite and work closely together, to motivate our community to move forward and become a leading town in the region,” says Rob.
“ I am proud of the achievements we have made; it is my goal to see our shire be one of the best in Australia.
“We have new businesses wanting to set up in Ararat, which will create hundreds of new jobs, housing developments, a new sporting facility and we are now rated as one of the best councils in Victoria.”
Phone: 0436 832 526
Email: [email protected]
Cr Peter Joyce
Fourth generation Ararat resident Peter Joyce has been a part of our various community groups for his entire life, playing various sports for over 40 years in local clubs and holding membership with the CFA for over 30 years, as well as volunteering with numerous charity and social groups.
He has worked in the agricultural industry and 24 years, as well as in government areas specialising in policy, compliance, health, safety and security. He also manages a small local business with his family.
Peter wishes to see our community “continue to prosper” while ensuring that “growth is managed responsibly and inclusively.”
His priorities within Council range from revitalising our main streets by supporting existing and new potential businesses, to completion of the Ararat Hills Trails Project, protecting and improve recreational areas and open spaces, and ensuring rates are reasonable, while the revenue from those rates is invested responsibly.
Peter believes it’s important Council is “responsible in its financial, ethical, and strategic decisions.”
“My background in government, coupled with my experience in farming and running a small business locally, equips me with a diverse perspective that [will] be invaluable in council deliberations,” he says.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0482 979 079
Cr Teli Kaur
Teli Kaur’s wealth of experience within the Ararat community extends far beyond her 13 years spent as a resident in the municipality. As the manager of Ararat Neighbourhood House, she has been instrumental in driving numerous community programs aimed at enhancing social inclusion, supporting vulnerable groups, and fostering skill development through training and resource accessibility.
“I am passionate about the town’s growth and the well-being of its residents,” she says, attesting her leadership will “draw from [her] extensive background in community service and management.”
The mother of two is deeply invested in the future of Ararat. Her focus lies in uplifting the community’s varied voices, supporting local businesses with increased grant options and incentives, advocating for mental health programs, and organising community events for Ararat’s diverse population.
“With my leadership skills, local knowledge, and commitment to community development, I am ready to represent the people of Ararat and make a positive difference in the Council,” Teli says.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0456 025 749
Cr Luke Preston
Luke Preston is proud to represent the voices of our community’s younger generation, along with those residents who own fledgling businesses and/or are living in the municipality with very small children. As a small business owner, Cr Preston is enthused to see the introduction of strategy that will rejuvenate small business and improve Ararat’s business district.
“I moved away from Ararat for a few years, and then came back home where I realised Ararat has a lot of potential,” he says. “There are a big handful of things that just need a bit of a push.”
He is supportive of new development to build population and employment.
“A lot of locals aren’t happy with certain infrastructure getting pushed ahead in town, but what they don’t realise is that’s bringing people to town which is creating jobs,” he says. “If no one moves to Ararat, those empty shops won’t fill up.
“There’s a lot of people my age who live here with young families and we all want the same thing: a better Ararat.”
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0467 707 566
Cr Bill Waterston
As an Ararat local of 63 years, Cr Bill Waterston has deep roots within our community. In addition to working for the Department of Health and Human Services for 36 years, he’s a life member of the YMCA and even gave his name to the township’s original skate park, which he helped build. Bill and his wife Rhonda have two children, and two grandchildren.
Bill believes it is crucial to both attract and retain small business in Ararat to enhance employment opportunities, and to continually improve our streetscape, drawing visitors to our shopping precinct.
Developments such as the new mountain bike track are especially within Bill’s focus, for their incredible benefit to Ararat in bringing visitors all year around. While he acknowledges roads both in the city and rural areas have come a long way, he believes their continual improvement is key to Ararat’s future success.
“Our previous council being so proactive and forward-thinking in my opinion has left Ararat Rural City in a tremendous position to move forward,” says Bill.
“Our city is certainly heading in the right direction.
By working together, we will achieve great outcomes and results. I am passionate and caring, and only want what is best for Ararat Rural City.”
Phone: 0437 312 193
Email: [email protected]
