{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Really Local","title":"Event: Why Local Matters","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":6117,"description":"In our recent event titled \"Why Local Matters,\" held in Castlemaine, we brought together community members, councillors, and local influencers to discuss the intricate dynamics between the community and council governance.Below is a summary of a few discussions during the evening, presented in a Q&A format with Bryn Davies, our moderator, engaging with the panel.\"Welcome everyone. Let's dive right in. Our first question is broad: What makes a good candidate for council, and how do we support good people running?\" - Bryn Davies, Really LocalWhat makes a good candidate for council?Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy MayorGood candidates are those who engage well with their community, take their job seriously, and are open to changing their minds on issues. They must work well with fellow councillors. We want everyone to be part of it and to get involved because the council is an extension of our community.How do we engage the community more effectively with the council?Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy MayorIt’s about making connections. Meeting people where they are, like in playgrounds or local festivals, helps us bypass traditional methods that may not capture everyone's engagement. Every respectful interaction we have with residents builds trust and encourages further involvement.Councillors' roles often include dealing with complicated and unpopular decisions. Can you share more about that experience?Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy MayorDecisions are not easy. They often require us to consider many perspectives and forego personal preferences for the community's best interests. An important part of our role is demonstrating that we are listening, even if we can't fulfill every request. For instance, prioritising road repairs or development planning comes with its set of challenges and community expectations.Matthew Driscoll, Councillor, MayorIndeed, we operate within very limited parameters and must often make decisions that not everyone is happy with. The...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/8MkIiGhwjGYUHpRw9_xZ-4_xKadWXH0HHGej528TIzY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hZGJi/MDIxZjgxYTkyZTYy/MmY1Mjk2MDc4YjFk/MzRmOC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}