Steady Progress for Re-election but too early to call

Ashleigh Vandenberg’s campaign for re-election in the City of Melton’s Jackwood Ward has been progressing steadily. Her focus remains on community driven issues like tackling illegal rubbish dumping through expanded CCTV coverage, launching a youth outreach bus and initiating a neighbourhood watch program and tackling local road and infrastructure, health and maternal and child health services.

These initiatives resonate well with local residents, as rubbish dumping and safety have been significant concerns raised during community events, including the recent "Meet the Candidate" event hosted by Woodlea Estate. Vandenberg’s dedication to advocating for more resources for sporting clubs, road improvements and other infrastructure needs has also garnered support.

Grassroots is key

Her campaign is grassroots in nature, with Vandenberg aiming to knock on every door which she completed in the Jackwood Ward to connect directly with voters. She emphasizes the importance of listening to resident feedback and has kept her message clear: she is committed to continuing her efforts to improve family services, advocate for increased police presence, and upgrade local sporting facilities and parks

As for social media engagement, Vandenberg’s Facebook page is active with posts about her platform and recent events. She engages regularly with her constituents, updating them on campaign progress, attending community events, and responding to local concerns. Her engagement levels appear higher compared to other candidates, who tend to post less frequently. While other candidates also utilize Facebook for their campaigns, Vandenberg’s page shows more consistent interaction from the community, reflecting her established presence in the ward.

With just weeks left until the election, Vandenberg is continuing to build on the momentum she has gathered, leveraging both online and in-person outreach to solidify her re-election bid. The outcome may hinge on how effectively she can balance these efforts with the growing concerns of residents in the rapidly developing Jackwood Ward.

Dirty Campaign Tricks

It hasn't all been without hiccups as other people running in the same ward going for the 1 spot attempt to utilise old school dirty politics finding images of her at work with LGBTIQ community groups within the health sector as well as important initiatives like a voice to parliament which was intended to support first nations representation in Australia.

Also included in the picture is an image of the former Premier Daniel Andrews who many applaud led tirelessly throughout the pandemic but some still hold onto criticism for such long lockdowns.

However, It was in Ashleigh's first term on council where she was able to discuss important community issues with the then premier and have state support on a number of important community initiatives.

Truth Comes Out

But as the campaign picked up the truth came out on what was really behind the issue as one of the candidates who is also an incumbent was fired from the same workplace as Ashleigh who is a registered nurse and it appears as if these sour grapes expand into matters that have nothing to do with Ashleigh.

While he may believe this call out gives him a sympathy vote, in fact complaining because you lose your job 3 years ago and not informing the community if he has had another job since makes him look worse.

Other candidates have taken aim at Ashleigh and it is due to her strong community support which is nothing short of amazing due to her commitment to be a person of action and listen, act and deliver for her community.

As the deadline get's closer, we're all wondering.

Will she be re-elected or is it time to move on from local politics?