Grateful to serve Yarri community

Afarming long-standing link to the Wimmera’s

community was the force that drove Helen Ballentine to stand as a councillor more than 15 years ago.

Now the Yarriambiack Shire councillor, who has also been both mayor and deputy mayor, will step down from her role.

Joining the council in 2005, Cr Ballentine had a first-hand understanding of the impact drought was having on the community at the time and recognised a need for strong support and governance oversight of key community service organisations.

She said it was her close connection to the Wimmera that led to her long-standing commitment as a public servant.

“My passion in everything I have done has been to improve our quality of life, and my memories of everything rotate around this core principle,” she said.

“I am grateful to have served my community and will miss doing so. I hope the next representatives of the Hopetoun ward and Yarriambiack council are committed to making the communities the best places they can be.”

Cr Ballentine said losing a family member in the past year forced her to wind back from her duties in the council.

“In the past I have juggled my personal and public roles well, but since losing my son to sudden death in April 2019, I have realised how unpredictable life is and how I need to spend more time on myself and my husband and take a few more extended holidays,” she said.

“This has meant making the decision to step away from council, of which I have very much loved being a part of but for which I recognise I can no longer give all the time commitment it deserves to serve the community.”

Cr Ballentine fell into the role after seeking a change in lifestyle.

Balancing family farm obligations with her position as a social worker at the Department of Health and Human Services in Horsham was becoming too difficult to manage.

“I decided to pursue other opportunities closer to home, where I could continue to contribute to the community. I decided to run for council,” she said.

Cr Ballentine’s community involvement had already been extensive – multiple years with Rotary, progress associations and as a board member for Rural Northwest Health.

Strong voice

Cr Ballentine was elected as councillor for Hopetoun ward in 2005 and later elected as mayor, in 2008-09 local government elections.

Her service to the shire has crossed many different sectors, partnering with Yarriambiack tourism leaders to help to promote the region and serving as a strong voice for Wimmera Mallee Tourism for 13 years.

She is also on the board of a network representing the needs of women living in rural areas.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement on council, and it has been a tough decision to retire,” Cr Ballentine said.

“I will miss the role and also miss the trips to Parliament and Canberra advocating on behalf of this incredible region, the unique and special occasions to be celebrated, and the people I have associated with.”

Mayor Graeme Massey said her service to the council would be missed.

“Helen has made major contributions to a wide range of organisations and committees during the past 15 years,” he said.

“I have great admiration for Helen’s many achievements, especially her roles with Wimmera Mallee Tourism, Yarriambiack Tourism and the Women on Farms gathering at Hopetoun in 2016.”