Endorsements
Committed Diligent Reasoned Consultative
"Having worked with Cath on a very successful community environmental campaign to prevent Stevenson's Valley and Pretty Hill in Kangaroo Ground from being turned into landfill sites by the former Eltham Shire Council, I support her campaign for election to Nillumbik Council.
Cath's commitment to the local community and the Nillumbik Green Wedge are beyond question. Cath is a talented and refreshingly enthusiastic person who's diligence, reasoning, fair mindedness, collaborative and consultative approach will serve the community and council well. With 'hands on' roles on a multitude of committees over the years, she has good insight into the workings of Local Government and is comfortable not only asking the tough questions but in developing well thought out solutions. Cath has demonstrated ability to work with everyone from pre-schools and sporting clubs (on anything from fundraising to infrastructure projects) to residents running their own businesses. Cath will be a real asset in council and I wish her every success."
Allen Williams, Kangaroo Ground resident
Honest Skilled Leads by example
"I have known Cath Giles for over 3 years and have found her to be honest, reliable, hard working, conscientious, courteous and extremely knowledgeable in property and horse management – interests that we are both passionate about.
Cath is President of the Nillumbik Horse Action Group and has been involved with the management and upkeep of Council reserves and recreation trails in a voluntary capacity for many years. She is well versed in land management practices and also plays a role in Adult Riders within the Shire. With these skills and knowledge, she has been extremely resourceful and helpful in spreading the Landcare word between the Yarra Valley and Nillumbik Shires. Cath has attended many of the workshops that the Yarra Valley Equestrian Landcare Group has held over the years and in turn, run similar or complimentary workshops with the NHAG.
I highly recommend Cath as a candidate in the upcoming elections as she is passionate about the landscape of Nillumbik and being a horse owner, she is a great example of how good land management practices enable landowners to have the best of both worlds – horses and beautiful, sustainable properties. "
Tina Keene, President, Yarra Valley Equestrian Landcare Group Christmas Hills resident
Informed Balanced Strategic
"I have known Cath Giles for over 20 years. In that time I have seen her passion for Nillumbik across a number of areas including recreational activities, environmental and planned development. She has always approached every issue with a deep and through investigation of the facts to develop an informed position. She has considerable energy and I believe she would bring a balanced viewpoint to Council and strategic thinking for the short and long term benefit of the Shire."
Chris O'Connor, Panton Hill resident
Savvy Practical Level headed
"I have known Cath Giles for 27 years in the capacity of a friend and land manager. As environmental considerations are an extremely high priority for me, I have been impressed with Cath’s environmental savvy, instruction and consideration for projects. I think Cath’s balanced ideals would work very well for a large number of rural Nillumbik properties and residents in general. I have always admired and respected her practical and level headed approach and opinions to many issues we have discussed. If sensible and sustainable results are what we want for our lifestyles, then our vote for Cath will not be wasted."
Andrew Douglas, Weed Needs Environmental Management
Panton Hill resident
Energetic Professional Knowledge Thoughtful
“Cath has a record of community involvement that reflects both strong energy and constructive professionalism. She has the knowledge and the experience required for practical management of local affairs along with an ongoing commitment to a balanced approach to Nillumbik's future. Keeping the needs of the whole community in mind, I believe she will make thoughtful decisions regarding people, business and the environment.”
Dr D M Broom
Grey Horse Growth and Learning, Panton Hill
Wisdom Commitment Experience Passion
“I first became aware of the contribution Cath Giles has made to the Shire of Nillumbik when I was elected to represent the rural ward of Bunjil in 2008. Cath was a long standing member of the Recreational Trails Advisory Committee and a great source of wisdom and support for me as I took up my new role.
In the course of my time as a Councillor, in her involvement with Council matters, Cath demonstrated exceptional commitment to and understanding of the Nillumbik Community.
Her extensive experience in Council matters, and her passion in protecting the Green Wedge make her the standout candidate to represent Sugarloaf Ward this election.
I would not hesitate to give her my vote.”
Lewis Brock
Former Nillumbik Shire Councillor
Bunjil Ward, 2008-2011
Integrity Intelligent
“We have known Cath Giles for well over 10 years, originally meeting through our horsey friends. We have found Cath to be very down to earth and ‘tells it like it is’. She is honest, intelligent, hard working and delves deep into whatever job she is doing. A wonderful mother & community orientainted person for the Nillumbik Region. Her integrity goes with getting the job done. We have been involved with the Nillumbik Horse Action Group since its inception and worked on many issues, so we know how much effort Cath puts into getting our view across to all the community. Cath cares for the environment & attends many council planting days for our wonderful bush reserves. We wish Cath well in her run for Council.”
Pam & Peter Stuart DC and President, St Andrews Pony Club Smiths Gully residents
Respect Supportive Sound advice
“As a small business owner, running a café in Research, I have always appreciated Cath’s support for my endeavours and have often used her as a sounding board. I have enormous respect and admiration for Cath’s local community work which has ensured the preservation of many rural activities that enrich our unique country lifestyles in Nillumbik. She is a person of great integrity, passion, energy and respect for the people and environment of Nillumbik. These will serve her well in any future role in council and she has my full support.”
Zulal Rogers, Café Z, Research
Caring Experience Sensible Balance
"Cath cares deeply about our Green Wedge and will work tirelessly to ensure that the character and charm of the area is maintained. In this context, she takes a sensible and balanced approach when it comes to how we interact with our environment so that local tourism and rural living can occur in harmony and in keeping with the beautiful natural environment we all love. She has extensive experience when it comes to working with committees, community groups and dealing with council processes, so she will be able to navigate the 'bureaucracy' and represent our interests so that council is kept to account and is made to work for its rate payers.
We fully endorse Cath's nomination and know that she will be great for Sugarloaf."
John Tregambe, Nillumbik Estate Winery
“Cath is very level headed and focused; she is a person who will be a strong advocate for residents with balance and determination. As a business owner, I appreciate that Cath has always had 'open ears' and some great advice. I truly believe that Cath is the ideal candidate for Sugarloaf Ward where she will commit to giving it her best and always with the right intentions."
Paul Danelutti, Bettalectrix and Balance Gymnastics