Get to know your Councillors: Cr Rebecca Sluggett
Published on 20 January 2025
We sat down with our newly elected Councillors to get to know them a little better. First cab off the rank is Councillor Rebecca Sluggett, who was elected to represent the Kalimna Ward.
How did you come to live in the Horsham Rural City Council?
I grew up in Nhill and lived in Nurcoung and Goroke for the first 11 years of our marriage. My whole life I have often come to Horsham for shopping, health care, entertainment, and further education. While undertaking full time study at Longerenong College my family moved to a rental in Vectis to be closer to Longy and my husband Dale’s new job. We purchased our home near Pimpinio in 2020, where we plan to stay.
What do you enjoy about living in our municipality?
We love living in the Wimmera and Horsham area for the natural beauty, the agricultural industry and people within our community that generally have a relaxed and friendly personality. We enjoy that Horsham has a good range of shopping opportunities, a lot of day trip locations to explore, and so far we are yet to be without employment opportunities. As a family we have found that there are a wide range of different schooling and job opportunities for our children.
What inspired you to become a councillor?
I enjoy knowing how things work, the 'whys' behind decisions as well as meeting and supporting people. I have always had a strong interest in politics, debating and research. The 2024 Leadership Program gave me the confidence to put myself forward as a candidate for Kalimna Ward. I had often been frustrated with decisions of Council, and decided by getting involved I might be able to understand and influence the decision making process in a way that positively included community.
How have you found the first three months?
It’s has been a bit of a whirlwind of activity and emotions. There has been a lot of training, catching up on what is already happening and trying to fit it all in around work. I am really enjoying working with the entire team, I feel we have different skill sets that really complement one another and that we are all getting comfortable with discussing matters in a constructive manner.
The enormity of the role is really starting to sink in, especially as we move through the process of hiring a new CEO. There are times I have felt frustrated with process, as I am generally a person who likes to find a solution quickly. Overall, I am really enjoying the role of councillor thus far, I am looking forward to the next four years.
What are your main goals for our community during your term?
- To ensure that community can engage with Council, and that they feel heard when they do
- That volunteers and not for profits that bring events, infrastructure and services to our community are well supported to do so
- That community are encouraged and supported to consider contributing to infrastructure projects with grants and funding that isn’t available to council Examples: Play space upgrades, public amenities, or seating areas. This would be a wonderful way of getting projects done that certain groups might be passionate about and want sooner than council can budget for
- That we ensure spending is sensible, considered, and practicable.
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of your work as a councillor?
I have a hobby farm where the animals are more in charge than we are, and delight in highlighting that I need to spend a lot more time replacing internal fencing. Luckily the 20 odd sheep and 10 chooks are happy to follow me anywhere if I have a bucket in hand. I enjoy reading, board games and a lazy day in the kayak. I love the smell of a rainstorm just before it hits, watching the birds going crazy as it starts and the sound of rain on the roof. Despite been a busy person I enjoy taking the time to appreciate the small things in life.