By Mikayla van Loon
David Ferrier, a known community man for his work with Treasuring Our Trees, has taken the next step in representing the Yarra Ranges by nominating for the Walling Ward.
Deciding to nominate to be a strong advocate for the people of the Yarra Ranges, Mr Ferrier said he plans “lead by rolling my sleeves up and inspiring the community”.
“The Yarra Ranges will always captivate everyone with its beauty. It’s clear the council now requires a fresh perspective with new energy so as to create positive change,” he said.
“Families and residents right across the Yarra Ranges need a combination of strong leadership more than ever now and a deeper level of empathy and compassion.”
Mr Ferrier said with his experiences in life and the learnings he has gathered, it has “helped shape a deeper level of empathy, compassion and understanding” within him, which he now wishes to impart as a councillor.
Since the June 2021 storm which devastated parts of the shire, Mr Ferrier has worked to salvage fallen or removed trees to be repurposed in educational or functional projects.
This has led to many connections within the community and beyond, with Mr Ferrier saying his ‘can-do’ attitude, positive outlook and passion being a perfect combination to achieve outcomes for the community.
“I have built collaborations with various levels of local, state and federal government. Yarra Ranges council needs good people who are strong leaders…to source state and federal funding so as to take pressure off local ratepayers,” he said.
“I have been very successful in this space at a community level so now I’m proud to say I have the courage to step up to represent our wider community in local government if elected.”
If elected, Mr Ferrier said showcasing the beauty of the Yarra Ranges would be one of his priorities, especially in times of financial hardship.
“I’ve travelled extensively over five years, before raising a family, to various parts of the world. Here we have a combination of rich indigenous culture, captivating natural beauty and local history that I’d love to be promoted on a larger level to support local communities,” he said.
“I want everyone around the world to fall in love with the Yarra Ranges as we all have. Every extra tourist dollar could go towards supporting our local shops, artists and small businesses.”
To achieve this, Mr Ferrier said one of his elected proposals would be to oversee the construction of a Montrose Tourism/Community Centre in collaboration with the Wurundjeri First Nations Community.
“I strongly believe that this project could be marketed as the gateway to the Dandenong hills. A perfect destination and draw card for families and friends to visit, lunch and learn about the history of the hills and Wurundjeri culture before travelling up the mountain for day trips or weekends.
“It could play a meaningful part in not only supporting the local Montrose shopping centre but in fact help it develop into a thriving hub.”
He said he would love for this to be the first of four or five of its kind across the Yarra Ranges to promote the different aspects of the region.
Mr Ferrier has worked hard within his role at Treasuring Our Trees to ensure Indigenous culture and education was at the centre of his work.
It has inspired the numerous yarning circles and gardens built within school grounds across the shire.
“I want to see the construction of First Nations community projects across the Yarra Ranges in collaboration with the Wurundjeri people inspiring school children and our wider community about their rich culture, while also leading the way in organic reconciliation,” Mr Ferrier said.
Among the projects imbued with passion and an environmental focus are the largest sustainable kitchen garden project at Montrose Primary School and the rescuing of 50 or more trees from the Montrose roundabout and road upgrades, which will return to the community in some shape or form.
Also on his agenda would be to rebuild a pool at the Kilsyth site, a “valuable community asset”.
“Removing the old pool for health and safety was one thing, however, I do believe that we should explore building a new version on the current site.”
Mr Ferrier said other essentials for him if elected would be a focus on community disaster management and a support model for pre and post events, as well as supporting local groups and organisations to thrive with leadership and financial support.
“I hope to inspire new projects within our ward and will passionately support the wonderful work of local groups and organisations, including sporting clubs.”
Mr Ferrier said he would bring his history of “being a great listener and creative change” to his role of councillor, seeking the best for his residents.
“It’s time for a fresh perspective and new energy for the Walling Ward,” he said.
“I am a proud family man with an incredible work ethic who is driven to create solutions. A passionate nature lover who understands how important it is to care for our land whilst also caring for each other.”
