My family chose this place, the Ovens Valley, to begin a new life. We had been holidaying here for years - our kids learned to swim in the Buckland River and learnt to ride their bikes at the caravan park. We came here looking for community, and we found it. That's a big part of why I'm standing: to give back to a place that's given us so much.
Meet Steve
Coaching is about those within your club walking out better people than when they walked in.
- Steve Manning
Why I'm running
Government at all levels right now needs brave, strong community-minded leadership. And our region needs to know that they have a real, genuine alternative this election. One who will have the Ovens Valley best interests front of mind for any policy decisions made. Cost of living, healthcare, being heard aren't abstract issues to me. They're what my family, and yours, deal with every day. I'm running because this community deserves a representative who's lived it, not just talked about it.
How I solve problems
I've been an electrician for 30 years, and ran my own business for 15. I’ve thrived on problem solving. You listen, you diagnose, you fix it, you deliver. That's exactly how I will represent this community - listen first, work out what's actually wrong, then get the job done.
Showing up for the community
To me, coaching was never just about winning games of footy - it's about those within your club walking out better people than when they walked in. I encouraged them to care about something else other than themselves. At North Wangaratta, we took a stand against family violence, standing side by side with our opponents, making a commitment that we all will do better. It has also been an honour to play a role in local mental health initiative Project 365, helping spearhead the inaugural Ovens and Murray Football Netball League Mental Health Round, raising money to fund mental health first aid training to all 10 clubs.
How I’ll represent you
I will listen to people across Ovens Valley, including those who disagree with me, and treat their experiences and ideas seriously. I will make decisions based on what I believe is right for our communities, be clear about who and what I can influence, and explain the reasons for my decisions. When someone brings me an issue, I will follow it through and report back honestly, even when I cannot get the answer we hoped for. Accessible, available, accountable.