General News
21 May, 2026
Strong crowd show for Jo
“So, we can put 3,000 new police on the streets, invest in regional healthcare, fix our roads properly so they stay fixed, and back our farmers by protecting their land and their livelihoods.”
A LADIES group was an audience for Ripon hopeful Jo Armstrong last week in Bridgewater.
A chance meeting at the Rheola Carnival earlier this year turned into a night of “thoughtful discussion, practical ideas and passionate advocacy” when Mrs Armstrong, Nationals candidate for the seat, spoke to the Kooyoora Women’s Network.
The Bridgewater Hotel was full of happy faces, but at times serious questioning as the women sought to find Ms Armstrong’s priorities coming into the State Election in November.
“I live here, I’ve raised my family here, and I work and volunteer here,” Mrs Armstrong, who lives on a farm on Tatyoon (near Ararat, said.
“When I see our communities going backwards, it’s not just politics to me it’s personal, that’s why I put my hand up, to make sure our communities get their fair share. “
“After more than a decade of Labor governments, regional Victoria has been going backwards. Our roads are falling apart, our communities are less safe, and health services are harder to access.”
After hearing about her background and work as an Ararat City councillor and mayor, there was strong discussion around the importance of mentoring new councillors, creating positive council culture, transparency in government and ensuring rural communities receive fair funding and opportunities.
The conversation also covered a wide range of important regional issues including governance, succession planning on committees, volunteer burnout, roads, health services, insurance pressures and support for farmers.
“Our people deserve their fair share, The Nationals have the plan to deliver it, and I will fight for it every single day,” Mrs Armstrong said.
“The Nationals have a plan to stop the waste and end the corruption.
“So, we can put 3,000 new police on the streets, invest in regional healthcare, fix our roads properly so they stay fixed, and back our farmers by protecting their land and their livelihoods.”
“As a councillor and Mayor, I’ve had to deliver on a budget, be accountable to my neighbours, and get things done.
“That’s the experience I’ll take to Spring Street - not talk, but a track record of actually getting results for regional communities.”
The Kooyoora Women’s Network (KWN) is devoted to representing, empowering, and supporting rural women who would otherwise be socially isolated and unheard.
These are values KWN president Colleen Condliffe said are shared with Mrs Armstrong.
“She’s going to speak up for us in the country and it’s what we need,” she said.
“We’ve been forgotten for far too long and hopefully someone like Jo can change that for us come November.”
Read More: Bridgewater