Until now, family, farming and teaching have been her life’s focus. Children Adelaide and Zac were raised in “a great rural community, attending rural school in Savernake and Yarrawonga, surrounded by family, friends and sports”.
“My husband Hugh Smith and I run a successful agricultural business growing grain and wool on our fourth-generation family farm,” Janette said.
“My father-in-law, John Smith, contributed as a community leader for the then Shire of Corowa for over 40 years, serving as both councillor and mayor (president).”
As a volunteer, Janette has served as a board member of the Yarrawonga and District Health Service, sat on school councils, hosted suppers at theatre nights, attended working bees for our local halls and reserves and volunteering at the Rennie Football and Netball Club lolly shop during home games.
She is a passionate advocate for the advancement of women in our region, having represented Australian rural women at the International Agricultural Women’s Conference, volunteered with Australian Women in Agriculture and the Victorian Women’s Trust and contributed to innovative groups like the Savernake Rural Women’s group that developed skills and self-esteem for women of all ages in our district.
Janette has taught in primary schools throughout the Federation Council area including; Savernake, Oaklands, Corowa, Lowesdale and Mulwala – whilst operating her own private business focused on coaching and mentoring emerging business leaders in rural and agricultural communities.
“I stand for clear decision-making in the interests of ratepayers, and I want to contribute to the vision and strategic objectives that advance our communities and environment, and secure our future economic prosperity,” she said.
“Clear issues emerge as I talk to people: the inability of the Mulwala-Yarrawonga bridge to service our community and industries, the closure of the weir bridge, particularly to freight movements and emergency services.
“Community safety is an issue in Melbourne Street, Mulwala. What is the strategy for getting on with the Mulwala foreshore development and the Melbourne Street streetscape plan?
“We have a responsibility to ensure that new development is delivered with high standards of amenity in keeping with our rural values and accommodates housing diversity.
“Our small villages need leadership around safety, housing and basic services like sewerage and water.
“I’d like to work with farmer groups like Riverine Plains to advance an agricultural strategy for Federation Council, one that looks to the next generation of farmers in our region.”
Ensuring safety by prioritising road maintenance in our region through strong government advocacy and an equitable local rates scheme is essential,” Janette said.
“Only two women on our nine-member council doesn’t stack up in our community where 52 per cent of us are female,” she said.
“The needs of women are underrepresented in rural and agricultural business and advocacy forums.
“I’m committed to building strong agricultural and rural communities and to the future for our kids and our communities.
“Help me to take a seat at the table and be your voice on council.”
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