Close call for Tammy

By Tania Martin
THE people of Gembrook have put their faith in Tammy Lobato returning her as the sitting MP for the area after a tussle with Liberal challenger Simon Wildes.
Ms Lobato said it was a great honour to be able to represent the people of Gembrook for another four years.
“I feel very grateful that people have continued their faith in me,” she said.
Gembrook was one of three seats in the outer east including Ferntree Gully and Kilsyth which faced a nervous wait as postal and absentee votes were counted.
Now, three weeks after Victorians went to the polls, the seats have been decided with Tammy Lobato victorious over Liberal challenger Simon Wildes by 499 votes.
But it was not good news for the remaining Labor outer east seats as the Liberal Party took control of both Kilsyth and Ferntree Gully.
Former Shire of Yarra Ranges mayor David Hodgett will take the next step in his political career as the Kilsyth MP and former Knox councillor Nick Wakeling will take on the seat of Ferntree Gully.
Ms Lobato said she is looking forward to seeing the completion of many projects that she started in her last term, such as the Gembrook Primary School upgrade.
She will also work to improve public transport and bus services to the hills.
“We have had some really great results for transport in the area but getting a Gembrook to Pakenham connecting bus service will be a priority,” she said.
Ms Lobato said improved bus services are important to enhance young people’s opportunities for further education.
She is also excited about seeing GEMCO’s community theatre development completed after announcing a $200,000 commitment to the project if re-elected.
Ms Lobato said despite having several pet projects for the next four years, the main focus for the Labor Government will be the environment.
“We need to focus on the environment and water crisis because there is no point in us working on other projects if we aren’t able to achieve sustainable water supply and climate control,” she said.
Liberal challenger Simon Wildes said although he didn’t win it was a great experience for him.
“I really enjoyed the campaign and learned a hell of a lot,” he said.
“I learnt a lot about public speaking and the issues that are in the public domain.”
Now rethinking his career path, Mr Wildes said he has another two or three years before he decides if he will run for State Parliament again.
Mr Wildes, an accountant, said it is time for a change and is now trying to decide whether to go back to his chosen profession or try something new.
He is also thinking about rejoining the Emerald Village Committee which he took a leave of absence from while on the campaign trail.