Rebecca Stockfeld is the new director of planning and environment at the Macedon Ranges council. She’s a local, with great knowledge of the ins-and-outs of local government, and relishes the opportunity to serve her community. She told Elsie Lange what she loves about the region and her connection to it.
Tell us a bit about you
I have recently moved to Macedon Ranges Shire Council from a role as General Manager Infrastructure and Planning at Central Goldfields Shire Council. I have extensive experience in land use planning, economic development and managing change, having worked in senior planning roles in local and state government. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to bring this experience to a local role, and to help guide the future of my community.
What’s your connection to the Macedon Ranges?
I live locally in Woodend and have children in three local schools in the Macedon Ranges. My wider family farm wool in Pipers Creek. I’ve lived in the area for nine years, and feel a very strong connection both to the people and the natural environment.
What do you like about where you live?
This is a difficult question – there are so many things I like about where I live including the natural landscapes, the facilities for our family like dance classes and basketball at Buffalo Stadium, the walking tracks in the many reserves like Black Hill Reserve, the botanic gardens and community park in Kyneton, the gorgeous cafes in the towns and of course, the Woodend library. I’m also proud to live in such an engaged and active community – the number of individuals and groups achieving and supporting really meaningful initiatives and activities is impressive.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
On a wishful list that might be the weather – the long Woodend winter can be trying!
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Walking the Five Mile Creek trail in the early morning can be incredibly beautiful any time of year. I am also particularly fond of the Macedon Ranges in autumn – it’s a stunning part of the world, particularly at this time.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I like to explore. I once rode my bike around Tasmania over four weeks with my partner, carrying very little apart from a tent and a change of clothes. You see so much walking and cycling.
