Edward Oram running for Division 4 in Rockhampton 2024 election

Edward Oram would like to see better services and community events in his division. See why he is running for council.

Edward Oram, division 4 councillor candidate for Rockhampton Regional Council.

Edward Oram has thrown his hat in the ring to run against incumbent Ellen Smith in her position as Division 4 councillor with Rockhampton Regional Council.

Ms Smith has been a councillor for the Rockhampton region for 20 years, serving on the Fitzroy Shire Council from 2000 to 2008, and on Rockhampton Regional Council from 2012 to her current term in 2024.

File photo of councillor Ellen Smith.

The area covers the rural areas of Gracemere and Bouldercombe.

Mr Oram hails from Pink Lily, where he grew up on small acreage and his family were part owners of Fitzroy Nurseries until 2000.

The 43-year-old now lives in Gracemere with his wife and they have a blended family of two girls and three boys, from 17 to 21.

The owner and operator of Gotcha Covered Agricultural Services, a small family business that tackles vegetation management, he previously worked for council for more than decade in cemeteries, parks and gardens.

Edward Oram at North Rockhampton cemetery. Photo Allan Reinikka / The Morning Bulletin
Morning Bulletin files from 2012

“I am family and community oriented. I am hard working and dedicated to anything I’m working on,” he said.

“I am a huge advocate for inclusion and I am not afraid to speak up for what is right. “

His campaign slogan is “a fresh perspective”.

“I’m running for councillor because I’m passionate about my community, my family and my friends. I want so much more for all of them, such as better services and better community events,” he said.

“I want people to have pride in what they see, and I want to be the one that advocates for that on their behalf.

“I want to be the ear that listens and the voice that speaks up for what’s needed most.”

Gracemere Lions Edward and Marie Oram, Craig and Sharon McKerrow and Mitchell Clinton at the Gracemere Australia Day family fun day organised by Gracemere Lions. Morning Bulletin file photo from 2017.

Having come from the divisional area, Mr Oram believes that puts him a step ahead as he is “aware of the struggles” that the community faces.

“I have a strong voice, I do what I say I will do and will fight for what our division and Rockhampton requires,” he said.

“I believe that career councillors can sometimes lose perspective on their community and the simple things that are lacking that could be easily fixed.

“It takes new eyes to form a fresh perspective.”

Voters will head to the polls on Saturday March 16.