Ms Bower is a fifth-generation resident of Meander Valley has a strong family history to the area. 

She started the Northern Young Professionals Network, is currently employed at UTAS’ university college teaching applied business in local leadership, and works with the Bell Bay group.

“Local leadership is a specialisation that I wrote and has a local government focus, not-for-profit and a government focus,” she said.  

“I teach things like good governance, management revenue and managing and leading people, regulation and compliance and contracts. 

“Working with the Bell Bay groups, there are 12 manufacturing groups, and they’re looking for joint tendering projects and I’ve been working on things in relation to that.” 

Before taking on her role at UTAS, Ms Bower was employed at another council in Tasmania. 

“One of the projects I actually worked on was the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails. I was the project officer from the inception of that idea right through to the launch,” she said.  

“I’ve seen a real change in the economic development something like that can bring to a small town, and I’d love to bring that expertise to the Meander Valley area.”

She grew up at Chudleigh, before moving to the mainland, but has been back in Tasmania for 11 years. 

“I just love small communities … I loved Melbourne and Sydney, but there is nothing like coming home,” Ms Bower said.  

“The Western Tiers was what we got to look out at out our lounge room window, so that’s probably my most favourite aspect.” 

Ms Bower has joined the race for the position along-side current councillor Andrew Connor. 

Cr Connor has had a seat at the table for seven years and has a background in information technology.

“I’ve worked to bring improved digital services to council as well as increased capital investment and progressive policies across council,” he said. 

The region’s current mayor Craig Perkins announced he would not re-contest earlier this year.