West Ward

Councillor Ben Lucas was first elected to Baw Baw Shire Council in 2020 and re-elected in 2024.

Born and raised in Gippsland, Cr Lucas has lived in Drouin for the past decade. Following his service in the Australian Army, he brings his passion for health and fitness to the community owning and operating a local gym in Drouin and more recently, a wellness centre based in Warragul.

Growing up playing sports locally, he has gone on to coach under 18’s at the Darnum Football Club and served as President over several years. Improving sporting grounds and recreation facilities is a priority for Cr Lucas.

As a Councillor, he has a keen focus on getting back to basics - roads, rates and rubbish - and improving Council’s service delivery across the board. Addressing traffic issues in Drouin through advocacy to the State Government is another priority area for Cr Lucas, particularly the Drouin bypass and Weebar Road roundabout.

Our region’s sense of community, country values and amazing landscape are among his favourite things about living in and representing Baw Baw Shire.

Cr Lucas’ passions include his family, his old Holden, local sport, staying active, working hard and enjoying life. His down to earth demeaner and approachable nature seeks to ensure that everyone in his community is represented, heard and has a seat at the table.

Contact Details:

• Call Cr Ben Lucas on 0458 500 164
• Email Cr Ben Lucas

Councillor Jess Hamilton was first elected to Baw Baw Shire Council in 2024.

Residing in Longwarry for the last 15 years, Cr Hamilton considers herself a jack of all trades with a diverse skill set in many areas including working as a chef, concreter, and fitness instructor. She is passionate about her family, health and fitness, jujitsu and the great outdoors.

Working with in the health and fitness industry, Cr Hamilton has a keen focus on sports and recreation, particularly for children. She is involved in her own children’s sport, both as a coach and supporter. She has a strong desire to improve access to local sports and deliver better sporting facilities for the whole community.

Cr Hamilton’s priority as a Councillor is to improve community life for residents, particularly in the West Ward with a focus on addressing traffic issues in Drouin and improving recreation and community facilities in Longwarry.

Baw Baw Shire’s natural landscapes, productive land and community-minded people are among her favourite things about the region.

Through her position on Council, Cr Hamilton strives to secure a positive future for Baw Baw Shire with rolling hills, quality farms, good access to sports for kids, community involvement and listening to what people want.

Contact Details:

• Call Cr Jess Hamilton on 0499 369 258
• Email Cr Jess Hamilton

First elected to Baw Baw Shire Council in 2008, Councillor Tricia Jones is now in her fifth consecutive term as a Councillor.

She is the current Deputy Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, having served as Deputy Mayor for two previous one-year terms in 2011/12 and most recently in 2023/24 just prior to the election in October 2024.

After 16 years on Council, Cr Jones brings valuable experience and understanding to her role working tirelessly to serve her constituents. She takes great care in building strong relationships with the community, local businesses and service providers with an unwavering commitment to listen, understand and take action.

As a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Cr Jones brings a wealth of leadership experience to her role. She is deeply committed to representing her community and being their voice at Council.

During her extensive tenure on Council, Cr Jones has served on many Council Advisory Committees including Audit and Risk, CEO Review, Early Years and Environmental Voice. She has also been a Council representative to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).

Cr Jones is a former Rotarian and currently sits on the Myli (library) board in the position of treasurer. Prior to being a Councillor, she taught at local secondary and primary schools and was in partnership in a small business.

Cr Jones continues to have a strong interest in protecting, conserving and enhancing the natural environment. She is passionate about ensuring that Baw Baw Shire is a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and pride in the community which offers a great place to live, work and play.

Contact Details:

• Call Cr Tricia Jones on 0428 880 875
• Email Cr Tricia Jones