First elected to the Central Goldfields Shire Council in 2020, Cr Liesbeth Long is Dutch by birth and migrated to Australia with her family in 1982.
Since 2003, she has been a Primary Producer, alongside her husband Andrew, as fifth generation Timor West farmers (circa 1876), producing fine Merino wool, prime lambs, oaten hay and mixed dryland cropping. Cr Long has actively been involved in all aspects of farming including accounts management.
With a Cert III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, Cr Long also works off-farm as a casual/relief Kindergarten Educator. Together they have three adult children and one grandchild.
Cr Long is a graduate of three LEAD Loddon Murray Community Leadership programs; Leading Excellence Maryborough, ADAPT Loddon Mallee Regional Climate Leadership Program and the LEAD Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program. In 2022 she joined the Board of LEAD LM and is currently the Chairperson.
Passionate about educational opportunities for youth, Cr Long served as President of the Timor Primary School Council, Highview College Board - notably as the College’s first female Chairperson and as a fervent advocate and volunteer for Energy Breakthrough.
Cr Long is a ‘down to earth’ changemaker through community-driven, collaborative initiatives. She is an active volunteer, serving on the Bowenvale Hall committee and as a Bowenvale CFA Brigade Member since 2003.
With an immense love of the great outdoors, Cr Long enjoys multi-day hiking, cycling, photography, reading and spending time with her family.
Cr Long served as Mayor 2023 – 2024 and was re-elected for a second Council term in 2024.