#235 election special
Meet your new councillors and mayor
Now with How to Vote preferences
Meet your new councillors and mayorYou will elect a new Council on 24 October.
Nominations closed yesterday with 26 candidates standing across three wards.
Postal ballots will arrive from 6 October.
After your postal votes have been counted, nine of these people will represent you on Council.
We’ve given every candidate the opportunity to introduce themselves in their own words – alongside their contact information.
TWiSK has reproduced these without change or comment.
Ballot papers must be posted by 6 pm Friday 23 October
Not sure which Ward is yours?
Click here for more detailed map
All candidates are listed in the same order as on the ballot paper
Canal Ward – 3 to be elected
* = current councillor
*CRAWFORD, Louise
CAHIR, Warwick
PIANELLA, Lesley G.
CLARK, Rhonda
ARMSTRONG, Steven
McDONALD, Jo
*BAXTER, Tim
*GROSS, Dick
BILIC, Dennis
BLAY, Maddy
Scroll down for Councillor bios
Gateway – 3 to be elected
* = current councillor
MAHER, Sami
CUNSOLO, Heather
GYLES, Stan
LEWIS, Trina
*PEARL, Marcus
JAMES, Earl
MARTIN, Peter
PAPAGEORGIOU, Cleo
Scroll down for Councillor bios
Lake – 3 to be elected
* = current councillor
*BOND, Andrew
JACKSON, Adrian
*COPSEY, Katherine
MANDILE, Bernard
WARD, Roger
SIRAKOFF, Christina
CONAGHAN, Geoffrey
NYAGUY, Robbie
Scroll down for Councillor bios
Canal candidate responses
Louise Crawford
www.louisecrawford.com.au
0407 152 661
louise@louisecrawford.me
Who is Louise Crawford?
I am an actor, environmentalist, passionate local, donut enthusiast and someone who gets things done.
Why are you running for council?
I am an activist at heart. It started at age 9 when I wrote to the Pope demanding that girls be permitted to be altar servers and it continued from there. I cannot sit around and hope someone else will make things happen. I need to be part of the change or the solution.
What do you hope to achieve?
There are many projects I need to see through eg supporting our arts community and traders in the COVID recovery, ensure flood mitigation in Elwood, finish transforming waste eg green bin.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I have been involved in a variety of ways: on a local aged care facility board, member of Beach Patrol 3184, Love our Street 3184 and Elwood Plogging, worked in hospitality in St Kilda for 16 years and supporter of local arts.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I am member of Labor
Louise’s How to Vote recommendation
1 Crawford, Louise
8 Cahir, Warwick
5 Pianella, Lesley G
10 Clark, Rhonda
6 Armstrong, Steven
9 McDonald, Jo
3 Baxter, Tim
2 Gross, Dick
7 Bilic, Dennis
4 Blay, Maddy
Warwick Cahir
Meet Warwick on Facebook
Who is Warwick Cahir?
I am an energetic and independent local. I live in Elwood with my partner and work in law enforcement in Port Phillip. I’m a tragic for local coffee, anything beach related and multiple nights of local sport at Albert Park (pre COVID).
Why is Warwick running for council?
Like many ratepayers, I have been left scratching my head at the decision making of the current council. I will bring a fresh voice to council and focus on local governance and community safety/amenity rather than big party issues from big party candidates.
What does he hope to achieve?
I hope to inject a sense of accountability into the council and transparency into decision making especially where rates money is concerned. I want to increase scrutiny of all spending and hopefully find some savings for the betterment of the local community.
How has he been involved in the local community?
Being someone who lives and works in the City of Port Phillip, I spend a great portion of my time in this community. I’ve been a long-term renter in Port Phillip and in the last year have been fortunate enough to buy my first home here. I am passionate about supporting local businesses and do so at every opportunity.
Is Warwick a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I am a member of the Liberal Party and share the same values in relation to lean, effective government and individual freedoms. However, I have not sought endorsement or support from any group. I am running an independent and self-funded grassroots campaign.
Warwick’s How to Vote preferences
No How to Vote preferences
Lesley G. Pianella
Connect with Lesley’s Facebook
Who is Lesley?
I’m a young, hardworking woman with a vision of inclusion and equality for the Port Phillip community.
Why is she running for council?
Young women are hugely underrepresented in our council. We currently have no councillors under 35 in Port Phillip, even though almost half of our residents are under 35 themselves. What’s more, two thirds of our current councillors are men. I believe that there’s a space that needs to be filled and I’m here to fill it. I’m running for council to speak for those without a voice, to fight for a more progressive community, to support good climate policies and advocate for strong climate action, and to focus on the needs of our most vulnerable people.
What does she hope to achieve?
Our relational social community values should be number one. I want to work with our community to find innovative ways to rebuild in the post-pandemic world that we’ll soon find ourselves in. We need local community services that reach to this vision. I want to work with the people to put decisions back into our hands as a community.
How has she been involved in the local community?
I’ve lived in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne all of my life. I grew up just down the road in Elsternwick, moved to Brighton as a teenager and now I live in here leafy Elwood. I’m a local licensed estate agent and the first home I ever sold was actually on Tennyson Street in Elwood. I couldn’t imagine living or working anywhere else.
Is Lesley a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I’m not endorsed by any political party. I’m fiercely independent.
Lesley’s How to Vote preferences
5 CRAWFORD, Louise
8 CAHIR, Warwick
1 PIANELLA, Lesley G.
10 CLARK, Rhonda
6 ARMSTRONG, Steven
9 McDONALD, Jo
2 BAXTER, Tim
4 GROSS, Dick
7 BILIC, Dennis
3 BLAY, Maddy
Rhonda Clark
facebook.com/RhondaClarkRoPP
rmcboab@gmail.com
Who is Rhonda Clark?
I have lived in Canal ward for over 15 years in Balaclava and Elwood and love this part of Melbourne. I have worked in various senior roles in many large corporations managing businesses, finance and operations.
Why are you running for council?
I want to provide the community with a voice that is solely there to represent their needs and ensure the liveability of our community thrives for all to enjoy.
What do you hope to achieve?
Reduce rates by stopping wasteful spending.
Revive Carlisle Street and our other great restaurant and shopping precincts.
Lower the costs for traders and improve car parking for residents and traders.
Improve sustainability through greater recycling and waste management.
A focus on only local government issues.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I am a longstanding resident of Balaclava and Elwood for over 15 years. I am the Secretary of the community group, Ratepayers of Port Phillip and spoken at local council meetings representing Balaclava and on other community matters.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I am a member of the Liberal party however I have chosen to nominate with RoPP, a community group, as I don’t believe we need political party politics in local government.
Rhonda’s How to Vote preferences
Steven Armstrong
Mob: 0409 186 477
canal2020@fastmail.fm
Who is Steven Armstrong?
I am an electronics engineer who has lived in Elwood for 23 years.
Why are you running for council?
The current crop of Canal councillors are all major party members. This limits their ability to represent the interests of Elwood residents. None of the councilors will speak out against the projected 50% increase in the population of Port Phillip.
What do you hope to achieve?
Continue the trajectory to a carbon neutral council. Fight the Urban Heat Island effect by protecting our tree cover. Fight inappropriate development. Reduce land fill. Commence a Council campaign against excessive population growth.
How have you been involved in the local community?
St Kilda Access Television.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
Sustainable Australia Party.
How to vote recommendation
Sustainable Australia are running an open ticket
Jo McDonald
Facebook
Who is Jo McDonald?
I’m a career professional in consulting and asset management, with a master’s degree in Economics. I have deep understanding and experience in both finance and operations, directly applicable to my role as Councillor.
Why are you running for council?
I want to use the skills I’ve gained in my professional career to significantly strengthen the governance and operation of our council, whilst advocating appropriately for the things that are truly important to our local community. We can’t afford another group of councillors without the basic abilities to properly govern our community.
What do you hope to achieve?
My vision reflects the needs of our community focusing on: safety; combating inappropriate development; maintaining the beauty of our beaches, parks and streetscapes; ensuring rates are kept at reasonable levels and spent wisely; searching for sustainable energy solutions.
How have you been involved in the local community?
• Chaired and mediated community consultation with Social Housing businesses, the police and residents to restore community amenity.
• Advocated with the Dept. of Transport for safety improvements to St Kilda Junction cycling lanes (ongoing).
• Community liaison for implementation of the Albert Park Master Plan.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
Yes, I am a member of the Liberal party and a local advocacy Group, the Junction Area Action Group (JAAG).
Jo’s How to Vote preferences
7. CRAWFORD, Louise
3. CAHIR, Warwick
9. PIANELLA, Lesley G.
2. CLARK, Rhonda
5. ARMSTRONG, Steven
1. McDONALD, Jo
10.BAXTER, Tim
4. GROSS, Dick
6. BILIC, Dennis
8. BLAY, Maddy
Tim Baxter
grns.me/timbaxter / tim.baxter@vic.greens.org.au / 0404566733
Who is Tim Baxter?
I’m a current Councillor and Greens candidate for Canal Ward. I’ve lived in Balaclava for over 15 years, and my connection to this community runs deep.
Why are you running for council?
I’m running for re-election to create and enhance our green open space, reduce emissions, and plan for the future to keep our city and streets vibrant, healthy and liveable.
What do you hope to achieve?
I hope to build on the successes of my first term, taking action on climate change, increasing transparency of Council decisions, and leading the way on safe active transport.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I’ve worked with local community organisations to advocate to all levels of government for change, and to make change ourselves at a local level, before I got onto Council and since.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I am a member of the Greens and am endorsed by them. My affiliations are clear, so you know my values.
Tim’s How To Vote preferences
Dick Gross
0411446167
Dickgross@bigpond.com
hwww.facebook.com/DickGrossCanalWard
Who is Dick Gross?
Long term Councillor and 4 time mayor and former President of the Municipal Association of Victoria (leading councillor in Victoria). Currently lecture in Climate Change at Melbourne Uni and received the AM for services to the environment and local government. I uncovered new green spaces the equivalent of 14 MCGs in the last 4 years.
Why are you running for council?
I am a highly qualified candidate which peerless experience, a great track record and a love of community service. I am looking forward to making us safer in an era of climate change and preserving the integrity of the planning system. I want to take the Elwood Green Waste trial to the rest of the city.
What do you hope to achieve?
I hope to protect us from a changing climate, running an efficient Council, add to my matchless record of finding more open space for residents and reviving the vitality of our tourist precincts. Fisherman’s Bend, Australia’s biggest urban redevelopment has been poorly managed hitherto and I hope to change that. The Green Waste trial needs to be taken city wide.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I have been involved and led numerous local environmental, drug rehab and theatre groups for decades including Theatreworks, Housing First, First Step, Keep Australia Beautiful various waste management organisations. I have volunteered in many groups from tap dancing, Beach Patrol, Emotionworks Cut Opera and many others.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I am a member of the ALP and lead Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria.
Dick’s How to Vote preferences
2 CRAWFORD, Louise
9 CAHIR, Warwick
3 PIANELLA, Lesley G.
10 CLARK, Rhonda
7 ARMSTRONG, Steven
8 McDONALD, Jo
4 BAXTER, Tim
1 GROSS, Dick
6 BILIC, Dennis
5 BLAY, Maddy
Dennis Bilic
dennisbilic@gmail.com
0422 344 059
Who is Dennis Bilic?
Hi, I’m a management consultant and children’s book author. I’ve lived in Melbourne for 42 years and have a Master of Strategic Foresight and experience developing public infrastructure.
Why are you running for council?
To improve quality of life for all residents in every way I can using pragmatic approaches that are noticeable and long-lasting to ensure a sustainable future.
What do you hope to achieve?
To improve long term liveability of our suburbs by stopping overdevelopment and preventing corruption from greedy developers. Improved parks and facilities. Cleaner beaches.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I support local arts whenever possible (music, theatre, dance). I enjoy the local parks, playing tennis with friendly people, and I often attend the wonderful St Kilda festival.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
Yes, Sustainable Australia Party.
Dennis’s How to Vote preferences
Sustainable Australia is running an open ticket
Maddy Blay
https://greens.org.au/vic/person/maddy-blay
maddy.blay@vic.greens.org.au
0430 801 065
Who is Maddy Blay
Hi, I’m a young St Kilda local, community organiser and university student. I’m passionate and committed to helping our local communities flourish.
Why are you running for council?
Having a young voice on council is crucial to amplify particular challenges facing the community, including climate change, social housing and recovery from the pandemic.
What do you hope to achieve?
1) Addressing local-level effects of climate change through helping Council source renewable energy. 2) Supporting communities to get back on their feet after the coronavirus pandemic. 3) Rejuvenating our local arts and culture.
How have you been involved in the local community?
Canal ward is where I live, work, and where I went to school. I’ve been involved in several local campaigns and am also a leader in the Melbourne Jewish community.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I’m running as a candidate endorsed by the Victorian Greens
Maddy’s How to Vote preferences
Gateway
Sami Maher
https://www.facebook.com/SamiMaherRoPP
sami.maher06@outlook.com
Who Sami Maher?
I live in Port Melbourne Gateway ward. I work as a national operations manager in the recruitment industry managing 90 staff and over 5000 contractors nationally.
Why are you running for council?
I want to ensure that council is focused on the community needs and not the interests of state/federal politics. I would like to promote greater and deeper community engagement.
What do you hope to achieve?
Rates freeze, One free parking permit, protect street parking for residents & traders, rebuild our famous retail strips & restaurants, improve community safety, introduce green food and organic waste bins
How have you been involved in the local community?
I have lived in the area for 6 + years and am the Chair of the body corporate in my building. I have represented my community at council meetings.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I am not a member of any political party but I am endorsed by ROPP who are community members and stand for the interests of the community.
Sami’s How to Vote preferences
Heather Cunsolo
www.heathercunsolo.com
www.facebook.com/HeatherCunsolo1
hello@heathercunsolo.com
0429 452 057
Who is Heather Cunsolo?
Port Melbourne resident. Independent. Building designer. Creator/ admin of Port Melbourne Focus Facebook group. Mum to 3 kids. Interested in sensible development for our neighbourhoods, Fishermans Bend, St Kilda Rd North and Station Pier.
Why are you running for council?
Passionate about the place, people and good design. I want to help draw out and act upon the ideas and needs of the residents and businesses for the betterment of our community.
What do you hope to achieve?
Unity in the community. Station Pier as a dignified gateway to Melbourne. Vibrant high streets.
How have you been involved in the local community?
As creator of a large, local, well respected Facebook group, I engage with thousands of residents and businesses everyday. I am an active school mum, co-opted to the PMPS school council for the building works. Connecting Port Together committee member.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
No. Never have been. I am interested in the community side of local government.
Recently joined Port Phillip Bicycle User Group if that counts.
Heather’s How to Vote preferences
“As truly independent, I don’t preference political groups or parties. Voters should question: Why would an independent preference? Where is their vote being funnelled? Do political groups/parties message the same across all wards? Does the candidate act on behalf of the community or special interest groups?
Vote 1 for Heather. Vote for the community.”
Stan Gyles
stan@gyles.com.au
Tel: 0435 935 239
Who is Stan Gyles?
Lead a marketing, advertising and communications business as CEO for 31 years.
Past president of 3 clubs including a prominent city business club.
Life member of 3 sporting organisations.
Director of 3 companies
Why am I running?
Deliver an immediate freeze on rate increases. Council budget and spending must be more transparent and accountable to you.
Support local businesses to prosper post COVIT and develop promotions and initiatives to deliver local jobs.
What do I hope to achieve?
My vision is a City of Port Phillip with beautiful protected public spaces and boulevards. A city obsessed with good design and urban planning, where medium density neighbourhoods are retained and safe to live and work in. A community with renewed civic pride.
Involvement in local community
I am active in the sporting community and am an official in the field of play every winter.
Are you a member of a political party?
No. I am NOT endorsed by a political party and will NOT be subject to voting along party lines. I will be YOUR voice!
Stan’s How to Vote preferences
MAHER, Sami 4
CUNSOLO, Heather 5
GYLES, Stan 1
LEWIS, Trina 2
PEARL, Marcus 3
JAMES, Earl 8
MARTIN, Peter 7
PAPAGEORGIOU, 6
Trina Lewis
trinaforportphillip@gmail.com
Who is Trina Lewis?
Firstly, I am a mother of a wonderful teenage girl. Professionally, I am also highly experienced business leader and management consultant. My speciality has been designing and leading organisational change.
Why are you running for council?
I am passionate about my community and want to play an active role in ensuring we get the best out of our local government.
What do you hope to achieve?
I stand for a council that:
• Truly listens and creates great community outcomes
• Maintains high levels of community service, without frivolous spending
• Sets clear goals with effective, fact-based prioritisation
• Is highly transparent and balanced in decision making.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I am privileged to have lived with my family around South Melbourne for over 20 years. I am particularly interested in green space. We have even created an amazing street garden outside our home!
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I am an independent candidate. I focus on the merit of a policy and the credibility of the people behind it, rather than being wedded to one side or another.
Trina’s How to Vote preferences
Vote 1: Trina Lewis 2: Marcus Pearl 3: Sami Maher and number all other boxes.
Marcus Pearl
hello@marcuspearl.com
0478136762
marcuspearl.com
Who is Marcus Pearl?
You elected me four years ago to bring Energy, Integrity and Action to Council. I have a reputation for delivering essential projects, strengthening planning regulations and fighting for common sense decisions.
Why are you running for council?
To bring a record for strong financial management, supporting local jobs, integrity in planning and improved services including child maternal services and recreational facilities, and caring for the Elderly.
What do you hope to achieve?
Council’s best when focused on results for residents, ratepayers, and local businesses. We must support our local traders and residents through targeted services, reduced costs, and less red tape.
How have you been involved in the local community?
Yes, I have been your Councillor for the past 4 years and deeply involved in many community groups.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
Many of you know that I am a member of the Liberal Party, whilst being a fiercely independent Councillor for you and our local community.
Marcus’s How to Vote preferences
Earl James
Earl.james@vic.greens.org.au
0466 596 599
https://greens.org.au/vic/person/earl-james
FB @earlJamesGreens
Insta @EarlJamesGreens
Twitter @teachinglots
Who Earl James?
I am a teacher with over 20 years’ experience teaching economics at secondary school and university. I live in Port Melbourne with my family. I’m currently working as an organiser for the Independent Education Union.
Why are you running for council?
I am running for Council because we need urgent action on climate change but also to carve out a viable solution to exit from the damage COVID19 has done to our lives and livelihoods.
What do you hope to achieve?
I hope that I can develop new housing initiatives, firm Council’s role as a direct provider and supporter of community sector childcare and stimulate active transport solutions so people can walk and cycle locally.
How have you been involved in the local community?
My daughter attends a local school in South Melbourne and I currently work in South Melbourne. My family and I are active with the South Melbourne Life Saving Club.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
Yes, the Australian Greens Victoria
How to Vote recommendations
Peter Martin
wwwpetermartin4gateway.com.au
Peter.Martin@vic.alp.org.au
0460 969 769
Who is Peter Martin?
I’ve just retired after 19 years at Port Melbourne PS principal, and prior to that was Assistant Principal at St Kilda PS. I’ve spent most of my life living and working in Port Phillip.
Why are you running for council?
The Gateway Ward community has given me amazing support as the local school principal and I intend to return the favour to this wonderful community
What do you hope to achieve?
Improve community access to Council services, implement a COVID19 Recovery Plan, revitalise the Station Pier and Bay St precincts engage with the community re Fishermans Bend, improve community housing, address parking concerns
How have you been involved in the local community?
I’ve been active in Port Phillip community groups for over forty years, as a teacher and parent, and am currently Vice President of the Port Colts Junior Footy Club
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I’m a long-time member of the ALP (previously in the Port Melbourne Branch and now the Albert Park Branch) and the Australian Education Union
Peter’s How to Vote recommendations
Maher S 8
Cunsolo H 3
Gyles S 6
Lewis T 7
Pearl M 4
James E 2
Martin P 1
Papageorgiou C 5
Cleo Papageorgiou
chivasbailey1@gmail.com
No information received
Preferences from VEC statement
1 PAPAGEORGIOU, Cleo. Vote 2 MAHER, Sami, and number all other candidates in order of your choice.
Lake candidates
Andrew Bond
0488 500 505
andrewfbond@yahoo.com.au
Who is Andrew Bond?
St Kilda resident, Current Councillor and Candidate for Lake Ward
Why are you running for council?
To continue to work for the community, and deliver the outcomes St Kilda locals are after from their Council.
What do you hope to achieve?
There are lots of great projects planned for St Kilda. It’s time to stop the planning and start implementing.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I’ve been a Councillor for St Kilda for the past 8 years, and a member of a number of local groups including St Kilda Bowls Club and 3182 Beach Patrol.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I am a member of the Liberal Party But not endorsed by them so an Independent on Council.
Andrew’s How to Vote preferences
Vote 1 BOND, Andrew. 2 SIRAKOFF, Christina. 3 CONAGHAN, Geoffrey, then number remaining boxes.
Adrian Jackson
Tele: 9534 7615. Mob: 0419 313 662. Email: ajackson404@hotmail.com.
Who
Adrian Jackson (aged 68). Australian Army Infantry Officer (1972-1995).
Why?
Council has to many staff, duplicates government functions needlessly and waste money on non-core functions.
What?
Reduce the excessive council rates mostly which are higher than nearby councils who function with less money and less staff just as effectively.
Involvement:
Active Port Phillip adult resident/ratepayer since 1980. Over the recent decades I have attended many council meetings, forums and candidate meetings, pre corona virus, and recently made submissions and asked questions online. I stood for council as an Independent three times from 1996- 2002 and as an independent twice in Albert Park District in 2007 and 2008 (by-election) after John Thwaites resigned – mission accomplished. That said I think Andrews is doing a good job on Infrastructure, much like Kennett did.
Political Party:
I am not a member of a party but I am an ordinary (not on the executive) member of RoPP, letterboxing leaflets mostly. I have been a member of 3 parties since 1994 first the Liberals (1994-2003) as I wanted Kennett to fix the financial mess in Victoria which he did. I left after Australia invaded Iraq which was a war crime in my view and last two parties briefly being Sen Meg Lees Australian Progressive Alliance (APA) and later The Wikileaks Party. Both are unregistered now. I still support Julian Assange but I digress from council matters.
How to Vote recommendation
“My preference I will put on my ballot paper will be 1 Jackson, 2 Sirakoff, 3 Bond, 4 Conaghan, 5 Mandile, 6 Ward, 7 Nyaguy and 8 Copsey. On my candidate statement one sentence states “I support the objectives of RoPP”. 
Katherine Copsey
katherine.copsey@vic.greens.org.au
https://greens.org.au/vic/person/katherine-copsey-0 .
Who is Katherine Copsey?
I’m your Greens candidate seeking re-election in Lake ward. I grew up in the inner-south and have lived in beautiful Middle Park and Albert Park for many years.
Why are you running for council?
I’m passionate about supporting Port Phillip’s diverse, caring and connected community and beautiful but fragile natural environment. It’s been an honour representing Lake ward and I’m excited about another term working for our community.
What do you hope to achieve?
Continued action on the climate emergency, supporting local residents, businesses and community organisations to reduce emissions. I’ll also fight for Council services that are essential to our community’s recovery from COVID-19, like childcare.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I’m a long-term resident and volunteer or am a member of several community groups. I love riding my bike to get around our great city.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I’m endorsed by the Greens and am proud to represent our movement for people and planet at the local level.
Katherine’s How to Vote preferences
Bernard Mandile
www.bernardmandile.com
0420 861 098
info@bernardmandile.com
Who is Bernard Mandile?
I am a candidate for the City of Port Phillip, Lake Ward.
Why are you standing for council?
I have been involved in many local community activities and I have lived here all my life. It has been an ambition to help improve and sustain our local area. I in my early days I did a project on the city at school and I want to work for the people with their issues
What do you hope to achieve?
I would like to be involved with residents and local businesses on a ground level to help them come out of COVID and to create great shopping villages and to make these spots safe again
I want to make change from my experience and not from what I am told by council officers.
How have you been involved in the local community?
Apart from my business acumen, some of my key local achievements have been the formation of Middle Park youth club, coaching South Melbourne Junior Basketball Club & playing for the South Melbourne districts. With Father Bob McGuire, I helped establish Open Family Foundation.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I’m an independent and not associated with any political party or advocacy group.
Bernie’s How to Vote preferences
7 BOND, Andrew
8 JACKSON, Adrian
6 COPSEY, Katherine
1 MANDILE, Bernard
3 WARD, Roger
5 SIRAKOFF, Christina
2 CONAGHAN, Geoffrey
4 NYAGUY, Robbie
Roger Ward
https://twitter.com/securekloud
0434315611
Roger.Ward@securekloud.com.au
Who is Roger Ward?
I live in Middle Park. I have a scientific background and I love to get things done.
Why are you running for council?
I think more sensible practical people have to stand for office. I want to see new people with scientific backgrounds in government.
What do you hope to achieve?
I want to see a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) system
introduced to recycle green waste and save the council money on land fill.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I have been involved in the community for many years. I have been a member of Veg Out. I also have three children at local state schools in the area.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
No! I am proudly independent. I care about the environment but steps to protect it have to be practical. Everybody wants a sustainable environment; it should not be party political.
Roger’s How to Vote preferences
6 BOND, Andrew
8 JACKSON, Adrian
5 COPSEY, Katherine
2 MANDILE, Bernard
1 WARD, Roger
7 SIRAKOFF, Christina
3 CONAGHAN, Geoffrey
4 NYAGUY, Robbie
Christina Sirakoff
facebook.com/ChristinaSirakoffRoPP
sirakoff@optusnet.com.au
0411 135 549
Who is Christina Sirakoff?
I have brought up two children in Middle Park while working as an applied mathematician at Melbourne University, in environmental sciences and the Bureau of Meteorology.
Why are you running for council?
I want to represent the best interests of the whole community at a local level for a thriving municipality because party politics has no place in local government.
What do you hope to achieve?
Reduce rates by stopping wasteful spending. Bring back our iconic retail and dining precincts. Greater community safety & amenity. Real action on sustainability, reduce landfill waste with green waste bins.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I am a longstanding resident of Lake Ward and been involved in the Middle Park kindergarten, school committee events plus community town planning, parking issues and speaking at council meetings.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I am not a member of any political party and have no intentions to be.
Christina’s How to Vote preferences
Geoffrey Conaghan
www.vote-conaghan.com
0448913423
vote.conaghan@icloud.com
Who is Geoffrey Conaghan?
A Lake Ward resident, I moved to St Kilda in 1987. My career covers the NFP, private and public sectors in senior roles with complex strategies, teams, stakeholders and budgets.
Why are you running for council?
To focus on things that matter for residents and traders and deliver visible value. We need to fix our neighbourhood precincts, starting with Fitzroy and Acland streets, Port Phillip’s biggest disaster.
What do you hope to achieve?
A Resident and Trader Charter to guide all decisions with residents at the apex. More focused economic, housing, environment and arts policies. Council should think big and locally to deliver things that matter.
How have you been involved in the local community?
Former board and chair, Linden gallery St Kilda, now Ambassador of its Contemporaries programme. Resident representative on the Fitzroy Street Placemaking project. Member The Kastellorizian Club South Melbourne.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
I’m running as a independent and I promise residents I won’t use their vote to develop my personal political career and I won’t pursue State or Federal preselection.
Geoffrey’s How to Vote preferences
1 Geoffrey CONAGHAN
2 Bernard MANDILE
3 to 8 on the following criteria:
“Support Independents focused on residents issues.
Choose new, engaged candidates with locally-focused policies, or return a standing Councillor who’s engaged and responded to local issues.
Please leave party allegiance for State and Federal elections
Robbie Nyaguy
0431 686 997
robbie@robbieforlake.org
Facebook & Instagram @robbieforlake
Who is Robbie Nyaguy?
I’m Labor candidate for Lake Ward and putting up my hand to be your progressive voice on Council. I’ve fought for council-run childcare, more open space and investment in community housing.
Why are you running for council?
We need a council that stands for what matters most – investment in our essential community services, support for our parks, gardens and tree-lined streets and real local climate action.
What do you hope to achieve?
A stronger community post-COVID. I’ll develop a rescue package to revive shopping strips including Acland and Fitzroy Streets, invest in foot/bike paths and support our arts communities and venues.
How have you been involved in the local community?
I’ve been an active member of the Community Alliance of Port Phillip since 2016 and engage with other local groups. On the weekends, I’m a keen runner, swimmer and triathlete.
Are you a member of any political party or advocacy group?
Yes. I’m the Labor candidate for Lake Ward.
Robbie’s How to Vote preferences