Greater Bendigo City Council election candidates

Since 2018 I’ve lived in Junortoun and run the Post Office. Customers asked me to stand for Council to give representation within my Ward. I’ve over 20 years high level Australian business experience. Councillors need that. Fast growing Strathfieldsaye has been disadvantaged by not having a swimming pool. I’ll represent for one. My other priorities are: Rates must be capped. More street lighting and footpaths. Two free rubbish tip vouchers for each ratepayer. A free kerbside hard rubbish annual collection for all. No increases to current landfill fees. Council to lobby State Government for improved public transport. Care of the environment. I’m concerned about climate change. I enjoy helping people. I aim to build stronger sense of community by connecting all towns and areas in the Ward. I’ve staff to cover my absences when attending to Council business and meeting with people and businesses throughout Axedale Ward. I’m a single mum of a 7 year old. I know the hardships families experience. Council costs must be kept down for all people and businesses. I’ll be a contactable, available and understanding Councillor who’ll listen and strongly represent you. Vote 1 Shivali Chatley for strong, responsible action in your community and Ward.

I'm Alida Robinson. I have been in Bendigo for 40 years and currently live in Sedgwick. I have worked in real estate sales and marketing, media sales and management for local radio and newspapers, and retail management. My husband and I owned an award-winning tourism business for ten years and I now work in my own business as a property consultant and buyer's advocate. I am a former member of the Bendigo Tourism Board and Bendigo Attractions Group and currently sit on the management committee of community radio 105.1 Life FM. As a Council member I will work to ensure that community assets are properly maintained, road maintenance is a priority, waste management sustainable, and recycling managed effectively. I will work with developers to identify areas where affordable housing projects can be built within Greater Bendigo and look for ways to help people experiencing housing and food crisis to get the support they need to get back on their feet. My aim is to make sure that the finances available to Council are used to benefit the whole community providing services that will ensure positive outcomes for all. I look forward to representing the Axedale Ward and serving the community.

As a life-long resident of the Bendigo region, I will draw on my experience in the Business, Higher Education and Community sectors to ensure that Council creates the right conditions for Greater Bendigo to thrive, and be a great place for our residents to live, work, do business and raise their families. I have experience and knowledge of the challenges faced by Local Government in balancing the needs of existing ratepayers, while ensuring that our businesses and communities have the opportunities to thrive and develop even brighter futures. I will work to ensure that the heart of our city becomes a vibrant hub again, and that our surrounding suburbs and towns have local services, facilities and transport connections to enhance their liveability. I want to see more of our young people realise their potential and remain to build prosperous lives in Greater Bendigo, while welcoming new people and new ideas that will help us to build an even better future Bendigo. The opportunities for our City and our communities that will come from our growth as a hub for our regional resurgence are exciting, and I can’t wait to get to work on it.

Hello, I'm a father of 2, know it's expensive to raise a family. I'm not from the 'top end of town'. A Bendigo Council ratepayer and resident for 32 years. I'm not happy! Contested the Eppalock 3 Councillor Ward in 2016, ran 4th. I know matters affecting you. Ratepayers especially. Being retired I'll be a contactable, available, responsible Councillor who'll work for all residents, businesses and farmers within your Ward and COGB. My priorities include: getting Bendigo Council 'back on track'. Going back to the basics; by providing better roads, more footpaths, drainage and street lighting. Stopping rising rubbish tip fees and rates. Ensure consultation occurs with all people, businesses and groups. To achieve results you need a Councillor who will: listen to residents and business proprietors then work with fellow Councillors and Council Officers to get action and best outcomes for you. Council expenditure needs reducing. Ratepayers cannot continue to be 'milking cows'. I served Australia in the Army Reserve for sixteen years, am a retired Major, and RSL Service member. I've strong leadership and communication skills. Also small business experience. Vote 1 Colin Carrington. I suggest you give businesswoman Shivali Chatley your Number 2 vote. Number every box.

I am a local of our great city of Bendigo. I have raised 2 children with the help of the local education system. They have both graduated from La Trobe University Bendigo and are both Health care heroes. I was the president of the YMCA Basketball club for 5 years as well as coaching junior basketball teams for many years. I am a current board member for the Bridgewater Cemeteries Trust and I am prepared to put my hand up to be a local councillor for the next 4 year. I understand what this involves and what it takes to achieve a positive outcome and would like your support. With the change in ward structure I think it's never been more important than now to put my hand up. I want to be the level headed person who acts on data and information rather than emotion. It's all about the outcome for the greater community. Emotion should not drive decisions. I want to be part of a team that is on the same page for achieving the best outcomes for the Bendigo community including and setting a framework to allow this to happen for future generations.

Living in the Eppalock Ward and running a small business I’m familiar with issues affecting you. Ratepayers especially. All future rate increases must not exceed the State Government percentage cap. Before moving to Heathcote, I owned Portofino Restaurant in Port Fairy for eleven years. I then established a successful Cafe, Fodder at Heathcote in 2016. If elected I’ll restructure my business commitments so I’m a contactable and available councillor, who’ll work for the betterment of Flora Hill, Spring Gully, Mandurang and Heathcote including all rural areas within the Ward. My priorities include better roads, more footpaths, drainage and street lighting. Introduction of an annual free kerbside hard rubbish collection, as other councils provide. Two free rubbish tip vouchers annually for each ratepayer. Stop ever rising rubbish tip fees. Help residents have their concerns heard by council. Ensure genuine consultation occurs with all people and groups. For ‘you to have a voice heard’, and ‘get results’ you need a councillor, as I will be. Consulting with, and listening to residents and business proprietors, then working with fellow Councillors and Council Officers to obtain best outcomes and action for You. I’m an Independent candidate. You can’t go wrong. Vote 1 Aaron Spong

My name is Maryann Martinek - I'm running as an independent for the Golden Square Ward. I have lived in the Ward since 2005. I'm a Complex Case Researcher and the Project Manager at the Long Gully Veterans Centre where I help Veterans as they go through various stages of putting their cases to DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) for claims. If you vote for me, my priorities will be 1. to bring skills honed helping our Veterans get entitlements to Bendigo’s council table 2. finding ways to help resolve people’s problems 3. Researching to find out ‘what you want, what we are not doing, how can we do it better' as I would bring your voices into the council 4. Infrastructure & services - transportation - healthcare - 5. Bringing together people’s views for maximum problem solving. What I bring is the ability to bring together people’s views, take it all to council, and keep it within council. As your Ward Representative, I have Visual Communication, Management, Personnel and Logistics skills I have learnt from my previous ADF service and Project Work at the Long Gully Veterans Centre that would be an asset when Bendigo councillors deal with planning disputes and other matters.

As a passionate advocate for Golden Square, where I grew up and spent most of my life, I am dedicated to fostering a community that thrives while preserving its heritage. My priorities are common-sense growth, improving local infrastructure, and ensuring that we maintain our unique identity. With upcoming developments like the Golden Square Structure Plan, we need a transparent, accountable council that listens to the community and balances progress with preservation. I will fight for better public transport, upgraded parks, and enhanced recreational facilities that serve the needs of our growing population. I’m committed to providing a council that is open, transparent, and actively seeks community input. Every resident’s voice matters, and I will make sure your concerns are heard in all decisions regarding housing, public spaces, and essential services. We need a council that is both accountable and practical, taking common-sense approaches to issues while fostering long-term sustainability. I am running to represent your interests, and I’m ready to bring positive change to Golden Square. For a stronger, more connected, and forward-thinking Golden Square, Vote 1 Vaughan Williams. Visit www.vaughanwilliams.com.au or call me at 0414 414 467. Let’s put the Golden back in the Square.

As a proud and active Golden Square resident of 17 years, I am deeply committed to our community’s wellbeing and future. My family and I have volunteered for and supported many local activities. Including a school, footy club, community pool, fire services, and neighbourhood hub. This year I helped start a Golden Square action group to understand community needs and empower local solutions. I have a background in environmental engineering and have led many sustainability initiatives. I lead a charity that supports communities and rural towns. I’m also a director on a health board and my husband and I own a small business while raising our two teenage boys. These experiences give me a well-rounded view of our community's challenges, plus the ability to problem solve and develop new approaches. I am running for Council to represent the Golden Square electorate, to include Quarry Hill and Golden Gully. I will advocate for change where wanted and needed. This includes revitalising our precincts, supporting our local businesses, improving amenities for access, walkability, and safety. I will also advocate for improving our recreation reserves to meet the needs of all users. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and vibrant community.

Building a Voice for the Golden Square Ward. I’m Matt Dwyer, committed to actively representing our community. My focus is on revitalising the Business and Industrial Districts, supporting local businesses, strengthening sporting clubs and community groups, maintaining support for the Swimming Pool, and advancing the Golden Square Master Plan. Improving essential services like rubbish collection, roads, and footpaths is also a priority. As a local business owner, I understand the challenges of building a sustainable future across all sectors—professional, construction, industrial, and hospitality. Bendigo should invest in its local businesses, not divest. I will advocate for "local first" solutions and work with all levels of government to achieve better outcomes for our region. I want my three children to have opportunities to study, work, and thrive in Bendigo, not leave due to lack of prospects. As an Architect, I’ve contributed to our social fabric through community projects like Ulumbarra, schools, sporting clubs, and Foodshare new headquarters. I will work collaboratively with fellow councillors to secure the best outcomes for the Golden Square Ward and greater Bendigo. I stand for economic and social impact, regional liveability, integrating First Peoples back into the landscape, and promoting diversity. Together we move forward.

Hi, I’m Gavin and I’m running as your local candidate for Kennington! My family and I have lived in Bendigo for eight years and are actively involved in our local community. As President of the Bendigo Triathlon Club, I’m passionate about the outdoors and promoting healthy living. Championing accessible facilities are matters of critical importance to me as I was hit by a car in June last year on Sedgwick Road in Mandurang, and broke my neck and back. I petitioned the current council to widen cycling lanes as another cyclist had lost their life on that road but was informed that the budget was finalized. I was also part of the group who successfully lobbied the council to keep Bendigo East Swimming Pool open in winter, holding meetings and events to reach the agreed council target of at least 250 memberships. I currently serve on the St Killian’s Primary School Board and am a member of the Holy Trinity Church with my wife, Marie, who is a nurse at St John of God Bendigo Hospital and violinist for the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra.

My wife, my daughter, and I have lived in Kennington for more than 14 years and we love everything Bendigo offers. We love its sense of community, its amazing forests and gardens, its arts and cultural potential, and how locals always come together to help others. As a community leader and through my work with local food relief and mental health services, I also see the challenges locals are facing, which is why I want to run for council. I’m proud of my science, education, health, business and community services work including volunteer work with AFL Central Victoria, Cricket Australia, Rotary, LEAD Loddon Murray, Community Houses, Bendigo Sustainability Group, Bendigo Interfaith Council, and Bendigo Foodshare. That’s why I’m dedicated to improving local services such as the Bendigo East pool, ensuring affordable housing options, and fostering economic growth. Council should be a staunch advocate for Bendigo residents when it comes to cost of living. It needs to do more. Now more than ever, we need to look at freeing up vacant council land to help build affordable homes. I’ll work tirelessly to ensure our neighbourhood, and our city, thrives. I'll be your trusted voice in the Council chamber. Details at www.AAforKennington.com.au

I believe Bendigo needs representatives that will commit to supporting the people of our community. I was born and raised in Bendigo and choose to raise my own family here because Bendigo is an amazing place to live. I am a committed volunteer with my local sporting association because I love being a part of a community and making the lives of people better. As the Secretary of the Bendigo Trades Hall Council, I am dedicated to helping make the lives of working-class people better, I have a unique insight into what matters to people, and I am committed to helping the community to grow and develop. As a Councillor I will be committed to a Council that is a responsible employer, that commits to providing the services that the people in our community rely on, I will oppose any cuts to the services that our community needs. I believe in maintaining a healthy, vibrant community where people choose to live, work and raise their families. Support me in this election so I can support you.

I'm committed to contributing to a region that is vibrant and expressive. Filled with healthy, flourishing communities that dictate the direction and future of our city. Our Ward's strengths lie within its residents and their businesses and I'm dedicated to building on the foundations of our healthy, diverse and inclusive culture. I will be the bridge between the Council and our people by focusing on community engagement to help increase transparency but also build informed understandings to encourage unity around our issues. I want to enhance how Councillors do this by focusing on a grassroots setting and reconnecting on a personal level. Society is changing quickly and our leadership requires a multi-faceted approach. Whether it's today's issues or what the future will reveal, the Council needs to be versatile in the way we connect with residents to ensure all residents are heard. A younger, energetic and fresh perspective while still providing steadfast experience will be vital in reinvigorating our community mindset and providing hope and stimulus for our region's economy. I ran for Council in 2016 and 2020. And I'm still here, committed to serving what matters the most. You. Please reach out to me: hello@thomasprince.com.au Vote 1 Prince Thomas.

John McIlrath’s life has been defined by service – to his family, his country, his community, and now he’s ready to serve the Lockwood ward as a councillor. At 17, McIlrath enlisted in the Australian Regular Army, where he trained as a heavy diesel mechanic and deployed to East Timor in 2000. His commitment to protecting others didn’t stop there. After his military service, he joined Victoria Police, dedicating seven years to law enforcement, including four years on the beat in Bendigo. Today, McIlrath – who has two adult children who live in Bendigo – runs a successful small business, creating jobs and driving economic growth. He’s keen to step up to serve on council with a clear mission: to represent the majority of residents and ensure their voices are heard. His priorities include boosting community safety, enhancing local amenities, cutting bureaucratic red tape for businesses, preserving the region’s rich history and ensuring ratepayers’ money is invested in projects that truly benefit the entire community. With a lifetime of service, McIlrath is the right choice to lead the Lockwood ward. He’s committed to making the community stronger, safer and more prosperous for everyone.

A commitment to proactively represent local residents, businesses and ratepayers, and a dedication to see all grow and thrive, my decades of stakeholder engagement experience, and my dynamic and all-inclusive approach, I promise, will be balanced, refreshing and engaging to all. As Greater Bendigo grows, we need a sensible approach to planning, including ensuring infrastructure, roads, drains and facilities meet our expanding needs. My work in construction, development and project management will be a great asset to ensuring the right direction can be set by Council for Lockward ward. With our region having been affected by extreme weather events, and in my capacity as a charity leader in disaster recovery, my appreciation of the hurt people and communities encounter, motivates me to want to ensure we mitigate future loss and suffering. And with housing challenges in our community, I want to see a more proactive Council response. Even with issues that are not the direct responsibility of local government, I will work constructively with all levels of government to achieve the outcomes we need. I will empower Lockwood ward to have their say, and be heard. It's time to "refresh", and stand out as a "together" community.

Donna has lived in the Ravenswood Ward for over 23 years with her husband, Drew and son Cody. Donna has been a small business owner, involving herself in many community projects such as reading recovery, canteen helper as well as a goal umpire for her sons football team, and is now heavily involved with the Victorian Endurance Riders Association. Donna's passion for the Ravenswood Ward, and Greater Bendigo, include seeing the council return to their roots of rates, roads and rubbish with a local focus on flood mitigation at Bullock Creek and Happy Jacks Reserve, improve and increase local bike tracks and public transport. Donna is a real, down to earth voice for the people who she represents. Donna wants to see the return of niche small businesses, whilst maintaining the gold rush heritage in Bendigo to ensure it remains a tourist destination for future generations, and is an advocate for a freeze on rates for pensioners and low income earners. Donnas pastimes are riding horses, walking, going to farmers markets and shopping in small businesses. Come October, a vote for Donna Nicholas is a vote for a down to Earth, no frills, representative for the people of Ravenswood Ward.

I am so happy to be running in Ravenswood Ward for Bendigo Council. After wanting to put my hand up for years things have fallen into place, and 2024 is finally the right time. I came to Bendigo nearly twenty five years ago at 17 for university, and built my life here. I completed my Business degree here with a major in Economics, My three children were born at the old and new Bendigo hospitals, and I built my home here in Kangaroo Flat eleven years ago. I am looking forward to represent not only Kangaroo Flat, but also the beautiful suburbs of Lockwood South, Harcourt North and Ravenswood. I have had a long running passion for community work since primary and high school, through to university as a student association board member, and other committee positions since. I find so much joy in serving the community, and I can see myself being a councilor for a very long time. My focus as councilor will be to foster a creative, inclusive community, care for the land, and use my passion for progressive economics to ensure cost-effectiveness; every dollar counts during times like these. Learn more about me at www.facebook.com/EmmaForRavenswood

I pledge to represent the interests of the people of Bendigo, especially Ravenswood ward, to the best of my ability. Better bus stops, more gutters, more free and low cost recreational options for kids and adults alike! My main goal is to help the people of Bendigo prosper, especially Ravenswood ward. We need a greater diversity of temples. Public transport needs improving & footpaths should connect all stops, which should provide well lit & safe, shelter for all, including those with mobility issues. We need a devoted train network, no longer hitching a ride on V/line. Development needs improved environmental considerations. Save trees older than 50! Pet de-sexing must be compulsory & low cost, with incentives to keep pets inside. Bicycle routes must be safe and connected. Red tape must be reduced to facilitate growth. All the land damaged by mining must be utilised rather than abandoned in an unsafe manner, as is too often the case now. Council must address the housing crisis by entering into commercial partnerships to house the homeless & protect the vulnerable. We must infill Bendigo to grow it, not increase our footprint, with appropriate infrastructure to support the infilling, like drains & wide roads

Ravenswood Ward deserves a champion who truly cares. I’m a Registered Nurse: I’ve dedicated my life to caring, and I’m proud of the home my family and I have built here, on the land we care for. I’m also a volunteer steam train driver, part of preserving our heritage at a nearby tourist attraction, and an elected representative for nurses and midwives, skilled in policy evaluation, financial analysis, and respectfully but firmly challenging people in power. My mission on council will be to help make people's lives easier, more sustainable, and better. Easier, through commitment to controlling costs while improving vital local services like aged care, childcare, housing, and road maintenance. Sustainable, by spending your rates responsibly, supporting workers and businesses fairly, and planning for the future. Better, through backing the sporting, cultural and heritage groups, facilities and events that enrich our lives. Send a Nurse to Council, to Care for our Community. Vote 1 for Damien Hurrell.

As a lifelong member of Whipstick Ward, I have a vested interest in seeing this wonderful part of Victoria flourish. I am a teacher, musician, goal umpire, and an Eaglehawk citizen, and I believe I would be the most effective choice to represent your interests on the Bendigo Council. You can trust me to deliver, as I did when helping lead the Bendigo Theatre Company through the Covid Pandemic. I served on the executive committee there from 2018 to 2022, giving me a wide range of vital skills including negotiation, strategic planning, and visionary leadership. If elected, I will aim to improve the delivery of council services, which will be seen in improvements to the rating of the Bendigo Council in the annual Community Satisfaction Surveys. Once the council basics are back on track, I would prepare Bendigo for the growth expected over the next thirty years by investing in our young people and growth areas. I love this city and want to see it become the best it can be. Vote Bevan Madden for a greater Bendigo.

My name is Owen, I'm 39 years of age, I work in disability support. My wife Katie and I moved back to Bendigo during the pandemic to raise our young children. I am running for Whipstick ward because, as a socialist and trade unionist, I believe that everybody in our community deserves to live with dignity. In the last year the cost of living has exploded for working people. From housing affordability to medical costs or the cost of child care, local councils have a role to soften the blow. Unfortunately the current council has decided to cut council services such as home-care for our elderly, forcing people prematurely out of their homes. Bendigo residents deserve representatives who understand how difficult it is to find a child care place, who will fight to expand the council funded childcare. You deserve a representative who knows first hand how desperate the housing situation is for both renters and first home-buyers. and will struggle relentlessly to boost housing supply. Vote 1 Owen Cosgriff for Whipstick ward to put a worker on Council. To find out more or to get involved visit instagram: owen_cosgriff4whipstick or 'Owen Cosgriff for Whipstick ward' on Facebook.

My focus for service as a Councillor in Whipstick Ward after the forthcoming elections in October 2024 is to be a Councillor for Community. My current employment with one of the largest service providers in Victoria involves helping people understand how to navigate "MY AGED CARE" and their package funding so they can continue to live independently in their own homes, This takes me into every municipality in Greater Bendigo and beyond. I have worked in the aged care and disability sector for the last 20 years, 18 having been in Bendigo. Through the following volunteer work, I serve diverse groups of people and organisations in the wider community. Womens refuge, Lifeline, Rotary member, Director and treasurer of a Leadership program, Committee member for Mandurang winery market. Community is my passion and I intend to be a very hands-on councillor by visiting and listening to the consituents of Whipstick ward and collaborating with and assisting all the elected councillor in each ward for the greater good of all who live and work in the Greater city of Bendigo.