Hobsons Bay City Council election candidates

Our rates are too high, and Hobsons Bay City Council is all too ready to spend. I am running to cap rates and stop waste, either to freeze rate rises or at least keep rate rises below inflation. I’m not afraid to say no to council staff or activist groups that are all too eager to use our hard-earned money for their pet interests that may not align with ratepayers’ expectations of how rates should be allocated. I will support local businesses by voting to cut red tape that blocks development and enforces costs on businesses. Red tape reduces jobs and blocks the creation of new businesses. I will push for transparency, limiting the establishment of commercial-in-confidence deals and ending secret meetings to bring all decision-making into the public forum of council meetings. I will always listen to ratepayers, but I’ll also say no when I don’t agree. I’m endorsed by the Libertarian Party, but I will put ratepayers first. I’m running to cap rates and cut waste. Vote for me if you want your rates to be put to the best use for all residents and ratepayers. Lower rates. Greater transparency. Back to basics.

My family have lived here locally since my grandfather built a war service home in 1954 whilst serving in the AirForce. We have been active in local community groups and both dad and I have served in Council. From the beginning we saw a need to improve the services and infrastructure for residents in our area and we still do. In my first term as a Councillor I have helped make significant gains to achieve these goals. Improved waste collection. Got the Queen Street bridge upgrade shovel ready. Incorporated Council services within and upgraded Altona meadows Library. Established the Wetlands Centre to be ready to go. Continued to improve Skeleton Creek environment. Provided almost $500,000 for the pipeline Reserve in Seabrook. Set aside significant funding for the Aquatic Centre on Central Avenue and State government have contributed $10,000,000 and I will continue to lobby for more funding. Also maintaining other first class sporting facilities. I have successfully lobbied Altona Secondary College to open enrolment applications for Altona Meadows. I have represented council on LeadWest which attracts funding and support for the projects that help improve our quality of life by getting the results we deserve. Feel free to contact me.

I’m a social worker and former small business owner who is proud to call Hobsons Bay home. As an independent candidate, my focus is solely the wellbeing of our community — not party policies or donor interests. Having lived in Hobsons Bay for over a decade, I am deeply connected here. I shop locally, enjoy our reserves and waterways, cycle our bike paths, and have built strong friendships across the ward. I am passionate about addressing the impacts of the housing and cost of living crises on residents. I am running for Council because you deserve a representative who understands the issues from the ground up and will be a genuine voice for the people. If elected to represent Altona Meadows, I will work to: 1. Fight for practical housing and cost-of-living solutions, ensuring Techno Park residents can stay in their homes; 2. Ensure Council decisions reflect community need; 3. Bring transparency and accountability back to Council. Vote 1 Matthew Phelan for a strong voice for commonsense, community, and care.

I’m 100% independent, and proud to call Altona Meadows home since 2006 where I live with my wife and children. Over the years, we’ve shared the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of this area, and I believe in giving back to the community that has given so much to us. I work as an immigration advisor, helping families navigate complex systems to secure their future. My wife is a dedicated healthcare worker within our public healthcare system, and our children have grown up attending our local schools. The cost-of-living pressures make life tough right now. I’m dedicated to keep rates down and support increased discounts for pensioners and low-income earners. I support investment in sports-clubs for our local children, and to get Council’s basics right to fix footpaths, drains, roads and keep our streets clean and safe. I stand for representation that includes every voice. Accountability, transparency, and improving engagement and consultation, for Council decisions to be free from party politics, with decisions driven by our community to meet the needs and expectations of residents who live here. Together, we can build a future that benefits everyone, where unity, transparency, and fairness are the foundation of our local Council.

Vote 1. Alexandra Damasoliotis, Independent Candidate for Altona North Ward. I have proudly called Hobsons Bay home for twenty years with the last sixteen spent raising my family in Altona North. My children attend the local schools in Altona North and Brooklyn. I have always been deeply invested in our community and as a member of the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group, I have advocated for cleaner air, the removal of trucks from our local streets, better bus connections, reinstating Paisley Train Station and relocating heavy industry to improve air quality and reduce dust in Brooklyn and Altona North. Our ward has some of the worst air pollution in the State. If elected, I will continue this advocacy, push for a four-year rate freeze and propose reductions to ease cost-of-living pressures. I'm deeply committed to stopping unnecessary spending and using ratepayer money wisely. You can trust that I will manage our finances responsibly and transparently. Councils must focus on core responsibilities: collecting rates, removing rubbish and maintaining parks, footpaths and roads. Together we can make a difference. I urge you to vote for a local who understands local issues and is ready to represent our community with dedication.

With the move to single councillor wards it is critical that the 9000 plus electors in Altona North ward have a representative that understands the complexity that comes with the largest geographical ward in Hobson's Bay. With a diverse mix of industrial, residential and community areas expected to grow by 20% over the next 12 years the area faces challenges that require advocacy on issues that local Government can directly impact. Council should be delivering projects that make our community safer, more vibrant and liveable. When elected I will support affordable housing, addressing the significant shortfall in public transport service and priority, streets and infrastructure designed for safety along with a council that pushes for accountability at a state level to deliver the services and opportunities we deserve. I’m particularly committed to sustainability and believe in that council’s role in the climate change crisis needs to move beyond words into science based tangible action and accountability across the ward and whole LGA. My professional experience within Operations of commercial, retail and mixed use buildings gives me the experience and practical knowledge to assess real impacts of projects and delivery of infrastructure on the people who live in our community.

I'm proud to be a part of Altona North's wonderful, diverse community and to raise my children here. I am passionate about our neighbourhoods and I am honoured to have been endorsed to represent you as a councillor. My professional background is in planning for green, sustainable cities. I understand how councils work and I have used my skills to volunteer for our community on council issues. As secretary of the resident's group Better West Inc., over the past four years I've fought for transport infrastructure for the new residential developments, a pump track for local teenagers, new parks, better buses and a train station. If elected, I'll prioritise [1] managing the traffic and parking impacts of residential developments; [2] safe pedestrian crossings and cycling routes; [3] supporting frequent and direct public transport; [4] active, green neighbourhoods and parks; and [5] council services that help relieve cost of living pressures, such as sports, parks, playgrounds, libraries and maternal health. Please find more information about me at www.fb.com/rowena.joske or reach out at rowena.joske@vic.greens.org.au. Put Brooklyn and Altona North first by voting [1] Rowena Joske.

Our community needs change. As a local, I understand your priorities. As a lawyer, I know how to fight for them. My plan isn’t based on party politics – it’s shaped by the community. I knocked on every door in Brooklyn and Altona North to create a plan that tackles our community’s priorities: fairer rates during this cost of living crisis, investing in community sports facilities for women and girls to fully participate, and more green spaces, such as turning the old Barnes Road Quarry into a park. Our roads, footpaths, and bike paths need urgent fixing, and we need better public transport – including a local train station. I’m proud to stand for change and putting the community first. Above all, I will return transparency and accountability to our council. I grew up helping run my family’s small businesses, so I know how to manage money and what makes a local economy strong. I’ll bring this experience to council to ensure we’re spending ratepayer’s money wisely. There’s a lot of work ahead, but I believe we can make real change. Together, we can create a community we’re proud of—cleaner air, safer streets, more parks and a council we can trust.

As a dedicated member of the Hobsons Bay community and a mother of two young boys, my commitment to building a better future is deeply rooted in family. Volunteering at local community services, has given me a first-hand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our area. I am passionate about creating a Hobsons Bay that supports its families, protects its precious natural assets, and promotes sustainable growth. My priorities include fostering better communication between the council and residents, supporting essential local services, and addressing environmental issues. I am committed to promoting sustainable development practices that preserve our beautiful environment and protect the animals we share it with. By promoting transparency and collaboration, I will work to ensure that Hobsons Bay thrives as a compassionate and resilient community for all its residents—humans and animals alike. With your support, I will advocate for policies that prioritise fairness, protect animal welfare, and create a sustainable future for Hobsons Bay. Together, we can make our community a thriving place for generations to come.

I’m a current independent Councillor and former Deputy Mayor. My history shows that I’m accessible, and not afraid to speak out on issues. I will always put our community first, and fight against Council bureaucracy. I have worked hard to support all facets of our community, including traders, sporting clubs, our life saving club, and community groups. I will continue to fight to increase transparency, honesty and accountability, and to have your voices heard. In a cost-of-living crisis, I’m focused on making Council work harder to deliver value for your money and keep rates and fees down. I’m the only Councillor to vote against 4-years of rate and fee increases. As a mother and lifelong resident, I will continue to work hard to achieve the best outcomes for all of us. I’m dedicated to continuing to enhance services, improve playgrounds and parks, our foreshore, sporting facilities and libraries. I will advocate for increased pensioner discounts, and deliver on the basics of repairing our roads, drains and footpaths, while addressing public safety, amenity and cleanliness within our residential streets and shopping precincts. It would be my privilege to be re-elected to continue to represent you and make Council work for you.

Hi, I’m Susan. I’m running in the council election as a candidate with Victorian Socialists because I believe in a society that puts people before profit. I’ve lived in Hobsons Bay for over 20 years and raised my family here. I’m a proud trade unionist, climate activist and community artist. I work as graphic designer at the Australian Education Union and am a member (and previously delegate) of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance. I have served the community on the board of the Williamstown Childcare Cooperative and on the Women’s Consultative Committee of the Council. If elected, I’ll fight for our community and for the better world that we need and deserve.

I am an independent candidate. My wife and I have lived in Altona for 36 years. In the 90’s I was active in improving the environmental performance of the petrochemical industry. I am a recently retired pathology scientist and have led teams of up to 400 scientists in major public hospitals. I have a doctoral degree in biochemistry. This election offers a chance for the reform of Hobsons Bay Council (3 councillors are retiring). The mis-steps of the present council are many. If elected I would work to form alliances with other councillors. Good ideas are useless without the support of a majority of councillors. The conflict between some the current councillors is plain to see. The council executives are influential and must be accountable to the community via their elected representatives. I support transparent processes of council including truthful answers to questions by residents, no evasion justified by ‘legal advice’. I support the renewable energy policies of council and would advocate for government grants to establish large community batteries in our suburbs. My wife and I are building a new energy efficient house in Seaholme. I have the work experience, time and energy to devote to improving council.

Altona and Seaholme are great places to live, and it’s important we have a representative on our Council that listens to the community and acts in line with the community’s needs and desires. I live in Altona, am a genuine independent candidate, a member of several local groups (including the Altona Lions Club), an honorary justice of the peace, have children attending Seaholme Primary School and Altona College, and have local government experience. I know local families and businesses are doing it tough with a genuine cost of living crisis. During COVID-19 I established a nursing business, caring for people in our community and contributing to local economy. I am well qualified to represent our amazing Altona and Seaholme community as I have a Diploma of Community Services, Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management and Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Management. No flashy, expensive election campaign, just an honest and sincere approach to representing our lovely bayside community. Looking for change? A true independent candidate who is suitably qualified with experience, who lives in the Altona Ward, then spread the word. I’m the one you should vote for! www.facebook.com/tim4altona | tim4altona@gmail.com | 0410 676 471

A fair share for Laverton and Altona Meadows. Hi I'm Paddy, I live in Laverton with my wife, and our dog and chickens. I'm running to be your local councillor because I want to see Altona Meadows and Laverton get our fair share from Council. If elected I want to see 1. Clean & tidy streets 2. Better parks & open spaces and 3. A fair share for our suburbs. Council needs to get back to basics and ensure rubbish is picked up, roads, streets and footpaths are maintained and parks are upgraded as promised. Too often funding from our rates is not spent locally, with Council too focused on Williamstown and the eastern end. I'll fight to ensure Laverton and Altona Meadows get our fair share. As a Labor member I will bring my Labor values to the role. If you want more information or to have a chat about the election, please reach out at www.facebook.com/Paddy4HBCC or www.PaddyforHBCC.com

As a proud Laverton resident and candidate for the Laverton Ward, my vision is to build a stronger, more connected community where every resident feels a sense of belonging and pride. Maintaining and improving our local facilities is essential to our community's wellbeing. I am dedicated to preserving existing local recreational spaces, ensuring they remain accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all ages. These facilities are the heart of our suburb(s), promoting health, relaxation, and social interaction. I have been a strong local advocate for the community for the last three years and want to use this opportunity to continue being a voice for Laverton and Altona Meadows residents. I am committed to celebrating our multicultural community by fostering collaboration and engagement among our residents. By organising inclusive community events and encouraging volunteer initiatives, we can create a welcoming environment where everyone has a voice. I want to support local businesses, as they are vital to our community's vibrancy. Lastly, I am passionate about improving the overall wellbeing and cleanliness of our suburb(s). By working together, we can enhance the appearance of Laverton and Altona Meadows, making it a beautiful, inviting place we are all proud to call home.

As a candidate for Spotswood, I stand committed to fostering a community where everyone thrives. Our area deserves leadership that listens, adapts, and takes decisive action on the issues that matter most to you. From ensuring safe neighborhoods and improving our public infrastructure to enhancing local schools and supporting small businesses, my focus is on building a stronger, more vibrant community for all. I bring a proven track record of adaptive leadership and problem-solving. I understand the unique challenges we face and am committed to working collaboratively to find practical solutions. My approach is inclusive, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every concern is addressed. If elected, I will prioritise transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. Together, we can create a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations. Your vote is a vote for progress, accountability, and a brighter future for our community. Let's work together to make this a place we are all proud to call home.

As a passionate advocate for local businesses and self-professed food enthusiast, I quickly fell in love with the vibrant Spotswood region when my husband and I first made it our home. I believe that creating diverse and inclusive spaces is key to building strong, resilient communities. With experience working with stakeholders across government, academia and industry, I am excited to bring my insights to drive change that will support the health and wellbeing of our local community.

I am committed to listening to the community and representing you at Council. I am an independent candidate who has been a life-long resident of Hobsons Bay. With experience as a civil engineer in state and local government, I have delivered infrastructure, roads, footpaths, and social housing and understand how to deliver government services on time and within budget. I believe that your Council should focus on its core services, like waste collection, road maintenance, and park upkeep. Your vote is important, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how Council can help you. Feel free to reach out for a chat: 0490 437 343, Daniel.kade.hobsons.bay@gmail.com.

In 2007, my partner and I made the decision to settle in Spotswood as a place to start a new chapter after a career in adult education and community development in Victoria and Northern Territory. Joining my adult children and their families in Hobsons Bay has been a great move, although there is always room to enhance the equal distribution of our community’s riches. You might recognize me from my involvement with the Better West residents' group, where I advocate for local traffic, cycling and walking infrastructure, greening our neglected suburbs, and on planning issues. With my professional and volunteer experience, I've gained the ability to truly listen to people, analyse situations, unite people to tackle challenges, and advocate for practical solutions. In this upcoming election, I don't make promises lightly, but I am committed to fostering genuine engagement with our community, building trust, and ensuring transparency in Council decisions. I would also like to acknowledge the Yalukit Willam of the Boonwurrung language group and their elders, the traditional owners of the country in which Spotswood Ward is located.

A dedicated resident, and long term local business owner in the Spotswood ward, I bring fresh perspective and a passionate commitment to our community, having served for over 20 years. With a vision to enhance our neighborhood and address local concerns, I will work tirelessly to make Spotswood a better place. My vision for Spotswood – 1. Cost of Living : will fight to reduce costs sanctioned by council on residents. This includes fighting to ‘Freeze rate hikes’. 2. Strengthening Community Engagement: through an inclusive approach where every voice matters, including town hall meetings and open forums so that residents can directly share their concerns and ideas. 3. Enhancing Local Services: from improving parks and recreational facilities to ensuring timely maintenance of community spaces, I am dedicated to upgrading the quality of local services. 4. Supporting Small Businesses: aim to minimise the red tape and costs incurred on local businesses. 5.Promoting Sustainability: will advocate for green initiatives, including improved waste management, energy-efficient public spaces, and the expansion of local green areas. 6. Ensuring Safety and Security: committed to working closely with government and community organizations to enhance public safety, reduce crime, and ensure that Spotswood ward remains a safe place for all.

Vote 1 Alexander Ansalone for Williamstown North Ward. I am Alexander Ansalone, an independent candidate for Councillor in the Williamstown North Ward. As a long-time resident, small business owner, and psychology degree holder, I understand our community's challenges—and how to address them. My priorities are clear: Affordable Living: I will advocate for housing policies that support affordability and utility relief. Safety First: I will push for better street lighting, road safety, and stronger ties with local police. Supporting Local Businesses: As a small business owner, I will champion policies that help local businesses thrive and protect our community's character. Community Health and Education: I will advocate for enhanced local services, promoting health and education. Transparency and Accountability: You deserve a council that listens and acts. I will provide timely updates, ensure your concerns are front and centre in decisions and always operate with transparency and accountability. Your involvement is crucial in shaping our community's future. I am running independently to represent you—not bureaucrats or parties. Let's break the cycle of empty promises and work together for a safer, more affordable, and prosperous future. Vote 1 Alexander Ansalone for real change. Your vote is your voice—together, we can make a difference.

I am a proud resident of Techno Park Drive and Williamstown North ward and wish to honour the land and the people which also call this place home. With integrity and courage, I plan to keep unnecessary council spending to a minimum and find creative and functional solutions to the ongoing issues within Hobsons Bay and help solve its complex and multifaceted challenges. With ever increasing traffic congestion and housing affordability becoming a greater issue by the year. The council will have to find and help implement with community input, solutions that not only work for today, but for the future of Hobson's bay. As somebody who has first hand experienced the lack of representation and engagement from our current council and its councillors, I can see and understand the consequences of bad governance. If you wish to vote for somebody who genuinely cares for Williamstown North ward and Hobsons Bay, Vote 1 for Nicholas Norton.

Vote 1 Wajde Ghazi Assaf Liberal Party member. Former member Australian Defence Force. I am the founding member of the Antiochian Christian Orthodox Church "The First Disciples where first called Christians in Antioch" Acts 11:26. My 10 point plan 1 Rate No rate increase for 4 years pensioners low income pay half of the rate. 2 Road Fix repair road footpath guttering. 3 Rubbish Sweep clean our street every 4 weeks. 4 Build a all weather bus shelter at Newport bus/train station. 5 Build an indoor netball sports centre at Bryan Martyn Oval Newport. 6 Build fishing piers with disability access. 7 Build more places for children youth aged people with a disability. 8 Build the railway train line underground from Spotswood to Laverton. Open Altona North Railway Station. 9 Build a fruit and vegetable garden the community can use. 10 Build Australian Christian Centre seek Council State Federal Government support to build a community centre. I am 65 years old lived in Williamstown / Newport 55 years. Stopped hazardous chemical waste used oil stored in residential area Ward. Planting trees along Market Street Newport. Contact Wadje Ghazi Assaf 0419552600. I thank you for your support.

As a long time resident and Business owner, I understand the local issues that matter in our community, whether it's about saving existing infrastructure like the Williamstown S&LSC pool, assisting Techno Park residents stay in their own homes or traffic management on Mason St and Maddox Rd and the Champion Rd railway crossing. I'm 100% independent and have never been part of any political party, I have not received funding from anyone else. I'm committed to ensuring HBCC provide the best service to residents and ratepayers and if elected will bring much needed commonsense, experience and enthusiasm to the Council. I am concerned about mismanagement of ratepayers resources and will strongly advocate for a back to basics, approach to day to day management of the council with a focus on roads, rates and rubbish. I will advocate for an immediate rates freeze without loss of services funded by efficiencies within the council. I will encourage open, accountable and transparent local government and hope to raise the approval rating of the council with residents. I want my council to provide first class services to ratepayers and not vested interests. Please vote for me and a return to commonsense.

I will be a fresh voice and a force for renewal. With so many empty buildings in Ferguson Street, Douglas Parade, and Nelson Place, we all know that the cost of living and the housing/rental crises are severely impacting local businesses and residents. That’s why, as your Greens councillor, I’ll: [1] push for common-sense solutions to rejuvenate our high streets and support our struggling traders; [2] enhance essential services to ease cost-of-living pressures, such as maternal health, community childcare, libraries, and accessible recreation facilities; [3] preserve Williamstown’s historic precincts and protect natural attractions, wildlife, and biodiversity that foster local tourism; [4] invest in safe, walkable neighbourhoods and cycling-friendly, green streets that connect our community; and [5] create precincts that innovate, educate, and cultivate a thriving arts scene. Let's do this! Visit https://greens.org.au/vic/person/ingrid-magtengaard or contact me at ingrid.magtengaard@vic.greens.org.au. Put our community first by voting [1] Ingrid Magtengaard.

I am Lisa Bentley your independent candidate for Williamstown Ward, Hobsons Bay. My family originated from Malta and are 4th generation Williamstowners. I grew up living in Williamstown commission flats and attended local schools, Williamstown and Williamstown North Primary. I maintain a meaningful connection to Williamstown. I will fight hard, advocating for local businesses, giving them a seat at the table. I will focus on Better Basics, maintaining our roads, parks and beaches. Better Business: eliminating paid parking like they did in Yarraville, and remove red tape, for small businesses. Better Living; lower rates, fees and charges, improving cost of living. The Techno Park fiasco is unforgivable, it’s time for social housing solutions. Better Connected; looking after the elderly, sick and vulnerable, keep people engaged and connected, with sense of belonging to community. I will give a voice to all whom live, work and play in Williamstown. I will honour the legacy building upon great work, for our local sporting clubs and social groups. I believe in a Williamstown for everyone, respecting and listening to constituents. Living in sustainable infrastructure and services that will help Hobsons Bay prosper. Together we can all create a Better, Fairer Hobsons Bay for everyone!