Maroondah City Council election candidates

Hi, I'm Seb. I'm 41 years old, work in dispute resolution and have been living and renting in Maroondah for the past 10 years. Like many of us, paying the rent is becoming painful! The dream of being able to afford a home in Croydon North is now increasingly out of reach, with property rates at their highest ever! The median house price is now over a $1,000,000 and units over $700,000. Are you a renter like me who would love to buy a property here? Perhaps you're a double income family with mortgage stress? A single parent doing their best to create a financially stable future, or a retiree not wanting to be forced out? If so, why is Maroondah Council jacking up the rates all the while forecasting a surplus increase of $18.52 million for the 2024/25 period. This level of greed is unacceptable! Tenants and mortgage holders are being hurt the most! I will fight to reduce and freeze rates, reduce waste fees, waive all unreasonable fines, have potholes filled immediately and spend the budget sensibly. All we simply want is the chance to get ahead, live a comfortable life, and be given a fair go!

Maroondah is a wonderful place to live and grow. Since being elected to Council in December 2023, I’ve worked hard to build strong relationships with residents, businesses, and the broader community. As an independent candidate and long-time Maroondah resident, I’m dedicated to advocating for what’s important to our community. Being a single Dad, I value the importance of Council services and understand the pressures of rising living costs. I will continue to fight for financial responsibility, minimising rate increases, and delivering value for money. I’m passionate about preserving green spaces and opposing inappropriate developments that threaten our community’s character. I understand the importance of listening to all voices, ensuring community concerns are heard and acted upon. I believe that effective leadership involves proactive engagement, empathetic decision-making, and a dedication to transparent governance, reflected in my consistent efforts to amplify community voices and drive sustainable development. You can count on me to improve waste management programs and promote eco-friendly practices for a cleaner, healthier Maroondah. My leadership is about listening, transparency, integrity and working hard to achieve the best for our community. Together, we can create a better future for Barngeong. I am committed to a better Maroondah. Contact 0480 023 522 hello@chris-jones.com.au

Hi I am Peter Walne and I am a long-time resident of Croydon. I seek your nomination to serve as a local independent candidate with a view to better roads, rubbish collection and environment, especially as it relates to amenity of proposed developments. I seek better council systems to access rates and bill paying and enhanced opportunities for the arts and community participation such as gardens, cultural and community festivals and greater access to council depots, facilities and services.

I’m Cr Tony Dib, and I’m dedicated to making Maroondah a better place to live, work and raise a family. This means improving our roads, footpaths, libraries, sports clubs and services to the community. Especially in a cost-of-living crisis, Council has to make sure that it listens to your priorities and spends money in the right way so we can have lower rates and better outcomes. Having been a businessman, owned and operated a business in Maroondah, I know how to manage a budget. In my period on Council, I’ve made sure that Maroondah has stayed in surplus and been financially sustainable, while delivering excellent customer service and being among the top 5 Victorian Councils in maintaining our assets. Having served as a Councillor and led our community as your Mayor on multiple occasions, I know how to advocate and fight for your interests both on Council and to State and Federal Governments of any colour, to make sure we have world-class infrastructure. But I know there’s always more that needs to be done, that’s why if elected, I will continue to fight to make Maroondah better and be a strong voice for our community.

After twenty years of the same tired leadership in Maroondah, it's now time for a fresh start. We deserve leadership with a positive outlook. Maroondah's Citizen of the year 2024 and a Healthcare professional, I offer a positive change for our community. I am committed to transparent, accountable, and ethical decision-making. I promise to deliver honest and open communication, and responsible leadership. My vision is to build a more safe, inclusive and accessible community for everyone. I will advocate for better maintenance of our footpaths, sustainable development, safer public spaces – especially for women and children, improved services to mental health and wellbeing, and engagement with our culturally diverse groups for a stronger, more connected community. I have been a longtime campaigner against domestic violence, and I am an active member of Maroondah's volleyball community. Together we can move forward and create the community we all deserve and be proud of, but I need your support. I am here to listen and ready to hear what's important to you: catherine.gordon@vicsig.net or 0407 691 197

Council must focus on delivering value for money and supporting what you value locally. By freezing rates, we can help residents and businesses manage the cost of living. Cutting inefficiencies and red tape will stretch each dollar further, ensuring we can still provide valuable services. Council should focus on core issues and not waste ratepayer money or time on unrelated matters. The Ringwood Activity Centre plan is excessive. Six-storey apartments in quiet residential streets are impractical, and our infrastructure will not handle the strain. I will work for a better deal. We must prioritize safety by building more footpaths, reinvigorating neighbourhood watch, fixing public toilets, cleaning up graffiti, removing rubbish, and improving accessibility. Many of Jubilee's famous community sports facilities and clubs are in excellent condition, but we must ensure all are well-looked after. I am a single mum of two and a dog living in Ringwood. I work as an IT change manager and have Multiple Sclerosis. I love living in this area with my family; it's a truly special place, and I would be honoured to have your vote to represent you. For more information on me and my policies, see claire4jubilee on Facebook or 0473943078 claire.rex_jubilee@yahoo.com.

I've decided to run for council this year as I believe in this election we have a real opportunity to make change within our community. I strongly feel that the community should be represented by people who live within the communities that they are elected to represent. I live near Federation Estate with my two children who attend school and are part of sports clubs within the Jubilee ward. I will be an advocate for the smaller issues we have, such as emptying the bins in our parks and keeping them clean, getting the incomplete footpaths connected, and keeping residents informed about new developments in our area. I'm also in support of preserving the neighbourhood character of our suburbs and limiting overdevelopment. I am a true independent candidate, and not a member or affilliated with any political party. I can be contacted on 0481742959 or brightsidemily@gmail.com

Hello. I am Caroline Nordio and I have lived in Maroondah for 35 years, attending primary and high school in Ringwood. I currently hold an Executive Leadership role in the corporate sector. I live in Jubilee with my husband, children and dog Yindi. Over the years I have volunteered providing therapy to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, tutored music, and currently chair a committee for a not-for-profit community gym in Jubilee Park which provides fitness, resilience and wellbeing support to children, women at risk, migrants, and local community groups, all ages and all abilities. I am dedicated to making Maroondah a great play to live, work and play. This means improving roads, footpaths, libraries, parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, cleanliness and services to the community. I am focused on making Council work harder than ever to deliver value. If you elect me, I will put residents first, ensure your rates are used responsibly by providing excellent local services, mental health support, and I will be your voice when it comes to Government funding. Together, we can champion a better Maroondah, delivering reasonable fees and charges, better children's playgrounds and community services, and responsible decisions, that always listen to you. Thank you.

As your Independent McAlpin Ward representative, I have a reputation as a dedicated advocate for a safer, more connected, and sustainable Maroondah. A proud resident of 15 years, I’ve raised my children here, supported their education, and engaged in community sports. My work as a lived-experience advocate with the Regional Family Violence Partnership and Safe + Equal has fuelled my commitment to safety, pushing for policies that address family violence and enhance community security. I have a reputation for advocating for our most vulnerable and marginalised community members, for local infrastructure improvements, for backing community organisations, and for balancing cost-of-living with eco-friendly initiatives. I'm known as a champion for anything that connects community, and for preserving our green spaces and biodiversity. As a long-time lover of our libraries and active member of local groups and my kids' schools, I understand our community's needs deeply. If re-elected, I’ll continue listening to your ideas, focusing on safety, connection, and sustainability. Let’s build a safer, more connected, and sustainable Maroondah together. Read testimonials and about work done: SuzyforMcAlpin.au Vote 1 Suzy Stojanovic to ensure your voice is heard on Council.

For the past two decades I have lived, worked and played sport in and around Maroondah. I completed high school at Oxley College, played basketball for the Ringwood Hawks and have held memberships at both council gyms and golf courses. As a small business owner in McAlpin and a resident with my fiancée, Keely, and our dog, Bronson, I am confident that my deep connection to Maroondah makes me a strong representative for All of it’s members. I believe effective communication between council representatives and their community is essential for transparency and progress. We need increased maintenance on our local roads and continued updates to our footpaths. With 578 parks and reserves in Maroondah, we need to ensure the enhancement and maintenance of our green spaces. Obtaining additional funding for local sporting clubs for upgrades to grounds and facilities is vital for the growth of our local communities. Rates need to be kept as low as possible while keeping our budget sound, if you’d like to discuss anything with me most mornings I’m at Burnt Bridge Newsagents. Call or Text 0468 576 626 Vote 1 Nathaniel Henderson for McAlpin Ward A Better Maroondah for All

I’m asking for your support to serve as your Council representative. Having previously served as our community’s representative to the Victorian Parliament, it was an honour to meet and work with a range of dedicated people for the betterment of our local area. With a long-standing history of community support, I am eager to bring my expertise and passion for service to the role of your Councillor. I have held roles in government portfolios such as infrastructure, environment, youth services and planning which has given me experience in several areas of Council responsibility. This experience will be invaluable as I support your interests. My strong ties with local sporting clubs and services reflect my commitment to genuine relationships. The most rewarding part of being a community representative is securing positive outcomes for individuals and their families. It is work that results in support being allocated for a child with a disability, that finds a home for someone in crisis or finds funding for your children’s sporting club. This is the fundamental role of a community representative - to listen and understand, to work for you and get results. I look forward to working with you and appreciate your support.

As your current Councillor, I will continue to source other means of financial revenue to keep rates lower and support the community through the cost of living crisis and assist businesses to create local employment. I am married to Kathy, and we have two sons. I have lived in Croydon all my life and grew up in South Croydon. My family has a police background with my father being a police officer for 28 years. I have worked for government and run my own business for the last 30 years. I have a lifetime of local knowledge, schooled locally and volunteered in many organisations, including President of South Croydon Football Club. Maintain Council’s ‘Health and Well Being Programs’. Keep working to increase affordable and social housing. Ensure additional assistance for the elderly, youth, community groups, the homeless and victims of family violence. Lobby the government to build Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Ringwood. Protect our parks and reserves from developers. Maintain Council’s zero carbon status and continue with the sustainable environmental practices. I will keep listening to residents without prejudice and help solve community issues so that we can have a better place for our families to live, work and play.

I reside in Croydon South in Tarralla Ward with my wife Gayle and two children. My wife and I completed our education at Yarra Valley Grammar School. Our children attend schools in the local area. I have owned and run a successful audio visual and automation company in Maroondah for 25 years. I represented Australia in Slalom Kayaking at the World Championships. I have instilled in my children a passion for sport and commitment to their goals. If elected I will bring passion for the community, resilience, and discipline to the councilor role and represent the interests of the entire community. I will encourage feedback and consultation with residents. I support increased funding for community sporting clubs, maintenance of roads, and footpaths. Advocate funding to improve facilities such as weather protection for spectators at the South Croydon Football Club at Cheong Park. I will advocate for Disability Providers including Glen Park Community Centre which provides valuable community support. I support councilor financial accountability, open question time, and live streaming of council meetings. Community voices are important. I support small business opportunities, including free street vehicle parking. I ask for your vote so together we improve community life in Maroondah.

With crippling, long-term state government debt and deficits, council budgets and ratepayers are being squeezed to fund essential services like ‘roads, rubbish, reserves and recreation’. Households are under pressure from rising costs to our food, rent, and mortgage. We cannot risk stripping funding to vital family and childcare services, disability and aged care, youth and education services, libraries, and cultural and community groups. As a small business-woman and early childhood educator who has lived and worked in Croydon for two decades, keeping governments focused on improving these services is my priority. Our community needs responsible and honest leadership. Over the next four years, we must ensure there’s sustainable development that protects our neighbourhoods, environment and liveability while delivering new, affordable housing. I am committed to improving our local sporting and community facilities through the delivery of the new Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct. I am advocating for local business and traders to secure funding for the Croydon Main Street Enhancement Project, to support local jobs and economic growth. I am a proud local with longstanding connections to Maroondah’s businesses, sporting clubs, Scout groups, RSL, charities, and schools. As your independent candidate, please contact me: 0423646183, tasa.damante@gmail.com and @cr_tasa_damante for more information.

Councils must focus on local issues. Rising rates, deteriorating roads, graffiti, unsafe footpaths and concerning overdevelopment plans need addressing. I am committed to standing up for residents, businesses, and community groups to provide quality services and effective use of your money. As your councillor, I will fight for: rate freezes, financial accountability and transparency, better roads and footpaths, well-maintained parks and sporting facilities, protecting leafy spaces from overdevelopment, enhancing the local economy to promote small business growth, ongoing support for the Croydon Memorial pool, protecting the Australia Day festival and citizenship ceremony and continued funding for aged care and support services. This community holds a special place in my heart, and I am proud to be an Australian with strong family values. I've called Maroondah home for over 20 years, raising my two children who attended local schools. With a passion for health and service, I've built a diverse career in community service as a nurse, fitness instructor, qualified naturopath, and disability/mental health support worker. As a project manager I led efforts to support a women's refuge, an orphanage and palliative care facility. I am dedicated to fostering a compassionate, connected community and representing you with accountability, integrity, and action.

As your council representative, I will advocate for improved safety in public spaces, replacing uneven, damaged pathways and providing adequate lighting of public facilities. The preservation and development of our parks, gardens and recreational facilities based on community consultation and continued support for sporting clubs in Maroondah. Without political affiliation or competing interests, stressing honesty, integrity and accountability, I embrace family values and regard the dignity of the elderly and protection of children as essential to a functional community. Increasing the level of funding for in-home services for the elderly and early childhood development, will ensure that some of our most vulnerable residents can access important services.

As a resident for over 30 years, I'm standing for re-election as a passionate and independent voice determined to make our local community a better place to live, work and play. I was elected to Council in 2016, and as Mayor of Maroondah in 2021 & 2024. I care deeply about listening to you and representing your views. By working with Federal and State Governments Maroondah has received funding for $16.5m Maroondah Nets, $4.5m HE Parker Pavilion, $1.5m black spot funding Eastfield Rd and Morinda St, $2.7m Coopersmith Pavilion and Chin Community Hub, pedestrian bridge improvements on Canterbury Rd, Heathmont and more. I will continue to protect our leafy green environment, fight inappropriate development, while advocating to State Government to ensure planning laws don’t ruin our amenity. With cost-of-living pressures, I will vote to keep Council rates as low as possible while keeping our budget sound. I will increase Council budget for footpaths, and continue to upgrade community and sporting facilities. As our community navigates the many challenges faced by all, we need advocates with experience and empathy. This election, I seek your support to build on our achievements over the last 8 years. Vote 1 Kylie Spears M:0412977961, kyliespears1@gmail.com

As a proud Maroondah resident, I am passionate about our community and committed to making it an even better place for families. I volunteer at a local sporting club, where I see firsthand the value of promoting active, healthy lifestyles and the need for well-maintained recreational facilities for all ages. With a young family of my own, I understand the importance of safe streets, quality parks, and accessible community services. I am dedicated to advocating for initiatives that support local families and foster a strong, inclusive community. If elected, I will prioritise sustainable development, improved public services, and preserving the unique character of our area. I will also look to improve the financial responsibility of the council & will advocate for reducing council rates while ensuring essential services are maintained efficiently. My goal is to ensure that Maroondah continues to thrive as a vibrant, family-friendly community. I will work hard to represent your needs and build a brighter future for all residents.

I seek your support to be re-elected as your Ward Councillor, having been elected in 2022. I’m passionate about making our community an even better place to live, work and play. I’ve recently retired from Victoria Police so I now have even more time to represent you and our community. My 40 years in policing, enabled me to develop networks with local community groups, government agencies and politicians, which I extended during my first term on Council. I’m not a member of any political party, but I know how to advocate to those decision makers. This is vitally important, as the State Government tries to bypass Council’s planning scheme to build 20 storey apartment buildings in Ringwood and 6 storeys in North Ringwood. I’ll fight to make them accountable. I’ll continue to support the retention and improvements of our public open spaces, so residents continue to have somewhere to enjoy their surrounds and walk their dogs. I’ll also make sure we preserve the character of our neighbourhoods. My focus will continue to be on delivering practical solutions, cost cutting and for other commercial revenue opportunities. With your support we can build an even stronger, more vibrant community. Contact: 0417017836

Hello, I’m Rob Steane your current Ward Councillor. I’m a family man with family values and a former Police Sergeant. I own a Maroondah based consultancy business, which provides me the skills needed to represent you. I’ll ensure that we remain a green, leafy community. I initiated the 9-instalment option for paying rates. I’ll continue to explore other commercial revenue sources to lessen your rate burden, to get more new footpaths built and to secure more funding for upgrades to our sporting and community facilities. The completion of Plymouth Road upgrades (to finally end the traffic chaos at school times), an upgrade of the Lipscombe Park playground and new toilets at Yarrunga Reserve are next on my to-do list. I’ve demonstrated leadership skills and have a history of community involvement, having previously served on local committees - Croydon Hills Primary School, Melba College and a local Bendigo Community Bank. I’m proud of keeping Council focussed on local issues. I’m not a member of any political party. Shortly Council will appoint a new CEO, so as an experienced Councillor, I’m asking for your support so we can get this important decision right. I remain focused on improving Maroondah every day. 0419334794

I have lived in Maroondah since I moved here in 2004 to be with my now husband. We have been raising a family in Yarrunga Ward and we love Maroondah. Since my child has reached school age I have been on kindergarten and primary school Parent's Associations. Prior to this during my electrical engineering career I was managing teams of tradesmen and designing major projects. So I know how to mange timelines and budgets. My goal, if elected, is to keep the council projects on time and within budget whilst also addressing the reasons why the project is being undertaken.

Hello. I am Andrew Schafer and I live in Maroondah and have raised my family in Maroondah. I run my own plumbing business and employ local. I have coached junior football for 8 years and I am a member and sponsor of several local sporting clubs and charities. I am committed to making Maroondah a great place to live, work and play. This includes improving roads, footpaths, recreational and sporting facilities and services. In a cost-of-living crisis, I will be focused on making Council work harder than ever for your money to deliver value and put downward pressure on your rates bills. If you elect me, I will ensure your rates are used responsibility to repair and install new footpaths and trails, open-up more parklands and Council land for recreational activities, inject funds into junior sports, create first class sporting facilities and upgrade rooms to be female friendly. I will work alongside developers to ensure minimal congestion to the area, whilst maintaining our tree canopied suburbs. I will also work with local businesses to encourage part-time junior employment. After years of running a business, living and being invested in Maroondah, I am the right person to represent you. Thank you.