Mornington Peninsula Shire Council election candidates

I've been a resident of Western Port for 27 years, my children attended school in Tyabb. My background is Administration/finance running our retail business and my own contract bookkeeping business. Cost of living pressures are hurting our community. Budgets must reflect and prioritise spending our share of ratepayers money here. I am an agile leader with negotiating skills that have enabled projects to be successfully initiated, funded and completed. The Somerville/Baxter bike path is starting, more community projects are planned. Our community want a yes council that helps, not hinders. We want damaged roads repaired, our towns cleaned and tidied, updated community facilities, increased funding for community events, improved transport, more support for families, programs with police to stop vandalism and graffiti and stop wasting money at VCAT. I will work constructively with all levels of government to ensure positive results for our ward. I am a full time, independent, community first candidate. I will represent you with transparency and integrity and respond promptly to residents concerns. Council is here to serve you and I have never lost sight of that. My goal is to always strive to protect and improve our community character, environment and lifestyle residents deserve.

Hi I am Lavinia Jenkin, I am nominating as a candidate for Beek Beek Ward. I have lived within this area for 40 years and by now I consider myself a local. Over this time I have witnessed incredible community growth and change, some for the good, and some which has presented challenges for the residents, businesses and infrastructure. At times it has seemed as if this rapidly changing area has been forgotten in town planning and development. As a Councillor I am your voice. It is my responsibility to represent you on the matters that affect you, your family and the people who call Somerville, Tyabb and surrounds their home. I know you need me to be your community caretaker, you need me to be approachable and accessible, you need to be able to trust I have the knowledge and the skills to be your agent of change. That is why I promise to be a hardworking dedicated member of Council who will not be afraid to raise sensitive topics for discussion and resolution. I will work for you, and together we will see a future which is sound, stable, and a safe space for your family to thrive.

I was born in Melbourne to migrant parents and was raised in Parkville. I fell in love with the beautiful environment and coastline of the Mornington Peninsula during childhood visits, and later with my three children to our family home over the past 40 years. I moved to McCrae and have lived here permanently for the past 15 years. During this time I have seen a lot of changes and become involved in the local community. My professional career includes being a Law Clerk and an Interior Designer for an architectural firm and privately. I have devoted my time and passion advocating for justice all my life. I sit on several Committees Advisory bodies and Management Boards in Mental Health, Hospital, Medical and Aged Care areas. I am extremely concerned our Council is letting our residents and ratepayers down and moving in the wrong direction. I am asking people in the new Benbenjie Ward (McCrae) to vote for me, so I can make a difference and bring it back to basics and provide proper service to our community in exchange for our hard earned rates dollars. For enquiries please call 0419 351 664 dinka4benbenjie@gmail.com

I was born in Rosebud, attended Rye Primary and Rosebud Secondary, and have a love for all things Peninsula. Through Higher Education, local volunteering, and eight years of coastal land management, I’ve honed key skills in listening, collaboration, and interpretation of government processes. I know what good policy and strategic planning looks like, because I know first-hand the difference it can make. Like many, I share the community’s frustrations with council transparency, the state of our roads and paths, the maintenance of our parks, beaches, community facilities and the fight for the green wedge. That is why I'm ready to go the extra mile to keep the Peninsula as the best place to live, work, and raise kids in Australia. I can't do this alone. A councillor’s role is about collaboration. I want the voices of Rosebud, McCrae, and Dromana to be heard, which ensures everyone benefits, from cradle to aged care. I won't make hollow promises, but I do offer hard work, the ability to lead and the drive to serve with honesty and integrity, whilst always listening to the community. Vote for me to be your local voice so we can build tomorrow together. Thank you, Max 0402239040

I am frustrated by the failure of Council to act in the best interests of Ratepayers and get the basics done. My 8 key policies are 1. Keep rates low, during the past four years our rates have increased by the maximum permissible, 2. Undertake basic maintenance on our roads, foreshores and parks, 3. Manage beach erosion and stop contaminated stormwater polluting the bay, 4. Upgrades of our playgrounds, 5. Construct safe paths for pedestrians and bike lanes for cyclists around Anthony's Nose, on Point Nepean road from McCrae to Dromana, 6. Stop the 3% tax Council will apply to any proposed new residential homes making all properties more expensive, 7. Stop the expansion of paid parking across the Shire, 8. Cease the waste of hundreds of thousands of dollars of our rates on expensive consultants, on numerous reviews. I know how to get things done. I have been elected as a Councillor in the City of Melbourne and appointed Chairman of Planning when Melbourne was voted "Most Liveable City in the World" and the Shire of Nillumbik where I reduced rates and fixed the infrastructure. I have been a member of McCrae Yacht Club, the Beach Box Association Executive.

I’m a local Mount Martha resident, small business owner and father of three young kids. I’ve had the incredible privilege of serving as a Councillor for the past four years, including as Mayor. During this time, I fought against endless maximum rate increases, to end paid parking, for less waste on expensive consultants, for more coastal investment (including Mount Martha South, North, Hawker and Birdrock Beaches), to support local sport and recreation facilities, for better road and vegetation management, to improve our village, for appropriate development, to relocate Harry Potter from The Briars Sanctuary, for transparency and more. I'll continue working incredibly hard for you on local issues. I have no political affiliations. This is not a career for me, and I won’t disappear to run for parliament - I’m in it for the long haul! I have volunteered for local sporting clubs, non-profits and emergency services. I have an MBA and a degree in aerospace engineering. I’ve served in the Air Force and now run my own business. I ask tough questions, engage, say it how it is, and always represent you. I need your support to make our community the best it can be! Vote 1 Marsh. 0438 435 857. anthony@mountmartha.au

I'm committed to a sustainable and vibrant future for Mt Martha. Over the past term, I’ve championed key projects, including completing the Citation Reserve bike jumps and successfully advocating for the planning scheme amendment to protect the Balcombe Estuary Reserve. I’ve fought for better planning provisions to ensure sensible development and worked with residents to improve amenity around the Pillars. I’ve advanced economic sustainability at Mt Martha Golf Course and brought together environmental groups under the Mt Martha Biolink Alliance. I continue to advocate for better amenities at Dunns Road Reserve and enhanced safety measures like street lighting outside Martha Bay Village. Looking ahead, I’m focused on overseeing the finishing touches on the Eco Park project, advocating for the reinstatement of the Briars boardwalk and Birdrock steps, and fostering strong community collaboration to raise the issues that matter in Briars Ward. Together, we can protect our unique environment and enhance our quality of life. Vote 1 Despi O'Connor and together let’s keep building a peninsula that values a sustainable future for all. Find me at www.facebook.com/Despi4Briars/ or email despi4briars@gmail.com.

I’m Patrick Binyon, a Brokil Ward resident committed to what I believe is one of the most beautiful regions in Australia. My street, like yours, is near a wonderful park, and beach. How do we protect and enhance the peninsula for future generations? I’m a career teacher, working with students outside the mainstream education system. I volunteer at Vinnies Kitchen, Rosebud. Our rates need to be better reflected with thoughtful planning to provide a safe community that your families will continue to embrace. What do you need? Enhanced nighttime lighting in public spaces to improve safety? Actions to address the ongoing problems with poor road maintenance? That, I can do. I will improve public transport to connect our suburbs. Our youth will have better access to Chisholm TAFE and employment. I will work diligently to support our unhoused and houseless residents with compassionate, effective solutions. There must be fair distribution of funds to community sports clubs, informal sports clubs, environmental and community groups. I am proud of the Dromana foreshore and will strive to create increased access points for all abilities. For improved outcomes for your rates and meaningful, accountable leadership, vote for Patrick.

Hi my name is Marie Murray - This is my first time running for public office. My priority is the current state of our local beaches. The lack of rubbish collection, the rubbish in our waterways that flows into the bay is a disgrace. I would like to ensure this is better managed and the local voices are heard.

A longtime local, former business owner and President of the Mornington Chamber of Commerce, I am passionate about the Peninsula and the community, and that is why I am standing as a candidate in the Brokil Ward. I am involved in various charitable events, fundraisers, boards and selection panels and have a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Political Sciences and Indigenous Australian Studies. As your councillor, I will advocate with State and Federal Governments to preserve the Green Wedge and agricultural sector and protect our biodiversity, ecosystems and beach erosion. Small business is the backbone of the economy and the community. Enhancement of retail shopping street scape and ensure planning decisions are in line with the character of townships. It is vital strong leadership, and good governance is practiced and adhered through effectiveness and efficiency. It is a human right to have shelter, food and protection, therefore it is paramount we support and advocate for affordable housing, crisis accommodation for homeless and victims of domestic violence in our communities. I am passionate about the Peninsula. Email:brokilward@elizabethwoolcock.com.au Phone: 0456 877 472 Website: elizabethwoolcock.com.au

As a first-time candidate, for Coolart, I bring a fresh perspective, untainted by political games. My goal is simple: to represent the ratepayers and ensure their voices are heard. Unlike Career politicians, I am here to make a real difference, not to climb the political ladder. The state of our roads is unacceptable. Despite significant spending on repairs, inefficiencies remain, compromising safety for cyclists, cars, emergency and agricultural vehicles. We need practical solutions, not excuses. Similarly, planning issues should be resolved through mediation, not heavy-handed fines. Ratepayers deserve clear, actionable advice before formal processes begin. It's time to address the "poor cousin syndrome" on the Westernport side, ensuring that sports facilities and infrastructure receive equal attention. Core services like roads, vegetation management, and waste collection must be prioritized. Illegal dumping can be reduced by offering affordable hard rubbish disposal options. As your independent councillor, I will hold the council accountable, push for greater transparency, and make decisions that reflect the needs of our community. My background as a business owner, hobby farmer, and local soccer coach has grounded me in the community. I'm here to serve you, not a political party. Let's work together for a better Mornington Peninsula.

We need Council to ensure the basics are the top priority. Rates should reflect our community's needs: I will fight to ensure they are not unnecessarily increased. I will actively support no new taxes/levies. I oppose the minimum 3% tax/levy on new builds and foreshore paid parking. Road and Transport Safety is just as important. Dangerous roads - Stanleys Road and Frankston/Flinders Road, Myers Road and Balnarring Roads need immediate attention. I will work tirelessly to advocate for State and Shire co-operation to repair and improve our roads. There needs to be much better engagement with locals and business such as the Arthurs Seat Road roadworks and lack of disabled parking. Our foreshore, parks, sporting and recreation facilities are crucial for a healthy community. I will push for equal access including improved facilities - changerooms, to ensure our local clubs and organizations thrive. I bring more than 25 years of corporate and community leadership - Founding president of Mornington Peninsula Masters Swimming Club, Masters Swimming Victoria and Myotherapy Association Australia Board, volunteering Mt Eliza Garden Club, Southern Peninsula Concert Band, Hastings Community Gardens, and Landcare. I understand the importance of community involvement. I am a non political, self funded candidate. www.dennice4coolart.com.au

My favourite part of being your elected advocate is getting the job done on your behalf. Individual concerns are all important and need a strong voice prepared to put community first. My official number of successful Council requests on your behalf far exceed that of other councillors. Council scrutiny, transparency, keeping you informed, along with accountability for Council decisions are always my aim. Differences with Council officers is part of doing my job! My broader involvements include actions to improve service delivery and the cost-of-living crisis. I advocate for solutions to homelessness as the Chair of our Community Advisory Panel on housing issues, help for our local small businesses and industries such as voting to end paid parking, the Arts industry and Town Planning measures to protect our Village Character, wildlife and Green Wedge with its $1.3 billion food bowl. Giving priority to your input, putting your views forward and working to achieve a majority vote on Council are very important to me. Please continue to make contact to share your views or concerns on 0435 260 384. I have no political affiliations and don’t seek or accept donations. I hope to have your trust again at this Council election, Regards David.

Stephen Batty has lived in the Kackeraboite Ward for 35 years. Stephen is a committed family person who has operated successful businesses in the Finance, Logistics, Event Management and Risk Management sectors. Stephen Batty is actively involved in our local sporting and recreational clubs. Stephen when elected will concentrate on local matters. Stephen will create a safe family community and assist local businesses by encouraging local engagement and participation. Stephen will make Mt Eliza a clean, safe and welcome community and support all local sporting associations and facilities. Stephen will listen to all residents. Stephen will represent the Kackeraboite Ward and concentrate on local matters. Maintaining the environs and keep them clean. Fix the pot holes and road maintenance in an acceptable timeframe. Stephen is and will continue to protect our foreshores and monitor the outflow from our neighbouring drainage systems. Stephen will work to provide Mt Eliza a safe and secure neighbourhood environment. Stephen will make Mt Eliza the place to be. Stephen will listen and respond accordingly and hold regular residential community meetings.

I’m Daniel McCaffrey, with deep roots in the Peninsula dating back to the 1920s. My wife and I are proud residents, and I am passionately dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and enhancing community facilities of our place. As a candidate for Kackeraboite Ward, I aim to be a true community voice, actively listening to and addressing concerns. I am committed to supporting positive aging programs, advocating for youth services and improving the health and safety for all of us. My priorities include upgrading local footpaths, advancing the urban forest strategy to add more street trees and ensuring our community facilities meet our needs. Your vote will ensure a representative who values and actively supports, both our seniors and younger generations and is dedicated to enhancing our shared environment.

Moorooduc Ward needs a knowledgeable motivated leader. We need to stop wasteful spending. As a past Councillor in another shire, I have the experience to keep rates low, ideally with zero increases, while maintaining services and managing budgets. My focus will be on rates, roads, rubbish, addressing essentials like road maintenance, waste management, community hubs for sports and seniors. I will advocate for tourism to support local businesses and maintain our Green Wedge through strategic planning to prevent overdevelopment. In my previous role at Nillumbik Shire, I achieved these goals. I have run successful businesses, served on national & bank boards and collaborated with various organizations for community benefits. Growing up on the Mornington Peninsula, I attended local schools and enjoy giving back to the community. At Nillumbik Shire as Chair of Finance and Governance, we reduced council debt by half and delivered two years of zero rate increases. As Chair of Social Infrastructure, I oversaw the construction of nine new pavilions on time and budget. I also served on the Audit and Risk Committee. Stop wasteful spending, stop metered parking, fix the potholes on local roads. Vote 1 Bruce Ranken for better business and opportunities.

I’m Kathryn Smith, a local standing for our community. We all know the Mornington Peninsula is such a special place and I’ve been fortunate to call this community my home. One of the things I love most about the Peninsula is the way our community support each other and come together in times of need. However, it’s time we had a council that also listened and supported our community. We need a council that invests in our facilities, supports our local businesses, and invests in our roads for the long term, not for a couple of weeks. We need a Council that recognises the importance of our sporting clubs, our men’s sheds and community groups. Importantly, we need Councillors without hidden agendas! My passion for this community is the reason I’ve decided to stand for Council. Our community has amazing people who need to have their voices heard but who don’t always want to engage with Council. I want to be this voice. All too often, Council can become stuffy and inward thinking. It’s time Council remembered who it represents. It’s time for a transparent and pro-active council that takes community consultation seriously and provides solutions, not excuses.

I have a lifetime association with Nepean Ward and am able to serve as a full time Councillor. As an independent candidate, my focus is on listening to the local community's priorities and delivering them. The standard of roads, rubbish and general maintenance, including our precious coastal infrastructure, are some of the main concerns. Dealing with pedestrian safety hotspots, parking issues, preserving the character of the area and creating more leash free areas for our dogs are also important. I will be pushing for delivery of tangible outcomes from existing master plans before creating more plans and finding efficiencies that don’t impact on services. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts/Commerce and a Master of Taxation. I was a Federal public servant for 14 years and spent 18 months in a Minister’s Office as the Departmental Liaison Officer. After moving to Blairgowrie I worked in real estate administration and gained an appreciation of the challenges faced running a small business. With this background, I'm confident that I can be successful in the role. I would be honoured to be Nepean Ward’s next Councillor, working with the local community and the Shire to achieve better outcomes in the future.

I am a proud trans woman and a resident of 50 years. I am standing for your vote for Nepean, so we get our fair share of services, better access, more accountability and transparency, and proper consultation on issues that matter from our Council. My background includes 7 years in the Royal Australian Navy, 10 years working as a taxi driver, and 30 years running my own businesses in IT and postal contract delivery. At the same time, I raised 4 children with my now ex-wife who I see regularly, and for a time, helped care for my aging Mother. I am a regular Volunteer at Rye Community House, helping to distribute food parcels, participating in local housing and environmental activities, and working with local representatives and the Council for greater local acceptance and understanding of LGBTIQ+ people. Please see my Lived Experience interview on Channel 31 Bent TV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODdue4KGH78 if you are interested in knowing more about me. You are most welcome to phone and have a chat with me any time on 0490424699 or email me at mjtoms59@gmail.com

I could complain from the outer about how residents deserve better or nominate for a seat at the table. So, I’m nominating and asking for your vote to represent the Nepean Ward for a fresh start. There’s a huge gap between what the current Council is doing and what ratepayers want. Let’s get back to basics, rates, roads and rubbish. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason, to listen twice as much as we speak. I will listen and advocate for Nepean Ward. As a resident, a journalist, media professional, funeral celebrant and business owner I want to make a difference and utilise my career and lived experience to work with stakeholders without the ego and drama but for the benefit of residents. I will be a strong voice advocating for the residents of Nepean. Let’s just get things done, on time and on budget. Let’s celebrate the wins with good news stories! I’m hoping I can count on your vote. Vote 1 Suzanne Jones.

I'm excited to stand for councillor in Nepean Ward. As a proud Captain at Rye CFA, former President of the Victorian Farmers Federation Peninsula Branch, I've dedicated my time to serving our community and advocating for our shared interests. As one of 11 councillors I believe the perspective of a farmer at Hillock Downs in Rye and a CFA volunteer will be valuable for Council. I understand the importance of community resilience and collaboration in facing challenges. I believe that affordable housing is a critical issue, I'll advocate to have access to sustainable and affordable living options that reflect our diverse demographic. Our local infrastructure is crucial to our community's wellbeing. I'll advocate for maintenance of our roads to ensure safe, reliable transport for all. Well maintained road networks are essential for connecting communities and supporting local businesses. I care deeply for our environment, I'm dedicated to protecting the green wedge and food bowl that defines our beautiful Peninsula. I'll work to ensure our planning controls in townships strike the right balance between development and preservation, respecting the unique character and natural beauty of our surroundings. I'll listen to your concerns, collaborate with fellow community members, and represent your interests.

As your current councillor, I have genuinely loved connecting with our community & lending a helping hand – let’s keep the momentum going to achieve even more with the solid base we have created. Please check www.nepeanvoters.org, it is where our plans and dreams live. As a passionate advocate for our community, my focus has always been steadfast – local needs not global agendas. I thrive on hearing your innovative ideas & am committed to turning them into action. My goal remains: “…to improve the look, feel & function of our local communities in a cost-effective way, whilst conserving & protecting our natural environment”. Please note my 25+ years construction background is not all I bring to the table. I will continue to invest significant time & energy to future-proof our neighbourhoods including footpaths, bike lanes, roads, beach access, infrastructure & erosion, playgrounds, sports grounds, parking, vegetation and much, much more! It’s crucial to maintain & improve the amenities that enrich our lives, from the basics to sports clubs & small business. As a successful Project Manager, I have never failed to deliver & if given the opportunity, I promise I won’t let you down. Together, we can do this!

I am dedicated to volunteer work, community advocacy and meaningful change. If elected I will work on your behalf. As a small business owner over the past 25 years, I have learnt to make the most of limited finances and recognise the need to change when things aren’t working. I will focus on practical solutions and community inclusion. I believe in collaboration, transparency and scrutiny of council decision making. I will ensure that your concerns are bought before council and try my best to have positive action taken. I will work to protect our coastal character, our pristine beaches and our Green Wedge. My concerns include, having safe roads, good digital reception and a small business led economy. My voluntary work in improving our beaches and waste reduction has been recognised with an OAM, Australian of the year Local Hero, and Mornington Peninsula Citizen of the Year. I will listen and take up your concerns. Together we can build a resilient community by providing a strong voice prepared to put community first. I am always easy to contact, please share your views or concerns by email josiejones4nepean@gmail.com I have no political affiliations.

Hi, I’m Krys and I’m excited for the opportunity to represent you and the greater community of the Nepean Ward. Having moved to Sorrento with my family in 2020 I was thrilled to get involved, personally and professionally with “all things local” and threw myself into the mix by purchasing a local business in March 2021. My love for community and business combined when I was fortunate to become part of the Sorrento Chamber of Commerce, currently President. I have a passion for people and believe that working together is always better when it comes to achieving goals. Being a mother of 2, 9 and 6 years old, I also align heavily with the needs of younger families, childcare facilities in particular. Known for positivity, I hope to bring my fresh approach as your council representative to the table highlighting the needs of the community, achieving shared goals and working together to ensure our local community is represented strongly and fairly.

I will be your voice - for our future. As a law student with extensive experience working in local businesses and volunteering, I offer a fresh, energetic perspective for our community. Mornington is more than just a town to me – it’s my history and my home. From our stunning red sandstone cliffs to Tanti Creek itself our town radiates charm, but it also faces challenges. As an energetic community builder, my vision is to preserve and enhance Mornington's unique character with proactive local solutions. I will ensure accessibility of cherished infrastructure, supporting local businesses to thrive, while protecting our treasured landscapes and coasts. Inspired by my grandfather’s legacy as Shire president, I've learnt the importance of listening and responding to the needs of our community. From childcare to senior support, I am committed to providing robust services for everyone, while advocating for our invaluable volunteer groups. I co-founded environmental and education not-for-profit “Co-Exist Australia” on the Peninsula, engaging local groups and youth to nurture both people and places. This year, we’ve mobilised hundreds of volunteers, planting thousands of trees, cleaning beaches, and most recently, removing storm debris. Vote for me, and we will build a vibrant, resilient and connected Mornington - together.

Hello, my name is Barry Besanko and I am a 40 year resident of the Mornington Peninsula. I am running for council and need your help and support. I feel very strongly about basics and feel councils should always be performing to a high standard, including fixing our roads, clearing rubbish and waste, and ensuring our rates are fair. Prioritising and fixing facilities that are broken. Cleaning our town centres across the Peninsula and bringing back pride to all our communities. I will engage with all businesses, individuals, community groups and sporting organisations to ensure local government support is given where and when needed. A vote for common sense.

My house flies only the Australian flag; showing support for Australia and our National Day on 26 January. I don't want to be welcomed to my own Country but respect all who have and are genuinely contributing to the advancement of Australia. I have been here since 1995 and have no responsibility for anything that happened before then. I do want domestic gas supply to be available for my children and grandchildren should they choose to use it. MP Shire and fellow Councillors must adhere to the basics and leave their political agendas and ideology for other forums. Local issues not global issues. MP Shire is the servant of the electors and must not seek to impose their views on us. I will hold the Shire open to scrutiny by you and resist secret meetings. My experience is in corporate efficiency both in Australia and internationally. Current and proposed expenditure will be examined for cost benefits and its impact on the rates. My focus will be to hear what the majority of Mornington residents want in order to enhance the Shire, to find common sense outcomes and introduce changes as required. Vote 1 for Tom

It’s time for change. Local councils need to remember that their first duty is to serve their community and make commonsense decisions not to impede residents’ lives. I live in Tanti Ward with my family. I own and operate the multi award-winning small business Mornington Boat Hire. I employ locals, reinvest in the community and am committed to community service. As a fully independent candidate, free of any political affiliations, I will stand up for you and represent you. I stand for: Fairness, transparency and accountability. Stopping the waste of money. Affordable facilities and services. Roads we can safely drive on. Clean streets free of graffiti and well-maintained paths. Free access to our beautiful beaches and coastal facilities. A freeze on rates. An end to virtue signalling. I want to see the council focus on roads, rates, rubbish, and local issues, not personal or political agendas. I want to see action and results. My family’s 100 years of history in Mornington gives me an understanding of its heritage and a vision for our future. A vote for me is a vote for Mornington – and I will ensure that the needs of all shire residents are valued and met.

Our community deserves a proactive, responsive Council focused on delivering real value. The current Council has struggled with rising rates, neglected infrastructure, and insufficient solutions for issues like beach erosion and road maintenance. A fresh approach is essential. My vision for the Mornington Peninsula is a Council that prioritizes practical improvements and sustainable solutions. I aim to ensure effective management of your rates, concentrating on enhancing core services and infrastructure without imposing extra financial burdens. Key areas of focus will include upgrading sporting facilities with eco-friendly solutions, ensuring fair and transparent rates, and addressing critical infrastructure needs like road repairs and public transport accessibility. We will also improve foreshore areas, support local conservation groups, and expand public amenities like toilets and dog-friendly spaces. I will oppose plans for metered parking in retail and beach areas and vote against the proposed 3% levy on new homes. With a solid background in local sports, community service, and business, I am dedicated to achieving these goals. Together, we can create a more vibrant, accessible, and well-managed Tootgarook Ward for everyone.

As an experienced Councillor, I seek your vote for re-election because I would like to continue representing you at Council and “get back to basics” to deliver on roads, rates, rubbish and services that maintain local roads, fix potholes, plan for footpaths, keep towns clean and improve public facilities. Manage rate increases and keep rebates/concessions and hardship options available for ratepayers. Value for money rubbish collection services that meet our community needs. I will be your voice to push for safer roads, pedestrian crossings, advocate for traffic improvements at Elizabeth Ave & Pt Nepean Rd intersection, roundabout for Truemans Rd and maintain open spaces at Allambi Avenue, Marshall St, Romney Park, Vern Wright, Village Green. Improve infrastructure and streetscapes at Capel Sound Shops, Rosebud and support for local business. Oversee improvements to Memorial Hall Rosebud, maintenance of sports pavilions/reserves at Truemans Road, Olympic Park. I will support the redevelopment of Rosebud hospital, arts & culture, learning opportunities for young people and adults, protect our environment and enforce planning controls to avoid overdevelopment and maintain neighbourhood character. I will advocate on your behalf for issues that matter to our community. Your vote is appreciated. Contact 0412 292 284 info@tootgarookward.com read more at www.tootgarookward.com

As a long-time Tootgarook resident with a long family history in the area, I've witnessed first-hand how our council's inaction in recent years has placed a heavy burden on our community. In my role as a support worker, I’ve seen vulnerable people struggle to afford basic needs and get left behind. As your councillor, I will prioritise tackling the cost of living, providing affordable housing, creating more family violence and mental health services for our community, and leading local climate action. You deserve a councillor who engages with the community, and I commit to doing just that by hosting monthly town halls and pop-up offices to hear your concerns and bring them to the council's attention. Feel free to reach out to me on 0401 764 184 or email me at andrewfortootgarook@gmail.com with any questions. Also, make sure to follow my updates at facebook.com/andrewfortootgarook. Vote [1] De Bartolo, Andrew for a more collaborative community and a strong future for the Mornington Peninsula.

Hi, I’m Michael Stephens. I’ve spent the last 40 years living and working on the Mornington Peninsula, and for over 30 years, I’ve been a Licensed Plumber running my own business. I’m running for Council because Warringine needs a representative who listens, works hard, and advocates for reliable, high-quality services. With the new structure of 11 single Councillor Wards, each with similar population sizes, it should be easier to track how Council funds are distributed. If elected, my top priority will be to ensure Warringine receives its fair share of funding. I’ll advocate for responsible spending to balance investment with keeping rates low. I will work constructively with state and federal members to ensure optimum funding for Warringine projects. Warringine needs a dedicated and transparent Councillor committed to strategic planning and long-term thinking. I will push for measures to address the housing and rental crises impacting our community, improve childcare services, and work hard to support our local sporting clubs. My goal is to back our community and help you achieve your objectives. Call me on 0447644868.

My name is Mark Palmer, and I seek your support to be elected as your local councillor in the October elections. I have been sailing on Western Port since 2012 and my wife Pamela and I fell in love with the area so we moved to Bittern in 2015. Since then I have been a member of the Hastings Yacht Club, 3 of those years as Club Commodore and now as Club Captain. Whilst living in Cockatoo, my wife and I were involved in many community organisations, including the Fire Brigade for 11 years, Bush Nursing Committee of Management, Hall Committee, Community Support Team, Meals on Wheels, Area Captain for Red Shield Appeal. More recently, the Hastings Coastal Advisory Group, helping to design the foreshore in Hastings to ensure this area is available for recreational use by the community whilst caring for the environment. My management experience include 41 years in the Australian Army, 20 years owning and operating Aged Care Homes. I believe that my qualifications and experience provide me with the skills required to represent you in Council with integrity, transparency and value for your rates and look forward to ensuring the best interests of our Ward.

My name is Hilda Rachid. I am running for Warringine ward as a local business owner pursuing bachelor degree in business, a diploma in community service / case management, and thirty years experience in business management. My plan is to revitalise our town by improving road access and safety, enhancing public space, and supporting local businesses. I‘m committed to protect our green wedge for future agricultural use and promoting sustainable projects like the Hastings port, youth education and training centre and support services for our seniors. I aim to enhance residential neighbourhood with better services and community programs. With my expertise in leadership, financial and strategic planning, I can identify and address current challenges and opportunities. My goals include protecting community assets, improving tourism, and supporting local businesses. I plan to advocate for reducing rates to ease on the high cost of living and encourage recycling to cut waste, I also propose to address the repair of our senior hall and allocate a space for our seniors. Additionally, I plan to repair roads, clean up graffiti, foot path, and evaluate council spending to ensure projects benefits everyone. I also want to promote our town as a top tourist destination.

I am a dedicated community leader and advocate committed to serving and uplifting my community in Hastings and beyond. Born and raised in Hastings, I have a deep connection to the area, having lived and worked here for most of my life. My diverse background includes serving in the Defence Force at HMAS Cerberus and in Sydney with the Navy, alongside studies in business accounting and psychiatric nursing. I have always believed in giving back. I’ve volunteered in Nepal, Vietnam, and Namibia with Aussie Action Abroad, which earned me the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Locally, I am an active member of my CFA branch, dedicated to community safety and well-being. Received a Distinguished Toastmaster Award, recognising my achievements in communication and leadership. Outside of my work and volunteer commitments, I enjoy scuba diving, and beekeeping. I am passionate about making a positive impact and continuously strive to better my community. My key concerns are mental health, homelessness, and youth welfare, which urgently need more funding and support in our community. I am also focused on improving local infrastructure, including better maintenance of roads and access, expanding bus routes across the Peninsula, and supporting local businesses around the Hastings community.

Hi, I’m Nic. I have lived on the Mornington Peninsula for the last ten years. I participated in the Save Westernport paddle protest at Shoreham and have protested for the climate, against the repressive refugee laws and against the Gaza genocide. I hope to bring more power to local people and less to private corporate interests that have been price gouging for profit, leading to cost of living pressures in a time of high housing costs. The uniqueness of our Hastings and Westernport environment needs to be strongly represented in the Mornington shire, with councillors who will stand up to well-funded corporate influences. We need to resist the neoliberal privatised sell-out of our utilities and pristine environment by major parties and bring services back to ordinary people to decide on, making sure fair wages are paid to workers who help us all in improving our lives and our environment.