Surf Coast Shire Council election candidates

As a dedicated Councillor and experienced Mayor, I remain committed to leading our community with a focus on what matters most to you: a sustainable environment, liveable communities, and thriving local arts, business and community groups. Having lived on the Surf Coast for 22 years, raising 3 children, I understand the unique needs of our coastal townships and hinterland community. I've immersed myself in local life: working; volunteering; and running Aireys Inlet Market. I love where we live and, as your local representative, have worked hard to address key priorities: increased recognition and investment in the arts; tackling the affordable accommodation crisis; meaningful action on climate change and protecting our natural environment. With your support, I will continue to advocate for a sustainable Surf Coast, to protect township character while balancing the need for improved infrastructure and essential Council services. With my qualifications in public relations, outdoor education, and as a company director (AICD), I provide strategic leadership, responsible financial management and strong governance. I am here to listen and advocate on your behalf, and am committed to being your voice on Council. For a proven leader who listens and acts with care, Vote [1] Libby Stapleton. Contact me 0494110012.

I'm an Anglesea resident and father of two. A lifelong surfer, rider and nature lover. A landscape architect, recreation planner and more recently, councillor. I’ve played a key role in Council actions to protect Anglesea River, Painkalac Creek and other natural places, preserve town character, heritage and local lifestyles, improve walking and riding connections, promote a unique, sustainable local economy, increase climate and disaster resilience, expand community grants and champion community action. I’m proud of our support for the Surf Coast arts, creative and business communities and our progress on housing affordability and social equity. I'm a strong advocate for the sport, recreation and cultural facilities that keep us healthy, happy and socially connected - and for distinctive, welcoming neighbourhoods and vibrant public places. I value careful listening and preparation, constructive debate, principled decision-making and high Council performance. We need to nail the basics, but also manage complex challenges and seize opportunities on behalf of current and future generations. I’m asking for your support to power into a second term, bringing commitment, creativity and passion to help Surf Coast communities achieve shared goals, enjoy shared places and celebrate shared values. Vote 1, Mike Bodsworth, for Otway Range Ward.

I’m your current Greens councillor, a mum, a paediatric emergency doctor, an amateur surfer and trail runner, and a climate activist. I care deeply about our community, our environment and the planet our children will inherit. As your councillor, I’ve opposed offshore gas exploration, fought to save Spring Creek and to protect coastline and wetlands, for progress on our climate emergency action plan, supported enabling community and grants programs, been an ally for our LGBTQIA+ community, and an advocate for First Nations reconciliation. If re-elected, I’ll prioritise: [1] continuing climate action, fighting to stop seismic blasting and gas exploration; [2] transitioning to 100% renewable energy and helping households to get off gas; [3] supporting genuinely affordable, sustainable housing; [4] expanding essential services such as maternal health, community childcare, libraries, sporting facilities and playgrounds; [5] improving safe cycling and walking infrastructure, separated bike lanes and pedestrian crossings; and [6] walking alongside Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar people towards First Nations reconciliation. You can find more information at https://greens.org.au/vic/person/kate-gazzard-0 or reach out at kate.gazzard@vic.greens.org.au. Put our community first by voting [1] Kate Gazzard.

Leon Walker, an independent candidate from the Otway Range ward. I was born and raised in Bellbrae, spending my youth in the Surf Coast. Today, I’m a sustainable hospitality business owner and operator living in Lorne with my wife and two boys. I'm an active member of our community, volunteering on the school council and the business traders association along with football, soccer and the surf club. The Surf Coast is our home that we love, and as an all-year surfer, avid nature lover and photographer, I'm passionate about preserving and protecting our beautiful natural environment. I have many years of experience working locally and at state level in tourism, business, community, arts and events. I advocate for sustainable tourism and businesses in our region, including addressing the housing crisis. I encourage our community to lead healthy, active and connected lifestyles. It's important that our region can offer the right affordable services to support the dynamic needs of all our community, including transport, health and amenities. As your Otway Range ward councillor, I will strive to engage and represent the Surf Coast communities with transparency, integrity, reasoning and advocacy. Together, we will leave our region better than we found it.

I am a Family Counsellor, Family Law Mediator and Elite Athlete Mindset Coach to our Gold Medal winning Olympic Dive team in 2008. I know what it takes to make a winning team and a winning community. Most importantly, I am a mother and wife. Every day, I see more and more how families are hurting through poor economic management on all levels of government, and social cohesion is falling apart at the seams from irresponsible and grandstanding ideologies. This has very real and hard-hitting impacts on families and communities. I will support our local families and community to the very best of my ability in a way that celebrates who each and every one of us are, without the divisive politics. I will manage resources efficiently and effectively. Bring back Australia Day, bring back Christmas celebrations and decorations. Get back to basics and focus on good local council governance and money management. Like a winning athlete, when the fundamentals are taken care of, the rest will flourish with the right focus. I will look after roads, rates and rubbish and support our community to thrive.

I want council to focus on the basics, so I'm running with the Back to Basics team. Community satisfaction with Council is less than 50%. Nobody has opposed the direction of Council more than me. If you want to see real change vote for me and my team. As a Libertarian I'm committed to reducing the amount of money government takes off you and what it does take is used wisely. My private business and elected roles have shown me that short-term popular goals result in long-term pain. I've spoken with many people in our community, most you could call the silent majority who just want to be left alone. With the Back to Basics team we can achieve that by prioritising roads and infrastructure maintenance, treating everyone equally, stopping Council being used by activist groups, supporting the celebration of Christmas and Australia Day and supporting women-only spaces. These policies of ours and a range of others can be found on social media, search for Surf Coast Back to Basics for more info. It's time for you to think about what direction you want Council to go, more of the same or Back to Basics.

I’m running for council as an independent to bring my experience and reliability to serve all residents of the Surf Coast Shire, not just Torquay. As a longtime resident, father, grandfather, and former business owner, I understand the unique challenges faced by our community. The Surf Coast is a vibrant and inclusive place, supporting people of all ages and backgrounds. From sporting clubs to seniors programs and community services, I am committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from our council’s work. As one of the oldest candidates, I bring a lifetime of experience and a deep understanding of the positive impact that good representation can have. A key focus of mine will be supporting the mental health of both our youth and the elderly by ensuring accessible services for all. I’ve volunteered with the Torquay CFA for 33 years, supported the 1st Torquay Scouts for 15 years, and served on many other committees. I’m currently a Life Member of Commerce Torquay and an active member of Torquay Rotary. I’m passionate about building a better, more sustainable future for the Surf Coast, a place we can all enjoy. So vote 1 Martin Duke – your involved and inclusive voice on council

As a father of three, carpenter/joiner, and former Army special forces veteran, I understand the value of hard work, integrity, and leadership. I’m running for the Surf Coast Shire Council because I believe it’s time to get back to basics with fresh, community-focused leadership that listens and delivers. I’m committed to full transparency and accountability in council operations. By streamlining communication and focusing on clear, measurable outcomes, I aim to ensure smarter decisions that benefit all of our community. My priorities include protecting our stunning natural environment, supporting young families, and ensuring the council serves the real needs of the Surf Coast. I believe in practical solutions that translate into real results on the ground. I’m not just here to listen, but to truly hear what matters to you, and to turn those concerns into positive action for our community. Vote for me, and together we’ll build a better future for the Surf Coast Shire.

It has been an honour serving you on Council over the past four years, including two as Mayor. With your support, I want to continue our journey towards a Healthy, Connected Community. As a mother of four, an engineer, volunteer, and council leader, I bring strong problem solving skills and a deep understanding of infrastructure and sustainability —essential for representing you on the Surf Coast Council. I’m proud to remain independent, free from party politics, listening to your views through monthly community conversations. I’m guided by your insights and committed to addressing our community’s needs. Together, we've achieved a lot; supporting local businesses, improving pathways, increasing funding for community grants, and protecting the Karaaf wetlands. I’ve heard from you that improving social connection, addressing climate change, and delivering excellent local government services are your priorities. These are my focus, while also being mindful of cost of living pressures and ensuring efficient use of Council's resources. By enhancing Torquay’s pathways, protecting our environment, and fostering a supportive community I’ll continue to represent our shared values and keep what we love about our beautiful community. Vote [1] Liz Pattison to continue to deliver a Healthy, Connected Community.

I’m an urban planner, community advocate, dog mum and wildlife rescue volunteer. We all struggle with the cost-of-living, housing, rental and climate crises, and we need councillors who’ll fight for our community. If elected as your Greens councillor, I’ll prioritise: [1] advocating for climate change resilience including to ban gas exploration off our pristine coastline; [2] supporting genuinely affordable and human-scale housing and regulate short-stay rental accommodation to free up rentals for locals; [3] expanding essential services that alleviate cost-of-living pressures, such as maternal health, community childcare, libraries, community grants and recreation facilities; [4] revitalising Torquay Town Centre as a social heart through innovative business strategies, parklets and pop-ups and advancing Baines Crescent creative enterprise precinct; [5] bringing down your power bills and taking climate action through solar bulk-buying, including for renters, and supporting households to get off gas; [6] supporting more frequent and accessible public transport, safe bike lanes and EV charging stations. You can find more information at https://greens.org.au/vic/person/phoebe-crockett or reach out at phoebe.crockett@vic.greens.org.au. Put our community first by voting [1] Phoebe Crockett.

I work in the public service in circular economy policy. I’ve worked across community engagement, human-centred design, digital transformation, renewable energy and climate action. I’m also a local yoga teacher. I grew up in the Otways, so I understand coastal and rural communities’ unique challenges. As we all struggle with the cost-of-living, housing/rental and the climate crises, we need councillors who’ll fight for our community. If elected as your Greens councillor, I’ll prioritise: [1] supporting genuinely affordable and sustainable housing; [2] expanding essential services that alleviate cost-of-living pressures, such as maternal health, community childcare, libraries and recreation facilities; [3] bringing down your power bills and tackling climate action through renewable energy options, including for renters, and supporting households to get off gas; [4] supporting more frequent and accessible public and active transport options; and [5] protecting our unique natural areas, like the Karaaf Wetlands, Barwon River, Deep Creek and Spring Creek Valley. You can find more information at https://greens.org.au/vic/person/aleisja-henry or reach out at aleisja.henry@vic.greens.org.au. Put our community first by voting [1] Aleisja Henry.

I'm Tony Phelps, and I'm running for Winchelsea Ward Councillor. Our community deserves thoughtful leadership focused on sustainable growth and development. I propose strategic planning to enhance our hinterland areas, relieving pressure on coastal communities while preserving our unique character. Timely maintenance of community assets like parks and playgrounds is crucial - I'll prioritise resources to ensure these remain vibrant for future generations. Our roads need more attention - I want quicker repairs for safer, smoother travel. Community well-being is a priority - I'll champion support to foster connections through events, programs and activities. A balanced budget is essential, ensuring every dollar is wisely spent on what truly matters. My vision is a thriving Surf Coast Shire, driven by respectful debate and community-focused decision-making. Together, we can make our region an even better place to live, work, and play. I’m eager to hear your ideas and advocate for your needs. Thank you for considering me as your Councillor. Let's work together for a brighter future.

I have shown my commitment and passion for Winchelsea as a Life Member of the CFA having served for 50 years. Genuine consultation and community input has always been high on my agenda. I will ensure that rates and expenditure will be kept to a minimum. Unsealed roads and drainage are a high priority as having worked for the Shire of Barrabool as a seasonal contractor mowing roadsides and other duties watering roads. Have lived in the Shire my whole life for 66 years and my family first settled at Moriac in 1930. Economic development needs stimulus to service the challenges of our growing towns. I will continue to be a voice for community facilities such as Mens Sheds and other groups. A vote for me is a vote to retain these services in our small towns. We need to ensure that we have operational plans and policies in place that are effective in providing asset renewal now and into the future. I am supporting Adrian Schonfelder as my second preference as his family has also lived locally for a long time and I wish to work with him in the best interests of the ratepayer. Vote 1 Darryl Wilson.

I am running for council to ensure your rates are spent wisely. As a local health care business operator for 21 years, I have served the residents, businesses and farmers in all corners of the Winchelsea Ward, which gives me a unique understanding of local issues. I have spent my career asking the right questions to diagnose problems and provide practical solutions. I am committed to the shire being run like a large body corporate, on a tight budget, and will ensure the council focuses on excellence in local infrastructure, maintenance and service delivery; not state, federal or international issues. I will ensure our smaller townships are better supported to meet the needs of the current residents, and their projected population growth. I will help small businesses, start ups, and family farming by making their interactions with the shire less cumbersome and less expensive. I will protect and encourage sporting and recreational access to the open spaces and infrastructure our shire holds to foster a healthy and connected community. In summary my focus in council will be increasing productivity, better budget management, and growing our community.

I have lived and raised a family and been a partner in a trade buisness with a fifty year association with Torquay and the surounding hinterland, I have years of experience on the Council with several terms as Mayor. I bring to the Council solid and genuine skills and I'm known for being hard working, experienced and committed to working with the community, I have a proven track record "of getting things done". If re-elected I would continue as a strong advocate and voice for all. I value the unique identities of the different townships in the ward and have worked to protect their neighborhood characters. Over the years I have supported new and improved infrastructure for improving our road network, sustainable environmental policy, tourism and small business, recreation and the arts. In all of these areas I have worked diligently to support community groups. My focus will be on delivery of core services efficently within sound parameters and financial management, transparency and supporting appropriate developments and advocating for future needs of the Winchelsea ward. I will work in an effective manner and be proud to represent the community. I have pride in the past and confidence in the future.

Since my election in 2020 as a Winchelsea Ward Councillor, I have worked enthusiastically in the role, engaging in many varied council activities, including a high attendance at Council Briefings and Meetings, Citizenship Ceremonies and representing the Shire at the Municipal Association of Victoria. I advocated for rate caps, zero rate increases and maintaining Pensioner rebate together with increased funding for maintenance of sealed and unsealed roads. It is important to foster an inclusive, safe and healthy community with sustainable development, supporting local traders, keeping our shopping strips viable with increased parking in our towns and lobbying State Government to build a new P-12 school in Winchelsea. As a fourth generation Councillor, whose family has farmed 176 years continuously at Barrabool, I prioritise protecting rural and coastal environments, maintaining the unique character of our townships. Improving sporting facilities like the Winchelsea Bowls Club is crucial and I am proud of the re-opening of Winchelsea Common, and other facilities like the netball pavilion at Mt Moriac, Pool redevelopment in Winchelsea and the planned new aquatic centre in Torquay. As a life member of the National Trust and past volunteer at Barwon Park I love our community. Vote 1 Adrian Schonfelder. www.adrianschonfelder.com