Yarra Ranges Shire Council election candidates

The people of the Yarra Ranges deserve value for money, transparency, accountability and, most importantly, our voices need to be heard when it comes to decisions. Council needs to act for residents, not activists and we need to focus on local issues that impact us. Being a diverse shire, I will advocate to balance the needs of all those who contribute to make this a great place to live and work. I’m deeply concerned about the rising cost of living, and the burdens added by government with increasing rates, taxes and charges. My belief is that council needs to go back to the basics – ensuring our core infrastructure and services are maintained and improved, whilst seeking opportunities to reduce waste and duplication so that we can be confident our rates are being spent on what matters to us most. I grew up in the Yarra Ranges, have lived in Billanook ward for more than 30 years, raising a family and running a business. As far as I’m concerned there’s no better place to live and, if elected, I want to work with other elected councillors to create a shire that current and future generations can be proud of.

Hi, I'm Tim Heenan, I have lived in Mt Evelyn for 38 years, been your Councillor for 15 years, and mayor twice between 2006 and 2008. I am your independent, committed community candidate for the Billanook Ward. In the past four years, I was the only Councillor who voted no against all rate rises, have a track record of fighting against inappropriate development, and have given high importance to the upgrade of local footpaths, trails and playgrounds, making them accessible and family-friendly. I have been working hard on upgrading infrastructure in the last four years, including drainage which has been my most serious concern, and if elected this will be my number one ongoing priority. Working with Community Groups in Lilydale and Mt Evelyn I have been able to get a great understanding of what you expect of me. Billanook has a great diversity of arts and culture, sports, history, and environment. It's a great place to live, and if I have the honour of being re-elected, I will continue to focus on issues that are important to you and be your local voice in Council. Vote 1 Tim Heenan, so you know you will be heard.

I am proud to stand as a candidate for Chandler Ward, driven by my passion for our vibrant community. With years of volunteering under my belt, I have witnessed firsthand the needs and dreams of our residents. My commitment to supporting young people is at the heart of my vision; I believe that by empowering our youth, we can create a brighter future for all. In my professional career, I have honed my skills in strategic management and planning, project delivery, and operations management. Coupled with my degree in leadership and business, I am well-equipped to connect our community with essential services and resources that foster growth and well-being. As your councillor, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard and our diverse community thrives together. I am dedicated to collaborating with residents, local organisations, and fellow council members to address the challenges we face and celebrate our achievements. Together, we can build a Chandler Ward that not only meets today's needs but also lays the foundation for future generations. I humbly ask for your support in this election to make our community a place where everyone has the chance to succeed.

My name is Ashley Hansen, I live in the Shire and I am seeking your assistance in my quest to become a Councillor to represent you at Council, I am married and have two grown children. I have work in Local Government since 1983. Prior to commencing my career in Local Government I worked in Construction. I am a Qualified Building Surveyor and Town Planner. I am well placed to represent you as I am very familiar with Local Government and how it works. I will get results for you. I will listen to the Community and act on your behalf and hold Council accountable for its decisions. I also know that if elected as a Councillor I will do my best to ensure you have a voice in Council I will represent all the residents within the ward. I understand the frustration and costs when permits take too long, I understand that “time is money” when there are unnecessary delays, I will try and cut the time, within legislation when trying to get permits through and advocate for a sustainable and consistent approach for all Council services. A vote for me will be a vote for accountability and transparency.

As a passionate long time resident of the Chandler Ward, I’m putting my hand up to be your next Councillor. I’m a local family man and small business owner, who is deeply invested in the future of our community. I stand for common sense and financial responsibility, ensuring that our council’s decisions are made with practical, sustainable solutions in mind. My experience running a local small business has given me first hand insight into the challenges and opportunities within our Ward. I believe in transparent governance, where every dollar spent is accounted for and used wisely to benefit our residents. Together, we can make Chandler Ward an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. I am committed to helping to cut through the red tape, listening to your concerns, and working tirelessly to address them. With your support, we can bring about positive change and ensure a prosperous future for our community. Thank you.

My name is Mick Spruhan. My family have resided in Belgrave for over 30 years. I have a long-standing interest in local government issues and think I can make a difference in the local area, for the benefit of the Lyster community. I have had many dealings with local clubs, organisations and businesses in my previous occupation with the local Community Bank branches. You will find me to be a candidate who can be relied upon to take up your issues and provide you with answers. Might not always be what you want to hear. Lived in Belgrave since 1989. I am not affiliated with any political party.

Like many in Lyster Ward, I've called this place home for years, raising my son and actively engaging in our community's arts, environment, and storm recovery efforts. I'm an award winning artist and academic, and my research in computer music was awarded a Eureka Prize for innovations in computer science. The Council is trialling AI technology to speed up access to council processes. I can see great potential here but I understand the concerns this technology raises and I have the knowledge, experience and wisdom to oversee this on your behalf. In Lyster, we all experience the impact of climate change, and it's been a major theme in my work. As councillor, I will bring this engagement to the task of planning for, and making possible, a sustainable future for the Yarra Ranges. I will work to support social wellbeing and culture, and as an artist running a small business, I want to see a thriving local economy. Through fires, storms and pandemic, we have shown that we can work together to make our place our home. Please join me in making a future where we belong and flourish in our beautiful part of the world. Learn more at: McilwainForLyster.au

A Commitment to Lyster Ward. As a proud Australian by choice, I've made Tecoma my home for over a decade. The hills community has embraced us like family, and now it’s my turn to give back by serving as your councillor. At 21, I came to Australia with just $1,000 and the determination to pursue a Master’s in IT. Since then, I’ve built a life here, overcome challenges, started businesses, and helped others do the same. My journey as a migrant, entrepreneur, author, and consultant has taught me how to solve problems and create opportunities. Now, I’m ready to apply these skills to tackle the issues we face as a community. Running as an Independent, I am committed to serving you, the residents. This independence enables me to focus solely on what matters most to you. With integrity and dedication, I will deliver real, tangible results for Lyster Ward. If elected, I will address traffic and parking concerns around schools, improve council accountability and communication, support health and well-being initiatives, and make council resources more accessible. Let’s work together to build a thriving community. For more information, visit www.diveshsareen.me or call 0413 291 782. Vote 1 for Divesh Sareen.

I am the Mayor and Independent Councillor for Melba Ward, dedicated to the Yarra Ranges for almost 30 years through emergency services, community activities, and education. I have influenced liveable towns, healthy people, and safe and strong communities by listening to residents and businesses. On Council, I've worked on improving flood responses and securing drainage funding. I’ve also focussed on responsible development, heritage protection, and green spaces. Across Melba, I've supported local festivals, food relief, and community projects such as the Mooroolbark Community Garden and Community House. As the Councillor delegate for Health and Wellbeing, I've ensured community voice drives effective programs. I strongly advocate to other levels of government for needed infrastructure improvements such as drainage, roads and disaster-ready buildings, and social housing. I genuinely value volunteers, arts, active living, and historical and Indigenous connection. I’m committed to addressing resident and business needs, advocating for an Urban Aquatic and Leisure facility, and upgrades to McDermott Reserve and Red Earth Community Park. I prioritise transparent decisions, environmental protection, and broad community input. I will continue to be your trusted active representative for Melba Ward. Grow Well Together. Email: sophie.todorov@bigpond.com l 0419238415 l www.facebook.com/sophietodorov4yarrarangescouncil/

I love where I live. The Melba Ward of Lilydale and Mooroolbark is where I’ve lived and raised my family for over 20 years, being a part of community groups, sporting clubs and local events. As a parent, business owner and ratepayer I can see we need some changes at the Council. The Current council needs a change. I want to be the Councilor for the Melba Ward because being a part of the local schools, footy club, community action groups, RSL etc has always kept me in touch with what’s going well in our community but also where the council is falling behind on delivering what we need locally. There are a lot of grassroots issues being overlooked at the moment and I want to bring a new level of communication to being the local Councilor. I want to be sure that everyone that needs help with council issues is taken seriously and their problems are always dealt with. I’ll communicate and represent what you have to say because I want this area to keep improving and thriving for my family and yours. Things can always be better, give me your vote and I’ll do the work for you.

The Yarra Ranges is an amazing place to live. As a lifelong local, I share in the triumphs, as well as the challenges, that shape our diverse community. Our Council has a significant presence in our lives, from local roads to rubbish collection to our kids’ playgrounds. As rates and charges continue to increase, our Council doesn’t appear to be working for us. It's time to bring back common sense on the Council and get Council to go back to basics. We need a Council that prioritises the needs of the community. If I am elected, I will stand strong, for you and with you, in bringing the Council back to basics: Roads, Rates, Rubbish, Recreation and Repairs. I will use my position on Council to advocate for the improvement of local infrastructure, against overdevelopment and to hold the Council accountable for its actions. It’s time to put common sense back into Council. It's time to put our community back on track and look to the future. The time is right for change on the Council. Your vote matters and I'm asking for your support to get back to basics this October.

Re elect Jim Child JP. MAICD. DipLG (Councillor), known and trusted. As your fulltime Councillor it has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve and represent the communities of the Upper Yarra over the past twelve years, serving as Mayor for three years. During those 12 years, investment in the O’Shannassy Ward has been the best we’ve ever seen, roads to community infrastructure build, footpaths, bridges, recreation reserves & pavilions, with much more still to be done, in particular Wesburn Park, Warburton, Yarra Junction and also finalising the Yarra Junction Place Plan then the Yarra Junction Township Design Framework, a project I instigated earlier this current Council term. I strongly support the Council 2024-25 Budget with a Capital Works Program delivering the construction of Stage 1 of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, plus those much needed 120 community services. My commitment to you at the 2012, 2016 & 2020 elections still stands, to be approachable at all times and a commitment to be your full time O’Shannassy Ward Councillor. Feel free to contact me on 0419550523 or email jcchild@bigpond.com to discuss issues and the election process. Your candidate known for getting stuff done. Vote 1 Jim Child.

I’m a school teacher and local resident, with connections to many groups in O’Shannassy. I know and understand our community, and adore our precious natural environment and rural character. I’ve been lucky to talk to many people about what matters most to them, and if elected I will ensure everyone’s voice is heard. As we all struggle with the cost-of-living, housing/rental and climate crises, we need our council to work harder for the community. If elected as your councillor, I’ll prioritise: 1) bringing down your power bills and taking climate action through solar bulk-buying, including for renters, and supporting households to get off gas; 2) pushing genuinely affordable and sustainable housing; 3) finding the balance between tourism and the ability for locals to enjoy the area they live in; 4) supporting arts, festivals and community hubs to build a thriving culture scene; 5) fight to protect our forests and waterways; and 6) integrity and accountability on council. You can find more information at http://greens.org.au/wil-mikelsons, https://www.facebook.com/WilMikelsonsGreens or reach out at wil.mikelsons@vic.greens.org.au. Put our community first by voting 1) Wil Mikelsons.

I’m Karen Duke a candidate running for Yarra Ranges Council in the O’Shannassy ward. I’m a resident in the Upper Yarra Valley and love where I live. This is the reason I am running for council as I feel our ward has been left behind compared to the other wards in the Shire for too long. I am frustrated with our community being told what we should have, instead of what is essential and the actual needs of the residents. This needs to change now. I could talk about economics and tourism, but I feel that communication, honesty, accountability, and transparency is key to our community voice for a balance. I believe in change as long as it is good for the community and the wellbeing of residents for a positive outcome. I am an independent with no political alliances. A vote for me will ensure our unique, beautiful and vibrant community is ready to move forward with 'your voice at council.'

My policies include having a beer and watching the football.

My name is R Jane Stormer. I am a born & raised local who has worked with many community groups and local volunteers in the O'Shannessy Ward. Our small and diverse rural communities are at present concerned with cost of living pressures, and we need to ensure that the essential Council services are delivered first and foremost, especially now that we have rate capping. I wish to also support positive local community & economic development that protects our unique rural character & carefully considers our emergency management risks including fire & flooding. I bring working experience in the fields of small business, local economic & community development including regenerative tourism. I have worked with and within local, state and federal government organisations. I have a Masters in Urban Horticulture so I understand all the pressures on our agricultural industries & natural resources from increasing urban density and climate change. I feel lucky to live on Wurundjerri country and am interested in understanding better how we best care for our part of the upper catchment of the Birrarung/Yarra. Our communities are diverse and different, and I would welcome the opportunity to listen, learn from and represent you.

I am a mother, lawyer, and animal lover, living in the Yarra Valley and proudly standing as your Animal Justice Party candidate for O’Shannassy ward. My passion lies in community well-being, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. My priorities include promoting local businesses, protecting our wildlife and supporting those who care for them, as well as improving road infrastructure. My career as a lawyer has primarily been in the areas of Victims of Crime and Family Violence, where I have dedicated my adult life to providing a voice for victim survivors who have been silenced by their circumstances. I believe that through dedication, education, and courage, we are all capable of effecting great change within the community. With your support, I seek to make the Yarra Valley a place where the community, animals, and our natural land are all able to thrive.

Hi, I’m Dylan. I’m running in this year’s council election as a candidate with Victorian Socialists because I believe in a society that’s more sustainable, equitable and just than the capitalist system we live under today. I’m a Wesburn local and have lived in the area for 20 years. I’m an arborist and a member of the Australian Workers’ Union. Politicians at all levels of government are in the pockets of the rich, increasingly losing touch with the people they’re supposed to represent. Wealth inequality is soaring, with many working-class people struggling to get by while the rich prosper. Councils have a responsibility to tackle issues like the housing shortage and cost of living crisis, to improve living standards for all. I’ve been an activist for many years, campaigning against racism, for public housing, refugees, and recently in solidarity with the people of Palestine. I believe councils should be a place where questions of social justice are raised and acted on. If elected in October, I promise to champion our community’s needs and work towards creating the better world we all deserve.

I am a local mother, business owner and actively involved member of the community. I am openly neurodiverse and foster an inclusive and safe space for others in both my personal and professional life. Photography is my first found passion and I have photographed the family journey of many locals these past 13 years. After participating in the change makers program ran by Yarra Ranges Council in 2023 I have found myself finding another passion for advocacy. I care deeply about the mental health of our youth, elderly and disability isolation. During the disruption of the Montrose Roadworks I have advocated for all small businesses affected and spoken up for both residents and small business owners, regularly attended stakeholder meetings and spread awareness around the community impacts.

My name is Jeff Marriott and l want to be your Yarra Ranges Council representative for Streeton Ward. I have lived in the Yarra Ranges for 11 years as a dad, partner and active volunteer in the community, including school council, Country Fire Authority, Scouts Victoria and a community indigenous nursery. I have 23+ years in emergency planning and 3 in project management for Federal and State community-based programs. I am pragmatic and focused on real impact for the community. Citizens and local businesses put faith and trust in their local councillors and need to know that they are being heard. I believe an ideal councillor listens to the community, takes their argument to council and returns with an honest and truthful answer, regardless of the outcome. I believe council needs to focus on the core fundamentals of services to the community, make timely and common-sense decisions, and demonstrate sound financial management within budget. Council should also maintain the highest standards for our basic needs including roads, drainage, rubbish collection, recreational facilities and give each citizen and business the right to have their say. I am determined to move our shire into a prosperous future for all.

I want to represent my local community by giving you a voice, supporting community organisations who are run by amazing people across Yarra Ranges, nominating to be your Councillor for Walling Ward. I have led a local community organisation 'Treasuring Our Trees', created after the June 2021 storm. I previously ran a small business specialising in tree care and building sustainable garden projects. I have learnt firsthand the positive social impact we can make when we work together, especially for the most vulnerable. As a single parent I juggle my role as a father, role model and community leader. I understand the challenges families are facing and have lived experience growing up when money was tight. I want Yarra Ranges to lead the way in developing support programs after natural disasters. I will work to continue to build and support healthy relationships with First Nations communities by creating a safe space for cultural education. I want to build a better future for families, especially children. I want to create change by leading the only way I know how, by rolling up my sleeves, putting in the hard work and creating healthy pathways forward for all of us!

I am council's most experienced councillor and have the enthusiasm and commitment to continue. This term I convinced council to buy the high school land at 150 Cambridge Rd. The State Government were to sell it for unit development. If Re-elected I will ensure it is turned into parkland, bike tracks, picnic areas & bushland. I was angry when council closed Kilsyth Pool. If re-elected with a new council, I will work with them to rebuild it better than ever. Montrose quarry is wanting to expand , but I have stopped it before & will again. In the past I have been responsible for developing Lilydale lake, Japara House, Montrose Town Centre, rejuvinating Pinks reserve, including roofing netball courts, new basketball court and the new football pavilion. Very important is rates. Walling Ward is next to Maroondah council whose rates are much less than ours. If I am re-elected & the majority approve, I will negotiate with state government and Maroondah council to include Walling Ward in Maroondah. You would keep all services & save $650.00 per year. With your vote I can achieve all these goals.