Bellevue Ward

Serena Huang, David Dawson, Michael Nolan, Gregory Ball, Samuel Allan

Michael Nolan

Bellevue Ward 

I’m a community independent with no political allegiances. I’ve never been a member of a political party.

I have lived in Kew East for 26 years and my partner Rosemary and I have raised our family in Bellevue.

I’ve knocked on 6,000 doors in Bellevue Ward to hear the needs and hopes of fellow residents. I’ve heard that people want Council to keep rates low; to properly manage redevelopment of the Kew Recreation Centre; protect parks and gardens; and encourage local shopping.

Above all else, I’m running because I want to represent the interests of our community.

I’m an engineer and I’ve been a project director in manufacturing. I’ve led large teams developing major infrastructure and worked to reduce emissions and make large facilities energy efficient.

I will work to ensure responsible spending and to keep rates low. I’ll advocate for the Council to look at renewal rather than demolishing and rebuilding Kew Library.

I’ll advocate strongly for residents impacted by North-East Link. We need to ensure noise barriers meet the highest specification and contracts are aligned accordingly. We need to ensure tree planting contracts are of the highest standard with 5-10 years of tree-health monitoring along the NE-Link. I’ll ensure that Bellevue is always well represented.

I‘ve given 20+ years of service to my community through leadership roles on the Hays Paddock advisory committee, Electrify Boroondara, Kew East Primary School committee, and coaching under-age basketball.

I’ll have regular consultation with the community, listen and represent Bellevue.

For more information, go to my website here.

Authorisation: M. Nolan, PO Box 378, Balwyn North VIC 3104

Gregory Ball

Bellevue Ward 

I am a candidate for Bellevue Wad, City of Boroondara. Each Ward in Boroondara has specific issues. Three of the issues impacting Bellevue Ward are high rates and wasteful spending, heritage and individual property rights, and pollution and loss of parkland associated with the Eastern Freeway.

I contend there should be no increase in general rates for four years and there should be more efficient delivery of maintenance and services. Also, unnecessary and unwanted capital projects should be abandoned, and capital projects which do proceed should be managed carefully to minimize the cost.

Heritage is contentious. I contend the community is best served by establishing an entity like a Boroondara National Trust to preserve, and provide public access to, the best of our heritage including buildings, parkland and the Yarra River.

Properties or other assets would be purchased at fair market value or received as donations. Inclusion of individual post World War 2 properties into heritage overlays in Bellevue Ward has caused considerable unnecessary emotional and financial distress to affected owners with no public benefit.

I contend the Eastern Freeway should be enclosed, similar in concept to the CityLink Sound Tube to eliminate unhealthful noise, particulate matter and air pollution associated with the heavy traffic on the freeway.

New open space should be created to compensate for the loss of Koonung Creek Reserve. The large area of the enclosed freeway could be used for recreational buildings and for generating solar electricity. An innovative community electricity grid associated with this could include energy storage and underground power lines, making for more attractive streets.

I do not have any political affiliations or memberships. I have never been a member of a political party or union. I live in Bellevue Ward, the Ward in which I am running.

Authorized by Gregory Ball, 47 Cityview Road, Balwyn North, VIC 3104

Cotham Ward

Liz Kelly, Felicity Sinfield

Liz Kelly

Cotham Ward 

Let me introduce myself. I am Liz Kelly, a local who has lived in Boroondara with my partner for 30 years.

I see myself a true local because of my love for this beautiful area and my active involvement in many aspects of local community life including as part of a family. This has given me an understanding of the things that matter to the local people of Cotham ward. My working life has also given me the capacity to contribute to meaningful and effective change such as can be achieved through local government.

My partner, Stephen and I have 2 adult children Connor and Claire. Both kids went to local primary schools, Claire attending Kew High and Connor went to St Pauls specialist school..

What I have to offer

As a highly qualified senior manager with over 2 decades of governance experience, I have had extensive experience as a chair and board member of a diverse range of organisations. This includes health, disability, sporting, dispute resolution, audit and governance groups. This has given me first hand experience in policy development and service provision that are major responsibilities in local government

What is important to me

I am dedicated to ensuring decision makers in Council are accountable and transparent to ratepayers in their decision making.

I am committed to council providing services that allows members of the community and visitors to access activities with respect and dignity. Inclusion for all abilities and allowing community members to age in place improves outcomes for all.

I understand through first-hand experience the benefits of care delivered in the community by the community. Aging in place for community members offers dignity and respect

Access to beautiful green spaces is something I prize as great for health, wellbeing and inclusion. I see that heritage buildings add to the beauty of Boroondara.

I think the Kew Recreation centre should be energised by sustainable means not gas

Authorised by Liz Kelly.  PO Box 16 Kew East Vic 3102.      Lizkelly4cotham@gmail.com

Gardiner Ward

Michael Burge, David Chu, Victor Franco

David Chu

Gardiner Ward 

As a local business owner and father of three, I am passionate about serving the community I’ve proudly called home.

I am standing for Council because I believe in practical, community-focused solutions that address real issues faced by residents. If elected, I will prioritize improving community safety by upgrading street lighting, strengthening Neighbourhood Watch programs, and ensuring safer streets for all. I will also work towards freezing council rates to provide immediate relief to families and local businesses while removing excessive waste charges for households with medical conditions and growing families.

My vision includes promoting sustainable development that respects the unique character of our suburbs, protecting our tree canopy, and upgrading local parks and green spaces. I will advocate for privately funded electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to reduce environmental impact, and I am committed to maintaining Boroondara’s NetZero status.

Local businesses are the backbone of our community. I will work to reduce red tape and compliance costs to foster a thriving local economy. By supporting our shopping strips and small businesses, we can create more vibrant, connected neighbourhoods.

I am a proud member of the Liberal Party, because I believe freedom of speech and freedom of thought. I run this campaign as an individual but not endorsed by the Liberal Party. I will represent the values of accountability, integrity, and responsible spending, ensuring that every dollar of council funds is used efficiently to benefit the community. I aim to make Boroondara a safer, more connected, and environmentally sustainable place for everyone.

Website: davidchuforgardiner.au

Authorised by David Chu. 363 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell 3124

Victor Franco

Gardiner Ward 

I am a resident and ratepayer in Gardiner Ward, where I live with my family, and my loyalty is to my community. I have no affiliation with any political party.

It’s been an honour to serve as your Councillor at the City of Boroondara since 2020 and I will be standing again.

I am proud of my achievements, significantly my role in creating a marvellous new park in Camberwell Junction, with thanks to the Victorian Government, on the site of a former Council car park, which is used daily by children at Camberwell Primary School and the wider community.

Among other things, I successfully advocated for our first Climate Action Plan, the redesign of the new pavilion at Lewin Reserve which recently won an architectural design award, our first masterplan for Gardiners Creek (Kooyongkoot), comprehensive heritage reviews in Gardiner Ward, and ending the practice of engaging in religious prayers at every council meeting, focusing instead on what we were elected to do.

In my professional career, I have held senior executive roles in local government and non-profit sector and led major corporate reforms. In Sydney, I was Chief of Staff to former Lord Mayor Lucy Turnbull.

I am committed to good governance and I know how to get things done. I am a problem solver with an Executive MBA from UNSW and the University of Sydney and degrees from Melbourne and Monash. I want to use my skills to help make Boroondara the best place to live.

I will continue to work for a council that is open and transparent, financially responsible and a council which listens to our community. I will promote environmental leadership, advocate for the creation of new parks and open space, expansion of our shared path network and biodiversity sites and support planning outcomes which protect our heritage, promote design excellence and encourage sustainability.

Authorised by Victor Franco PO Box 742 Camberwell South 3124

Glenferrie Ward

Wes Gault, Sam Aldemir, Rochelle Pattison

Wes Gault

Glenferrie Ward

Hi I’m Wes Gault.

I’ve been honoured to serve Boroondara residents as the Glenferrie Ward Councillor for the past four years.  I have delivered on all of my 2020 election promises including:

• Declaration of a climate emergency
• Driving through an aggressive Climate Action Plan
• Expanding and improving Heritage overlays
• Replacing the Ferguson Stand with a park
• Commencing the redevelopment of the Michael Tuck Stand
• Extending and improving walking and cycling trails
• Finally agreeing a plan for the revitalization of the Glenferrie Road retail precinct (and saving the Liddiard Street car park)
• Cutting $13m out of the ‘Customer First’ program.

I am standing for a second term to ensure these and other initiatives are properly delivered including:

• real climate action, to address both corporate and community emissions
• better building standards,
• ongoing expansion of walking and cycling trails
• expanding our tree canopy (to 30%)
• development of good affordable housing whilst protecting our outstanding heritage precincts
• revitalisation of all of our main strip shopping centres
• completing Kew Recreation Centre, without significant additional costs to ratepayers
• prudent library upgrades.

I believe that four years on Council and experience as Deputy Mayor, Chair of Urban Planning, and as Chair and member of many other committees have provided me with a strong understanding of how to optimize outcomes for our community, whilst my background as an engineer, architect and international company director has provided the skills to ensure Council delivers on real community needs within realistic budget and program constraints.

As Glenferrie Ward Councillor I will work with you to address our very real challenges.

Authorised by M. Shield, Victorian Greens, Suite 1.05, Level 1, 50 Queen St.,Melbourne, Vic. 3000.

Sam Aldemir

Glenferrie Ward

Proud Boroondara resident for 25 years, my wife and I raised and educated our three children at local schools, with our youngest now in year 11. I studied Bachelor of Business International Trade and Marketing from Victoria University.

I spent my career in the energy industry and continue to forge the path to net zero for a global company. For 11 years, our family has run De Barcelona Restaurant on Glenferrie Road, where our family, friends and community come together.

Business is tough but our community stood by us during the Covid years and now during the the cost-of-living recession. I enjoy serving our community as President of the Glenferrie Traders’ Association, which represents 570 businesses.

The accelerated demonisation of gas – business can ill afford to lose it and residents demand it, we need an open and transparent discussion to understand the transition.

The Glenferrie Place Plan first drafted in 1990 and still to be implemented is a cause of concern for not only businesses but for our wider community. Businesses along Glenferrie Road have submitted feedback; we really need this plan to come to fruition.

The recent decision by council to sell private land to Swinburne University will result in 79 car parks becoming another university building. This was vehemently opposed by the Glenferrie traders group who fought the decision at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The Glenferrie train station requires urgent attention. It continues to play a major role in moving people traffic in and out of our precinct but doesn’t carry to modern facilities of such an essential hub. Getting all stakeholders together and implementing an action plan is very high on my agenda.

Council must do more to keep our amenities clean and free of graffiti. Youth crime is spiralling, with many residents concerned about safety. As your politically independent Councillor, I will work closely with VicPol to improve foot patrols and restore the feeling of safety on our streets.

With a strong focus on getting the basics right, I understand the needs of our local community and ensuring value for ratepayers’ money.

Authorised by Sam Aldemir, 710 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn Vic 3122

Junction Ward

Di Gillies, Mal Osborne-Smith.

Lynden Ward

Colton Senior, Lisa Hollingsworth, Michael Lamb

Maling Ward

Anthony Nicholls, Shima Ibuki, Jane Addis, Sam Wan

Anthony Nicholls

Maling Ward

I‘m a proud fourth generation Boroondara resident and father of five. The decisions that will be made by Council over the next four years will fundamentally shape our city and the way that we live for generations to come. It’s critical to get this right.

Boroondara is growing. Poorly managed projects will quickly result in a city that is unrecognisable. I will work to ensure that our unique character, heritage, and tree canopy are protected and preserved for future generations.

My vision for Boroondara is a modern and evolving city that takes pride in preserving its heritage, character and green space. Boroondara should have an efficient, transparent and responsible local Council that serves all its residents and supports the thriving local businesses and community organisations that are at its heart.

I live and work in Maling Ward and you’ve probably met me walking our kids (and adopted duck) to school, at a café or at local sports grounds. I work professionally with NFPs, small businesses and sporting clubs advocating to councils and government around Australia. I understand how local government works, and how it doesn’t.

I will work to reduce Council overspending while growing the value of its services and meeting its climate change obligations. I will work to improve our parks, sporting facilities, kindergartens and public spaces. I will work to ensure Council better serves clubs, community groups and traders.

Throughout my professional career, I have worked with small businesses, not-for-profits, clubs and associations to help them grow and engage better with their local government. I am an experienced mediator, a strategic thinker, and an advocate for smart solutions. I am diligent, honest and value integrity.

I am a member of the Liberal Party. However, I have not been endorsed or assisted by the party. I’m running a truly independent campaign with no financial or volunteer assistance from any party or interest groups.

E: anthony@anthonynicholls.com.au

W: https://anthonynicholls.com.au/

F: https://www.facebook.com/anthony4maling

Authorised by Anthony Nicholls, PO Box 1154, Surrey Hills North VIC 3127

Shima Ibuki 

Maling Ward

Why are you standing for Council?

I’m standing for Council because I care deeply about our community and have already been very active in advocating for local issues and supporting residents. Running for Council feels like a logical next step, where I can make an even greater impact.

I believe I would be an effective Councillor because I have strong connections within our community and a proven track record of community leadership and action. My broad skill set spans the financial services industry and highly regulated environments. I’m ready to bring this expertise to Council.

How will you make a difference?

I will make a difference by being an active and visible Councillor, just as I have been throughout my campaign. As an independent candidate, I am focused solely on the issues that matter, not on party politics or factions. I will listen, advocate, and work hard to ensure that the Council’s decisions truly reflect the needs and values of our community.

What are your key issues or interests?

My key issues in Boroondara and Maling Ward include:

• Responsible Spending:

People want their rate money spent on essential services and infrastructure, not on over-capitalised building works or unnecessary projects. I will advocate for smart, transparent spending that prioritizes community needs.

• Camberwell Junction Activity Centre Plans:

Many residents are concerned about the State Government’s plans for this area. We must manage this carefully to protect the heritage character of our community, ensure adequate infrastructure, and make decisions that will benefit future generations.

• Climate Action:

There is strong community support for preserving and enhancing our tree canopy, both for its aesthetic value and its environmental benefits. We need real climate action to help people be more resilient and transition to clean energy. We need more EV charging stations.

• Supporting the Local Economy:

Post-COVID challenges and changing spending habits have impacted our local economy. The Council needs to step up with better support and resources for local traders to help them adapt and thrive.

Are you a member of a political party?

No, I am running as a genuine community independent.

Go to Shima’s website at www.shimaibuki.com.au, her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/shima4malingward or email her at info@shimaibuki.com.au

Authorised by S.Ibuki. Suite #1041, 16 Cotham Road, Kew 3101.

Maranoa Ward

Peter Campbell, Cynthia Watson, Chris Pattas, Jackie Carter

Peter Campbell

Maranoa Ward

We need improved consultation with Council and better communication on local issues and Council decisions.

People want a renewed focus on improving council services, including better maintenance of local streets, aged care and youth services.

I will strive to keep residents better informed about Council’s services, activities and decisions.

I am not a member of any political party.

My priorities are responsible spending to keep rates low. For example, the Kew Recreation centre rebuild project is overdue and well over budget.

We can reduce traffic congestion by improving public transport and making walking and bike trips safer. Every walking or bike trip is one less car on Boroondara’s increasingly busy roads, especially during school drop off and pick up times.

Council needs to fix potholes in local streets and provide proactive maintenance of footpaths to avoid injuries.

The Boroondara tree canopy target should be increased to 50%. We also need to stop some developers from removing many heritage and significant trees.

The Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail will provide a safe family-friendly bike and walking path to connect local communities and provide safe travel through Hawthorn, Camberwell, Glenferrie Road, Maling Road, Surrey Hills, Mont Albert and Box Hill.

The speed limit in local shopping strips should be reduced to 40 km/h to improve safety.

Council needs to support our local shopping centres and work with traders to keep them vibrant.

I am keen to see Council assist residents to get off gas and move to electricity for hot water and heating and install solar panels.

We need fresh independent voices on the Boroondara Council.

Website: https://www.petercampbellboroondara.com/

Authorised by Peter Campbell, PO Box 158, Canterbury, VIC 3126

Jackie Carter

Maranoa Ward

As a long-time Balwyn resident, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing what makes our community so special. However, I also see the growing challenges that many of us are facing. With a background as an IT professional in the pharmaceutical industry and as a volunteer with Kew East Community Recycling and Willsmere Community Garden, I am deeply committed to supporting our local area. Now, more than ever, our council needs fresh faces and ideas who will put people first, especially as cost-of-living pressures and the housing crisis continue to affect so many in Boroondara.

If elected as your Greens councillor, I will make it my priority to address the cost-of-living crisis by ensuring council investments are both sensible and transparent, with a strong focus on essential services. I’ll work to enhance maternal health services, ensure affordable community childcare, and support our libraries and recreation facilities, which play such a vital role in our community.

We need immediate and effective action on climate change. By implementing solar bulk-buying programs and helping households transition off gas, we can bring down power bills and reduce emissions. I will also hold the state government accountable for their commitments to investing in and maintaining public housing and more frequent and accessible public transport.

Our streets must be safer and more accessible for everyone. I will push for investment in safe, separated bike lanes and improved pedestrian crossings, making Boroondara a safer, more walkable community. Protecting and expanding our green spaces is critical to the character and sustainability of Boroondara, maintaining and increasing our tree canopy, with a particular emphasis on native flora, will be essential for the health and wellbeing of our environment and community.

Let’s work together to build a Boroondara that puts people and the planet first.

https://linktr.ee/jackie4maranoa

Authorised by M. Shield, Victorian Greens, Suite 1.05, Level 1, 50 Queen St.,Melbourne, Vic. 3000

Riversdale Ward

Priscilla Duncan, Wayne Kelly, Rob Baillieu.

Rob Baillieu

Riversdale Ward

I’m Rob Baillieu, I have served in the Army for nearly 8 years in addition to working as a volunteer manager and consultant. Now I’m your Independent candidate for Riversdale this Council election.

I have lived and worked in Hawthorn my whole life. I’m a co-founder of Electrify Boroondara, a volunteer for numerous LGBTQIA+ organisations, and President of Voices of Kooyong – the largest volunteer organisation in Boroondara. I have extensive experience in operations, logistics, emergency management, and community organising.

I’m standing now because Riversdale deserves a Councillor who listens to the community, works hard, and can be trusted to deliver quality and reliable services.

My priorities:

Climate Action and Environment

• Help residents and businesses install solar panels and batteries to lower power bills
• Install EV charging stations across Boroondara to improve EV uptake
• Help residents transition from gas to lower power bills
• Support the electrification of Boroondara Council
• Protect trees and grow our canopy. Boroondara’s canopy is way below target
• Develop community gardens and encourage planting along nature strips

Services, amenities, and quality of life

• Keep rates low! Boroondara recorded a $14m surplus last financial year!
• Protect and expand parks and paths
• Support the Business Associations in Boroondara economic development plan
• Deliver quality reliable services in healthcare
• Support local schools, libraries, and sporting clubs
• Enable sustainable development whilst protecting built heritage
• Restore in home aged care support

Local Projects

• Lobby for the removal of Glenferrie Rd Crossing
• Build the Hawthorn to Box Hill bike trail
• Support the renovation of Hawthorn RSL
• Advocate for the development of affordable housing at the Denmark St VicRoads site
• Make Glenferrie Station and Glenferrie Rd Trams wheelchair accessible
• Create a LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee

https://www.robbaillieu.org/

Authorised by Rob Baillieu, PO BOX 6021, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122

Solway Ward

Atul Kalra, Kate Bellamy, Zachary Townend, John Friend-Pereira, Adrian Morgan

Kate Bellamy

Solway  Ward

I will use my business acumen and knowledge gained as a community leader to be your strong voice on Council. I am truly Independent having never been a member of a political party and have been active in Solway for the past twenty years along with my husband and three children.

As cofounder of the Glen Iris Scorpions, Ashy Redbacks committee member, past President of the Glen Iris Primary Parents Association, Volunteer Coordinator at St Vincent’s Hospital and current President of Burwood Cricket Club, I understand that connecting people through recreation, families and volunteering lies at the heart of a great community.

I am standing to provide a fresh, common-sense approach ensuring everyone’s voice is heard, further climate action is proactively taken, and that Council maximises value for ratepayers. Every action taken, every decision made, needs to be transparent, consultative and fiscally responsible.

I am committed to working hard to continue to grow a strong, vibrant community enhancing local parks, supporting grassroots initiatives and, above all, ensuring residents are well represented. I will represent Solway with integrity, vision, collaboration and pride. I welcome and thank you for your support.

www.katebellamy4boroondara.com

Why I am standing?

I have been active in the Solway community for over two decades and have seen first hand the value that connecting people through organisations, services and programs delivers.  Being elected to Council will provide the opportunity to advocate for what matters most to the people of Solway and importantly I’m outcome focussed.  For me, Council is as a natural progression.

How I will make a difference?

As a true independent with the strengths and experience of working with and bringing together people with diverse views,  I will provide a fresh approach to Council based on my values – values that reflect transparency, collaboration and a commitment to make decisions that are in the best interest of ratepayers.

Key Interests/Issues

• Supporting and encouraging volunteering in local action/friends groups
• Community sport, active transport & healthy ageing
• Proactive climate action
• Mental health & wellbeing initatives
• Socially inclusive programs and outcomes

In respect to issues there needs to be greater transparency on Council, a questioning of the allocation of funding for major projects and a stronger more proactive Climate Action Plan.

Member of a Political Party

I’m an Independent candidate and have never belonged to a political party.

Authorised by Kate Bellamy, PO Box 1084, Hartwell LPO, Camberwell, 3124

Zachary Townend

Solway Ward

I’m standing for Council because I believe in building a stronger, more connected, and vibrant community. Solway Ward deserves a representative who listens, acts with integrity, and delivers real outcomes. My deep commitment to our local area drives me to ensure that Council works for all residents, providing services that are high quality, accessible, and deliver value for money.

Having worked in local government, I understand how Council operates and how to get things done efficiently. My experience equips me to advocate for responsible financial management, ensuring that every dollar spent benefits the community. I’ll focus on delivering projects on time and on budget, without compromising quality, and I’ll fight for better outcomes in the areas that matter most.

My key priorities include upgrading parks, trails, and sporting facilities, improving accessibility, supporting local businesses, and protecting our green spaces. These are essential to fostering a community that is healthy, active, and inclusive. I’ll also focus on supporting services for our elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged residents, ensuring they receive the help they need.

I am a member of the Liberal Party, though I stand as an Independent Candidate and if elected will answer only to the good people of Ashburton and Glen Iris. I am deeply committed to serving the interests of Solway Ward. I will advocate for what’s right for our community without political bias, working across all areas of our society to get results.

As your Councillor, I will always be accessible and ready to listen. I’m standing because I want to make a meaningful difference, and I believe that together, we can create a Boroondara where everyone can thrive. I ask for your vote to represent Solway Ward and build a brighter future for our community.”

John Friend-Pereira

Solway Ward

Why am I standing for Council?

I’m standing for Council to ensure Ashburton and Glen Iris remain vibrant and livable.

Our community deserves improved services, more transparency, and a council that genuinely listens to residents. I’ve seen great opportunities in areas like revitalising vacant spaces, improving road safety, and promoting sustainable development.

I believe the council can do more to improve daily life. With my experience as a director of an international NGO, an active community volunteer, and as a parent, I bring a solution-oriented mindset. I’m committed to fostering stronger connections within the community and ensuring that council decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.

How will I make a difference?

I’ll focus on ensuring council spending is both responsible and responsive to the community’s needs. This means prioritising essential services, maintaining local facilities, and avoiding unnecessary projects.

I’m committed to supporting grassroots initiatives like recycling programs and other community-driven efforts. My governance experience has taught me that listening to and acting on residents’ concerns is key.

I’ll push for better safety at road crossings, address the issue of vacant properties, and support projects that promote sustainability and energy efficiency in homes and public buildings. Transparency will be central to my approach, with a focus on involving the community in key decision-making processes fostering a collaborative approach to solving local issues.

What are my key interests or issues?

My key priorities are responsive and responsible spending, environmental sustainability, public and affordable housing.

I am passionate about ensuring all new developments meet the highest environmental standards.

I want to support local businesses by encouraging ‘shop local’ campaigns and organising festivals that bring the community together.

Establishing a Community Strengthening Fund to give residents a voice in shaping the future by enabling them to propose and lead projects that address local needs.

Are you a member of a political party, and if so, which party?

Yes, the Australian Greens Victoria.

Authorised by M.Shield, Victorian Greens, 1.05 50 Queen St, Melbourne, Vic, 3000

Studley Ward

Nick Stavrou, Sophie Torney, Kym Sullivan

Sophie Torney

Studley Ward

I’m a businesswoman, project manager, former computer programmer and director of an integrity body with a track record of delivering. Most recently, as Convenor of the 2023 and 2024 Electrify Boroondara Expos, I’ve brought together experts, businesses, politicians and volunteers to drive meaningful change in our community. For twenty-five years, my family and I have called Kew home. I’ve led school parents’ associations, managed junior football teams, supported refugees and volunteered for climate groups.

I’ve knocked on over 3,000 doors and you’ve told me you want genuine engagement and accountability from council. The handling of the Kew Recreation Centre has been a major frustration, with ongoing delays, poor communication, and a lack of transparency eroding public trust. People want responsible planning that balances preserving our heritage with the need for more housing and there is a strong desire for sensible climate policies, increasing rooftop solar uptake, building more EV charging stations, and protecting our tree canopy.

I’m running because we deserve a higher standard of leadership—leadership that listens to our community, represents our values, and acts in our best interests.

I hold a postgraduate degree in information systems, an MBA from Melbourne University, and have decades of experience in small business and corporate sectors, specialising in building systems and business management. Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked alongside diverse groups, delivering impactful community projects. As your local councillor, I’ll bring this expertise and experience to ensure Boroondara’s leadership is transparent, accountable, and truly representative of our community’s needs.

I am an independent and have not ever been a member of a political party.

Authorised by Sophie Torney, Suite 1041, 16 Cotham Road, Kew, VIC, 3101