Michael Nolan: an independent candidate for Bellevue

Hi, I’m Michael Nolan and I’m running as an independent candidate for Bellevue Ward in Boroondara this council election.

I am a long-time resident of Kew East, and my team and I have already door-knocked hundreds of doors in Kew East and North Balwyn to get a better understanding of the area, and to hear the needs and hopes of local residents. As well, life experience has given me the skills and understanding to represent my community as councillor for the Bellevue ward.

My partner Rosemary and I have lived in Kew East for 26 years and have raised our 3 children here. Rosemary has worked in the disability sector for 18 years.

Locally, in Bellevue, I have been involved on the Hays Paddock advisory committee in Kew East and been co-convenor of Lighter Footprints. I have also served on Kew East Primary School committee and coached under-age basketball teams.

My career has seen me working as a project director in national manufacturing and logistics roles.

The community have told me already that our current Council is not doing enough to protect our environment or to keep rates low. It’s time for a fresh focus.

Matters that are important to hundreds of residents I have door knocked already are:

Responsible spending 

There needs to be a fresh focus on Council expenditure. This includes

• More action on Kew Recreation Centre which is $20M over budget and 3 years behind.
• Keep rates low by ensuring all projects are subject to a careful and thorough assessment of costs and benefits. Council spent $80M on the ‘Customer First Portal’ – an exorbitant cost
• Review the rushed and expensive demolition and rebuild of Kew Library

Local

Strong communities are connected communities. People have suggested:

• Create a trail from the Koonung Creek Reserve to Greythorn Village
• Encourage local shopping
• Create more community gardens

Climate

We need rapid action on the following:

• Install local electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
• Make the roll-out of electric buses quicker
• Protect trees and increase tree planting

If you have any comments, or ideas, drop me an email at michaelnolan4Bellevue@gmail.com

Authorised by Michael Nolan, PO Box 378, Balwyn North, VIC,3014.

Liz Kelly: Boroondara Council Candidate for Cotham

Please click on the link above to read Liz’s full statement.

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

John Friend-Pereira: Greens Candidate for Solway

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

Victor Franco:  Independent Candidate for Gardiner

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

Zachary Townend: Independent Candidate for Solway

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.”

Kate Bellamy: Independent Candidate for Solway

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