Geelong Cats legend ‘Buddha’ Hocking endorses Shona McKeen for Leopold ward
A Cats great and two-time premiership winning coach has weighed into the Geelong council election, endorsing a candidate who is trying to oust Mayor Trent Sullivan.
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A Cats legend has dipped his toes in local politics, endorsing a Geelong council candidate who is running against mayor Trent Sullivan.
Leopold ward candidate Shona McKeen revealed on Tuesday that Garry Hocking had thrown his support behind her.
Hocking, fresh from steering Leopold to back-to-back Geelong Football Netball League premierships, said Ms McKeen’s involvement with the club was evidence enough of her ability to be a councillor.
“As head coach, I’ve seen first-hand the dedication and passion Shona brings to our team through her long-term volunteering,” he said.
“She’s a great choice for the Leopold ward and I strongly believe the community should back her.”
The club wished Ms McKeen, a volunteers at the club, luck for her campaign via social media on Monday.
The Leopold ward encompasses the entirety of the suburb, as well as Curlewis and a part of Drysdale’s west.
Just three candidates are running in the ward, one of which is Mr Sullivan.
While he is considered favourite, Ms McKeen’s reputation in local circles could present a significant challenge.
Mr Sullivan and Ms McKeen are both members of the Liberal Party.
In the Addy’s survey of council candidates, Mr Sullivan said his top priorities were fighting for more sporting facilities, easing traffic congestion, and fighting against inappropriate development.
The 32-year-old has been a councillor since 2017 and mayor since 2022.
Upon launching her campaign last month, Ms McKeen said she would run with a vision to “make every dollar count”.
“I will demand ratepayer funds are used effectively to improve our roads and upgrade footpaths and lobby for safer and accessible travel in the region,” she said.
“I’m honoured to stand as the connection between council and the people.
“As someone who has called Geelong home since 2011, I am committed to having the needs of our community heard and responded to.”
Leopold local David Lynch is the third candidate in the ward.
He is campaigning on maintaining roads, increased transparency of rate spending and promoting small business.
Council ballots are being mailed this week, with residents having until 6pm on October 25 to return them.
Results will be declared no later than November 15.
The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.
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Originally published as Geelong Cats legend ‘Buddha’ Hocking endorses Shona McKeen for Leopold ward
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