Blacktown Council election 2021: Your guide to every candidate
With Blacktown Council elections this weekend find out everything you need to know about each candidate looking to get your vote.
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Blacktown Council elections are this weekend with candidates standing in all five wards.
There will be 15 candidates elected, with three councillors from each of the five wards.
Here’s your guide to who is standing in each of the five wards.
Ward 1
Group A - Moninder Singh
Party: Labor
Occupation:Councillor
Councillor Moninder Singh has been working for Ward 1 since being elected in 2016.
Moninder says he has a keen interest and involvement across the very diverse multicultural Blacktown City community.
As part of the Labor team, Singh has been a strong advocate for quality services and infrastructure in Ward 1, and wants to continue this to improve the everyday lives of Ward 1 residents.
He is joined by the number 2 for Ward A Group 1, Chris Quilkey who has worked alongside Councillor Singh since 2016 and he says he is “a dedicated councillor working to help those throughout the ward get access to the infrastructure needed, particularly in new suburbs, and wants to continue to build on success as part of the Labor Team”.
Number 3 on the Labor ticket for Ward A Group 1 is Allison Roberts who is a local who has been active in the Blacktown community for many years and has raised her family in the area and wants to help build on success of the Blacktown.
Group B- Jess Diaz
Party: Independent
Occupation: Solicitor
Jess Diaz is serving his third term as Liberal Councillor in Blacktown City Council.
For this election he will stand as an Independent.
Having served as first president of the Philippine Community Council in NSW and two-term as president of the Filipino Communities of Australia (FILCCA) as well as being involved in many Filipino groups and the mainstream community, he says he is “well-aware of the issues in everyday life.”
As a solicitor of over 30 years he said he has made friends and assisted thousands of Filipinos.
He says he hopes to continue to advocate the special needs of migrant communities. He also aims to “bring about a balanced governance and better service delivery espousing my long-held belief in liberal values of less government and individual responsibility.”
Group B’s number 2 is Pradeep Pathi, who is a Blacktown local for the past 15 years. He works as a Senior Project Manager in the banking industry. He has more than 18 years of experience in the financial services spectrum and is actively involved in several not-for-profit organisations.
The number 3 on the ballot, Goran Risticevic, heads Strategic Partners and Initiatives Division of a major web services corporation.
Group C- Mohit Kumar
Affiliation: Blacktown Coalition Team
Occupation: Public Servant
Mohit Kumar is a public servant who is a local in the area and in 2016 he was Federal Liberal Candidate for Chifley.
He said: “As a proud and passionate local living in this vibrant area, I have a strong record of listening and giving back solutions to the community, having a voice with groups such as the Council of Indian Australians, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney Health Partners and as a White Ribbon Australia Ambassador.
“This country has given me wonderful opportunities, career success and blessed me with my beautiful family. I have been a public servant for over 18 years, and I enjoy the challenge and seeing the positive outcomes for our society.
“Our Blacktown Coalition Team focuses on; low council rates, better roads, parks & footpaths, efficient council services, thriving local businesses, and a healthy, natural environment. We have an unbridled wealth of experience with diversity – women and men, in a range of ages, and multicultural backgrounds – a true representation of the Blacktown LGA.
“I, and many others in the community, can see that this is the perfect time for action, for a changing of the guard for our local council, and I believe I have the experience, skills and drive to make it happen.”
His number 2 is a former supermarket store manager who is now working in the public transport sector and he says he wants to get into council to make a positive change.
Ward 1 Group C’s number 3 is Janine Daher who has lived in the Blacktown LGA for over 20 years and is raising her family in the local area. She works as a solicitor in private practice and wants “to ensure that our community has the support and facilities to comfortably live, work and care for their families.”
Ward 2
Group A- Michael Stubley
Party: Blacktown Coalition
Occupation: Contracts Specialist
Michael Stubley says he is “driven by good governance and listening to the community's concerns.”
He has grown up in the area and has a background in contracts and procurement.
“I have a strong passion for working with the community including being a past President of the Rotary Club of Blacktown City.
“As a team we stand for: Low council rates, better roads, parks and footpaths, efficient council services and a healthy natural environment.”
He is standing with Zoe Macartney who is a small-business owner, passionate about outdoor parks and community gardens and Mahesh Pant who has a passion for service and is an adviser to the Blacktown Nepalese community. They are being endorsed at the Blacktown Council election by Kevin Conolly MP.
Group B- Len Hobbs
Affiliation: Greens
Occupation: English teacher
Len Hobbs is the lead candidate for the Greens. He is an English teacher, mainly for international students at two local universities. He believes passionately in “preserving our environment and combating the problems of global warming.”
“As well as providing social justice and better democracy for our local people. We will focus on a plan to beat the heat problem, greener shadier suburbs (40% green cover by 2040), safe affordable childcare for all, improving air quality and a zero waste goal, as well as greater financial transparency for our councillors.”
Len have been an active campaigner in the area for almost 15 years and says he is “dedicated to upholding the value of public office.”
He says his running mates “have similar dedication and experience of living and working in our local area” with one an advocate for the disadvantaged and founder of an anti-poverty network and the other a local government employee.
Group C- Julie Griffiths
Affiliation: Labor
Occupation: Public Servant
Councillor Julie Griffiths has been working as a Councillor in Ward 2 since first being elected in 2008, and has been Deputy Mayor since 2019.
She said she is “committed to fostering Blacktown City’s infrastructure and providing good quality child care, recreational and sporting facilities for our local community.”
She said she has “helped lead the delivery of transformational world-class sport, health and education facilities – bringing local jobs to our city, and will continue to do this to build on success.”
Her number 2 is Kushpinder Kaur, a local who has been active in the Blacktown community for a number of years and “is passionate about helping our diverse community throughout Blacktown.”
The third name on Group C in Ward 2’s ballot is Frances Dhedadig, who is also a local in the area and is particularly involved in sporting teams representing Blacktown.
Group D- Bill Tyrrell
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Chartered Accountant
Bill Tyrrell said his team “brings leadership, experience, focused on strong financial management and accountability. Maintenance of our roads and improved council facilities. Traffic improvements around our community particularly around our local schools. Environmental management. Better social outcomes, safe and secure LGA for all our community, including our new migrant communities to our city.”
He added he will provide: “Strong support for our small business community and all for our diverse multicultural community.” Tyrell says he plans to keep the ALP accountable to the community.
His running mates are Ryan Cosgrove and Kristin Dunlop. Ryan Cosgrove is a Kings Langley dad of three who has served as president of Kings Langley Public P & C and is a member of Kings Langley Cricket Club and Pearce Reserve Christmas Carols.
Kristin Dunlop is a Seven Hills and Lalor Park mum of two boys. She is the canteen manager and a learning support officer at her local public school and is an executive P & C member.
Ward 3
Group A- Allan Green
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Retired Teacher/Administrative Officer
Allan Green is a dad of six and has lived in the Blacktown area for more than 40 years, having served previously as a Blacktown City Councillor for two decades in several positions including Liberal Deputy Mayor and Committee Chairman.
He said he is “passionate about the local community, and he is keen to give the people of Ward 3 responsive representations in all their matters of concern.”
Mr Green said his key achievements include, “successful advocation for improved park safety, better access for people with a disability, aquatic centre upgrades, upgrading of Blacktown Hospital and the Blacktown Showground upgrade.”
He says he will work to “give effective representation to local residents, a new community centre for Seven Hills and Toongabbie, better services for seniors and people with a disability, increased spending on parks, roads, and footpaths, well planned & environmentally compatible development, naming a park Dr. Russ Dickens Park in honour of his community work, improved community and sports facilities including a new indoor sports stadium, see the completion of lift access upgrade at Doonside station.”
His running mates are Anwar Anwar who has lived in Blacktown for over 20 years and is an accounting and finance professional and Tom MacMurray who is a chartered accountant who lives in Blacktown and wants to ensure that “council provides services and amenities to residents in a comprehensive and responsible manner.”
Group B- Susai Benjamin
Affiliation: Labor
Occupation: Solicitor
Councillor Susai Benjamin has been working in Ward 3 since being elected in 2012.
He said she is a passionate advocate for public open spaces and parks.
He wants to improve our local parks and reserves across Ward 3 and deliver infrastructure essential for all Blacktown residents for years to come.
Labor’s number 2 in Group B, Ward 3 is Kathie Collins who has been part of Labor Team for five council terms.
She is a long-term resident of Ward 3 and said she has clear priorities regarding the environment, community safety, and further improvement to council services.
Number 3 on the ballot is Satish Kumar who is a passionate local who has lived in the Blacktown area for many years.
Satish has been involved in many local campaigns and wants to contribute to the Labor Team to help build on success.
Group C- Raman Bhalla
Affiliation: Blacktown Coalition
Occupation: President at Sydney Investors, Professionals and Business Networking Group
Raman Bhalla lives and runs a business in Blacktown. He ran as a Liberal Candidate in the State election in 2015 and believes “with better infrastructure, Blacktown could be the best place to live, work and do business.”
He added: Let’s build well needed community projects, add value for the ratepayers and ensure their interests are taken care of. We’re here to serve.”
Ward 4
Group A- Peter Camilleri
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Councillor
Holding an elected Liberal position as a Blacktown City Councillor between 2016 and 2021, he said he has participated in many council achievements.
He said these include being part of the governing body responsible for delivering more than $3bn in infrastructure and services across the five wards of Blacktown City Council and standing in lead opposition to the proposed energy from waste incinerator earmarked for Eastern Creek.
He said he was also very vocal in the opposition of the DA that proposed paid parking in the Mt Druitt Westfield carpark.
“As a member of the Blacktown City Council Planning, Development and Historical Committee, I have raised many matters and negotiated many outcomes for the good of the area, including the improvement of heritage items in our community,” he said.
His running mates are Tim Signo who is a local and the director and co-founder of recruitment business, Ivory Group, and Leigh Burns who has had careers in health care and tertiary education in Western Sydney and supports the growth of these sectors in the community, with particularly focus on opportunity for young people in the area.
Group B- Nik Popovic
Affiliation: Blacktown Coalition
Occupation: Manager of Local Maintenance Business
Born and raised in Blacktown, he is a manager of a local maintenance business. He attended Doonside Technology High School before going to university in Australia and Switzerland.
He said he stands for better infrastructure and services in all suburbs of Ward 4 and was the Liberal Candidate for Ward 4 in 2012.
“My experience in business and public policy will bring positive outcomes. I have the ability to identify solutions for the community using my professional experience,” he said.
“I’m passionate about building well needed community projects, adding value for the ratepayers and ensuring their interests are addressed.”
His first running mate is Cesar Bartolome, a mechanical engineer who says his “extensive experience in engineering and construction will ensure that the Blacktown City Council will value every rate payer‘s dollar with infrastructure projects and community advancement.”
Number 3 for Ward 4, Group B is Ravinesh Ram, a Woodcroft resident for over 13 years who said that he “knows the people in Ward 4 and understand their concerns, as I strive to make this community better – from helping local business to better parks and roads for all. I work as a mechanic in Blacktown.”
Group C- Carol Israel
Affiliation: Labor
Occupation: Union Organiser
Councillor Carol Israel has been working for Ward 4 residents since being elected in 2016.
She said she has helped deliver quality services and infrastructure to the community in Ward 4 and will continue to do so as part of the Blacktown Labor Team. She said she is a strong advocate of the rights of individuals and a great supporter of small businesses.
She said she strongly believes that “no one should be left behind” and has shown that with her fight alongside Doonside residents for lifts at Doonside Station.
Her number 2 is Robert Fitzgerald, a passionate local who has lived in the Blacktown area for many years. Robert has been the Chief Inspector at Blacktown & Mt Druitt Police Commands and wants to be a part of the Labor Team to help build on success.
Ward 4, Group C’s number 3 is Rebel Hanlon who is Blacktown born and bred and she says she “has seen a lot of change in our local community and believes that his enthusiasm and passion will be an asset to the Labor Team to help build on success and move the city into the future.”
Ward 5
Group A- Livingston Chettipally
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Community Development Worker
Livingston has been a trained and certified Community Development Worker/Change Manager for over 21 years. Livingston and his wife Bhagya provide Therapeutic Counselling, domestic violence support and JP services.
He has experience working as a Community Development Officer at Cumberland (Auburn) Council. Also, he had served as Executive Officer for a subregional peak body in Blacktown, as part of the role he had chaired Blacktown combined Interagency and Interagency Convenors.
He was part of the Blacktown Council Multicultural Advisory and CDSE club grants committee.
Livingston said he will be: “A strong voice for our local multicultural community, Livingston will support local families by initiating better Council services, Parks and Community Centres. Support local businesses, Community Safety, Wellbeing and Stop Violence.”
Livingston’s running mates are Wiltar Jajaw who owns Ray & White Real Estate Agency in Mount Druitt and Moshin Ali who owns Small Business in Doonside and works with the Fijian community in the region.
Group B- John Hunter
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: University Lecturer
John Hunter lives in Dharruk, and he grew up in Mt Druitt and now works at Macquarie University.
John believes “community has the answers for local issues in the west. Community members need to be supported to share their knowledge and participate in local government because its community knowledge that creates the best solutions, not big party policy.”
His number 2 is Lisa Govo who lives in Emerton and over the last 30 years, she has raised her three children and has worked in community centres across Blacktown.
She says “these experiences have convinced me that there is nothing more powerful, then community coming together.”
The number 3 candidate for Ward 5, Group B is Kasia Rettig, a Bidwill resident who says “deep in her heart she always cared for her community, developing programs in support for diverse needs as they arose.”
She said she believes that talking to people directly and listening to their needs provides the best platform to understand and action what needs to be done. She said she doesn't believe in politics, she believes in local community.
All three say they aren’t politicians they are just locals who wants to make a difference and be a voice of the local Blacktown residents who aren’t heard.
Group C- Danilo Peralta
Affiliation: Blacktown Coalition
Occupation:
Group D- Tony Bleasdale
Affiliation: Labor
Occupation: Blacktown Council Mayor
Mayor Tony Bleasdale has been working in Ward 5 since being elected in 1996, and as Mayor since 2019.
As a Councillor and as Mayor, Councillor Bleasdale says he “has worked hard to deliver quality services and facilities while keeping the budget balanced.”
He believes the next few years in Blacktown City will be exciting as the Labor Team he leads has a vision to create vigorous and vibrant communities as well as continuing to focus on the cultural diversity that defines the area.
His number 2 is Councillor Brad Bunting who was first elected to Blacktown City Council in 2016. He is the Chair of the Blacktown City Sport and Recreation Committee and the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee and is excited for the future of Blacktown.
Candidate number 3 for Ward 5, Group D is Dorothy Del Villar, a local who has been active in the Mt Druitt community for a number of years. She says she is “passionate about helping our diverse community throughout Blacktown and to help build on success.
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