Parramatta Council elections 2021: Meet the candidates

Voters in Parramatta will soon elect a new council, with 57 candidates vying for votes on December 4. Read our comprehensive guide to who is contesting the election.

It is Sydney’s second city and will be home to almost half a million people in the next 20 years, making Parramatta a hotspot for development and a political melting pot attracting hopefuls from major and fledgling parties, as well as independents, keen to shape its future.

Several fresh faces will crop up on the council after voters hit the polls on December 4, largely due to the Liberals not endorsing councillors from local government elections.

That has meant Lord Mayor Steven Issa, Martin Zaiter, Benjamin Barrak and Bill Tyrrell won’t run again. Fellow Liberal Andrew Jefferies has stepped back from politics after 13 years on the Hills and Parramatta councils, while local government veteran, Bob Dwyer, who announced he would quit local politics in August after slamming the “dysfunctional council’’, has reversed his decision and will run as an independent in the North Rocks ward, behind Georgina Valjak, who leads the ticket.

Politics is a family affair for the Garrard family, with Deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Garrard recontesting the Dundas ward as an Our Local Community candidate.

Two of her children Jason, 27, and Kiara Garrard-Wiliams, 20, are running as supporting candidates for OLC in the Parramatta and North Rocks wards.

Their grandfather Paul Garrard is the former Parramatta Lord Mayor and sitting Cumberland councillor.

“Their whole life has been about elections and community and I think there’s ambition,’’ Michelle said.

“I think they’re looking to be No. 1 on the ticket eventually. There’s definitely some ambition there.’’

The Parramatta Advertiser asked all candidates to submit a 100-word bio about why they are running for local government, their backgrounds and priorities.

Not all candidates who were contacted responded.

Meet your candidates below.

PARRAMATTA WARD

Our Local Communitylead candidate: Henry Green

Harry Green is an Our Local Community candidate.

I am a retired businessman who lives in the South Parramatta heritage precinct.

I think maintaining heritage across Parramatta is very important, I have strongly supported maintaining the South Parramatta heritage conservation area. I have been interested in council business for many years, attending council meetings for decades. I have been heavily involved in community issues and thinks it’s time for a strong independent voice to genuinely support residents. I will focus on the needs of the community across the Parramatta ward with a focus on neighbourhoods, increasing local infrastructure and park upgrades to complement the growth and investment in Parramatta.

Alan Sexton and Jason Garrard are supporting candidates

Labor lead candidate: Sameer Pandey

Parramatta ward lead Labor candidate Sameer Pandey.

Since being elected in 2017, I have campaigned for several reforms and initiatives in areas of health, safety, heritage, environment, local businesses, open spaces, accessibility and inclusiveness, smart city, promoting multiculturalism and improving social and transport infrastructure.

Some of my key initiatives include digitisation of heritage, increasing tree canopy in CBD, creating an accessible city, a safety campaign for bike riders, campaign to support businesses, improving engagement and accessibility for people with disability among many others. For details visit http://sameerpandey.com.au/

Mr Pandey’s vision is to build on work done so far and to make the City of Parramatta a healthy, liveable, smart, sustainable and inclusive city.

James Shaw, Labor

James Shaw is the No. 2 Labor candidate for Labor in the Parramatta ward.

I am a lawyer who lives and works in the Parramatta LGA. I served on Parramatta Council between 2012 and 2016.

As a former councillor, I always worked for the community first. I opposed overdevelopment and the undermining of heritage, fought to oppose the North Parramatta precinct development and the closure of Parramatta Pool, achieved greater priority for footpaths repairs in areas where elderly residents live and ensured pedestrian safety by improving fencing in children’s playgrounds.

Liz Scully is a supporting candidate

Greens lead candidate: Phil Bradley

Phil Bradley heads the Greens ticket in the Parramatta ward.

I have been a civil engineer, TAFE teacher, senior union officer and Parramatta resident for 26 years. I won a national volunteer award for leadership roles in the Parramatta Climate Action Network, the Parramatta Female Factory Friends and as president of Reconciliation for Western Sydney. I also volunteer with Parramatta Bushcare and the Better Planning Network.

If re-elected, I will campaign for protecting green spaces and heritage from detrimental development, reducing waste, litter and extreme heat impacts, ethical, transparent and effective governance, improvement of council services and community facilities and provision of more affordable housing and childcare.

Annie Nielsen and Jacki Brown are supporting candidates

Hugo and Charles Rios are Liberal Democratic Party candidates

NORTH ROCKS WARD

Independent lead candidate: Georgina Valjak

Georgina Valjak is running as an independent for the North Rocks ward.

I and my husband Vlad have raised our family of four children in Winston Hills over the past 23 years. After attending Western Sydney University, I have worked in many industries including pharmaceutical, retail and banking.

I have volunteered for sporting groups and other associations within the Parramatta LGA. As a member of the residents’ action group, I have ensured the community’s views on the Winston Hills shopping centre development were represented at the Joint Regional Planning Panel as well as the Land and Environment Court.

I have also lobbied for the M2 carpark to reduce commuter parking in residential streets.

Bob Dwyer, independent

I am married with three children and six grandchildren, and am a self-employed consultant.

I have been a resident in Winston Hills for over 43 years.

I served as the Parramatta Lord Mayor from 2019 to 2021 and have had a proven history in delivering for the North Rocks ward.

I have lobbied to refurbish the Chisholm Centre Shopping Centre, Carmen Drive Shopping Centre, amenities block at John Curtin Oval as well as the installation of public toilets in Lions Park. I am serving as a Board Member of Parramatta Riverside Theatre. I previously held the position of president Winston Hills Soccer Club.

More recently I have lobbied for an increased level of female candidates in Liberal Party preselection for the council.

Rob Mashford, independent

North Rocks independent candidate Rob Mashford.

I was born and raised in the Parramatta LGA and have lived in the North Rocks ward for over 30 years.

I have raised a family in the area with my two sons attending local schools and I have been

involved in sports within the community.

I took a leading role in the community residents’ action group which opposed unsuitable overdevelopment proposals and representing the community at the Land and Environment Court hearings. I am enthusiastic about fostering community values and vulnerable road user access and safety.

Our Local Community lead candidate: Donna Wang

Donna Wang heads the Our Local Community ticket for North Rocks.

I am excited to represent North Rocks as a genuine independent, as a mother of two children and a resident in Parramatta City.

My professional and educational experience in aged care and community services has given me a sound understanding of what is required to represent the community.

There hasn’t been independent representation in the North Rocks ward and it is important that residents’ concerns are heard. I will focus on local accessibility, ensuring planned works on footpaths are suitable for all abilities and ages, including pedestrian ways having appropriate lighting. I will continue to support these projects ensuring adequate community consultation and including a review of local infrastructure needs.

John Hugh and Kiara Garrard-Williams are supporting candidates

Labor lead candidate: Ange Humphries

Ange Humphries is the lead Labor candidate for the North Rocks ward.

I live, work and am raising a family in North Rocks. A keen dog lover, I am regularly at the local dog parks and playgrounds. Having been a company director for many companies, I am well skilled in corporate governance and economic management. I want to be on local council so your views can be heard and so the community can have a real voice. With a passion for Parramatta and a no-nonsense approach I will make an excellent contribution to Parramatta Council.

Alan Mascarenhas, Labor

Alan Mascarenhas is running on Ange Humphries’ ticket for Labor. Picture: Adam Yip

I grew up in Carlingford and the Hills. I am a former Sydney Morning Herald journalist and was the Labor candidate for Epping in 2019. A member of the North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group, I will bring energy and new ideas to the council.

Nick Nikolaidis, Labor

I have always lived in Parramatta and am a second generation Australian who is fluent in Greek. A past student at Christ the King in North Rocks, and Saint Patrick’s Marist College in Dundas, I am now studying at Macquarie University. My youth and enthusiasm for Parramatta to prosper is evident in everything I do.

Greens lead candidate: Greg Edwards

Greens hopeful Greg Edwards.

I am enthusiastically standing in Parramatta’s North Rocks ward. I have voiced concerns about overdevelopment in his local community. Other issues that are important to me are protecting green spaces, heritage buildings and powering Parramatta with clean energy.

I have worked as a primary school teacher and taught English as a second language. I have taught at Auburn North, Blaxcell Street and Murray Farm public schools as well as being a casual teacher at Carlingford West Public School.

I also have a horticultural diploma. With this knowledge, it is my vision to transform Parramatta into a garden city and help preserve and improve parks and public spaces.

Mona Burns and Damien Atkins are supporting candidates

DUNDAS WARD

Our Local Community lead candidate: Michelle Garrard

Michelle Garrard is vying to represent Our Local Community in the Dundas ward.

I am a professional woman with over 25 years’ experience in leadership roles and over 25 years in the local government arena. I have commenced a Masters in Laws of Governance have held the position of Deputy Lord Mayor City of Parramatta Council from 2017-2021 as a leading member of the OLC team. I want to introduce a neighbourhood focus to the council. We have the opportunity to better focus on service delivery and efficiency, effectively bringing local government closer to the community, especially now when people are spending more time at home and in our open spaces. I offer community loyalty and a commonsense approach.

Wayne Butcher and Xiaohua (Kevin) Wu are supporting candidates

Labor lead candidate: Pierre Esber

Pierre Esber, Parramatta Council 2021 Labor candidate for the Dundas ward.

I have served as a councillor since 1999. I was born in Parramatta Hospital and

have lived here my whole life.

A plumber by trade, I have built a successful business, providing jobs and apprenticeships to

young people.

I live with my wife in Oatlands and have three children and two grandchildren.

My focus on council has been to deliver better services and infrastructure for the local

community.

Through this campaign, I have seen other candidates take positions that he knows are not

possible to deliver. I am upfront and honest about what the council can achieve.

Anthony Ellard, Labor

Anthony Ellard is second on Pierre Esber’s ticket.

I have spent the past 20 years in the ICT Industry and have a passion for technology.

I live in North Parramatta with his wife and two young daughters. I am past president of

St Mary’s Rydalmere Parents and Friends Association and a life member of Parramatta Rugby

League Referees Association, and previously a board member of Parramatta Junior League.

I am passionate about developing a healthier and smarter Parramatta and I wants to see

better investment in technology locally, and a better plan for sports fields and playgrounds. I also wants to see traffic managed better.

Sam Daher

I have spent most of his life in Dundas. I am a mechanic by trade and run a small

business in Rosehill.

As a long-term resident of Dundas, I see the challenges of balancing community needs with

the best place to put them. I am passionate about preserving heritage, having bought, and

restored a heritage home and have hobby of restoring vintage cars.

I am concerned about inappropriate development and its impact on traffic and pedestrian

safety. I also want to see a council protect and provide better services to elderly

residents.

Kellie Darley, independent

Kellie Darley heads a ticket for the Dundas ward in the 2021 Parramatta Council elections. Picture: Josephine Sicad Photography

I’m giving you the choice to have a truly independent, trusted community champion bring a fresh, new perspective to the council.

I’m a mum who runs ParraParents, an online community and guide thousands of people a year, and have been honoured to be awarded Parramatta Woman of the Year and City of Parramatta Volunteer of the Year, Australia Day Awards. I have over 20 years leadership experience in public health and community development.

I’m focused on creating vibrant, highly liveable neighbourhoods, improving outdoor public spaces, making our streets safer and reducing the impacts of our changing climate.

Natalie Ng and Maryanne Thompson are supporting candidates

Group B lead candidate: Lee Malkoun, independent

I was born and raised in Ermington, educated at St Mary’s Rydalmere and St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas, where I am now a teacher.

I have coached and represented several sporting clubs in the electorate and founded a charity that has given over $13,500 in groceries and vouchers to the community.

I have represented the area on so many issues, including the opposition of the Oatlands Golf Course development proposal. I am very passionate about the area, easily accessible and ready to help where I can on the local issues that affect us. Vote 1 – Group B – Above the line.

Filena Lovisa and Souzie Wehbe are supporting candidates

ROSEHILL WARD

Labor lead candidate: Patricia Prociv

Labor’s Patricia Prociv is vying for your vote in the Rosehill ward.

The Rosehill ward supports the need for residents’ voices to be heard by advocating for more community consultation, advocating for development that sustains communities, working with communities to advocate for better public transport timetables and routes that serve residents.

We advocate for working with government agencies for access to under-utilised land for community passive and active recreation.

Paul Noack and Sinead Simpkins are supporting candidates

Our Local Community lead candidate: Dan Siviero

Dan Siviero is an Our Local Community candidate Rosehill ward.

I live locally and understand local government having worked in local government. I understand the area I hope to represent as my children attend school and play sports locally. With 10 years professional/corporate experience and a degree in law and finance, I am well equipped to bring an independent perspective to the council.

I want the community to be heard regarding concerns with overdevelopment and lack of community facilities across the Rosehill ward. The ward lacks open space, particularly in the Wentworth Point area. With the OLC team focusing on neighbourhoods we can genuinely represent community needs.

George Sleiman and Angela Siviero are supporting candidates

Greens lead candidate: Franceska Strano

Greens Rosehill candidate Franceska Strano.

I am a civil engineer with experience in transport infrastructure, water resources and renewable energy.

I advocate for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and leadership, LGBTQIA rights, multiculturalism and racial equality.

I am committed to working alongside residents – it is deeply important to me that locals are involved in all council decisions.

I will focus on building community services and infrastructure, especially for improved public transport; ensure that residents have a voice in council through formation of resident groups; and work to make Parramatta Council open, ethical and transparent.

David Schwartz and Susan Chen are supporting candidates

Group B lead candidate: Susan Price, Socialist Alliance

Katrina James, Susan Price and Douglas Hawthorne.

I am a community gardening enthusiast and founding member of the Socialist Alliance. I am chair of the Sherwin Park Community Garden and an active member of the North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group. I am the lead candidate for Group B in the Rosehill ward, which is a composite ticket called Community Need Not Corporate Greed.

I am running with local independent Katrina James and fellow Socialist Alliance member, Douglas Hawthorne.

Policies include opening council buildings as heat refuges on hot days, a zero emissions city by 2030, not celebrating genocide on January 26, welcoming refugees, protecting Parramatta Park and allocating at least 20 per cent affordable housing on all rezonings and new developments.

Douglas Hawthorne and independent Katrina James are supporting candidates

Small Business Party candidates are Andrew Wilson, James Laurence and Christine Rigby.

EPPING WARD

Labor lead candidate: Donna Davis

Donna Davis aims to be re-elected. Picture: John Appleyard

I and my Labor team will improve council engagement with the whole community, push to preserve the character of our suburbs, advocate for appropriate development NOT overdevelopment, protect heritage and our natural environment, enhance our parks and public spaces and deliver more family events across our city.

Since 2017, I have worked with you to save Willow Grove, the Roxy and Epping Pool, protect Parramatta Park from commercialisation and return Wistaria Gardens to Parramatta Park.

In 2022 and beyond, we will work to make Parramatta a healthy city; continually

improving its physical and social environments while expanding its community

resources for all.

Cameron Maclean and Tony Lee are supporting Labor candidates

Lorraine Wearne, independent

Epping ward independent candidate Lorraine Wearne.

I am a self-employed solicitor and have been a Parramatta councillor since 1995, and was Parramatta’s first female Lord Mayor from 2000-01 and 2011-12.

I was a part-time lecturer at Parramatta Adult Education College from 1998 to 2006.

I have never belonged to a major party and was a member of the Executive of Australian Local Government Women’s Association for three years.

I also served as the president of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association for two years from 1999 and was awarded the Parramatta Woman of the Year in 2000.

I love reading, good wine and food, music of all descriptions, am a babysitter extraordinaire, am a hack golfer and play computer games.

Desmond Chung and Ian McLeod are supporting candidates

Jean Pierre Abood, independent

Jean Pierre Abood is running as an independent in the Epping ward.

I am married with three children and was born and raised in the Parramatta LGA.

I have lived and worked in and around the LGA my entire life. I am a home builder and a previous Liberal Party Parramatta councillor.

I am a former director of Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, former Chairman of the Maronite College of the Holy Family and volunteer in feeding the homeless. I am passionate and dedicated to serving my local community.

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