Randwick City Council: Meet the candidates battling it for council positions
Lawyers, parents, retired naval officer, chemist and a WIRES volunteer are just some of the candidates vying for Randwick City Council. Take a look at who’s running in your ward.
HyperLocal
Don't miss out on the headlines from HyperLocal. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The 2024 local council elections are drawing closer, with less than one month before residents head to the polling booths across the state.
In Randwick, there are 15 spots up for grabs and a number of candidates, new and returning are throwing their hats into the ring.
We have reached out to each of the candidates running for Randwick City Council, with each candidate telling us why they were running in the election.
Randwick is separated into five wards; Central, North, South, East and West, and is a council that doesn’t hold mayoral elections.
Central Ward – Maroubra and South Coogee
Kym Chapple – The Greens
I’m a lawyer, activist and mum of two girls and I’ve been a Greens Councillor for Central Ward in beautiful Maroubra since 2021.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Those living in Maroubra are experiencing increasing cost of living pressures and want to see council take leadership on this including through affordable housing and supporting the community with quality libraries and active transport.
Why should locals vote for you?
Maroubra residents love our area and want to protect the precious green space and community we have here while making it easier to walk, ride and play around the area.
In my first term on council I’ve worked collaboratively with the community to make meaningful changes like improved walking paths and FOGO in schools but there is much more to do.
Council has been slow to provide safe cycling links in Maroubra and we need a voice on council who will keep advocating for this.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
Improving housing affordability is a key objective for me and density can be part of the solution when it’s done collaboratively with the community and with supporting infrastructure. A key concern locals are telling me is that developments are clearing trees from blocks corner to corner rather than designing around them, that’s a problem council needs to step up on.
Daniel Rosenfeld – Liberal
Voted to council in 2021 my wife and I have resided in Randwick for 25 years. I am proud of the beaches, parks and sporting facilities of Central Ward and will continue to work to ensure that they remain in good condition for the community to use.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
A major issue in Central Ward is road and pedestrian safety. If elected I would continue to push for a workable solution to the intersection of Mons Ave, Maroubra Rd and Cooper St. I will work with the traffic committee to design appropriate solutions and fast track these through council.
Why should locals vote for you?
I am a hardworking councillor and respond to communication from residents in a timely manner. I have delivered many benefits for residents such as the emergency response beacon at Mahon Pool and the winter lights at Nagle Park for more people to enjoy the outdoors all year round. These are just some of my achievements.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
I do not support high density housing as there is not enough adequate infrastructure like public transport etc. in the area to support a sharp increase in demand.
Dylan Parker – Labor
Mr Parker is a returning councillor and a former mayor of the Randwick City Council.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
The key issue this election is addressing housing affordability and ensuring that the next generation can continue to live in the community they grew up in and love.
While there is no silver bullet and the problem vexes governments at all levels, Councils can play a real and meaningful role by allowing for a diversity of housing choice and providing increased supply in well-located areas near transport and services. We can also ensure that developers pay their fair share in affordable housing contributions and place real restrictions on Airbnb which strip rentals from the market. I’m determined to also make sure we use surplus Council land as locations to actually build affordable housing.
Why should locals vote for you?
I go into this election offering the community a record of achievement and a clear plan to tackle housing affordability, provide cost-of-living relief, and preserve our local environment.
Working together we’ve already delivered a lot including building the Heffron Centre, creating a new plaza at Maroubra beach and expanding lifeguard services across our coast.
In addition to being your local voice, I’m a volunteer surf lifesaver at Maroubra Beach, the son of a nurse and a small-business owner. Maroubra is my home.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
I want to offer our community housing choice and this includes delivering more housing in well-located areas near transport, a diversity of built form and requiring developers pay their fair share. I support strong controls on Airbnb, increasing mandatory affordable housing contributions, and using Council-owned land to actually build affordable housing.
South Ward – Matraville, Malabar, Chifley, Little Bay, Port Botany, Philip Bay and La Perouse
William ‘Bill’ Burst – Liberal
Voted to council in 2021, I have lived in South Ward for over 30 years.
My connection to the area runs deep and I consider this my home and community for life. With the finest bays, beaches, a National Park and premium sporting facilities, I am proud to have raised my family here. Founder of Save Yarra Bay and Protect Yarra Bay.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
South Ward was the forgotten Ward!
In my last term I fought to change this around and I am having success! If re-elected I will continue this positive change.
There is now more projects budgeted in our ward into the future. I will ensure in the next four years that we get our fair share of funding.
Positives actions and my focus moving forward: playground upgrades, lifeguard tower refurbishments, more garden areas, amenities upgrades, new pump bike park, library and hall upgrades, more footpath upgrades, more road upgrades, make South Ward a safe place for all to live and fight overdevelopment.
Why should locals vote for you?
I’m the South Ward underdog and will fight for my community. Founder of Save Yarra Bay and Protect Yarra Bay. We stopped the Incinerators, we stopped Little Bay high rise development. Commonsense measured voice in council, commonsense approach to protecting our environment and parks, commonsense approach to housing, firm conviction in my beliefs and protect our Australian values and freedoms.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
I do NOT support high density housing in South Ward, it will take away from the village feel of South Ward.
Noel D’Souza – Independent
Noel D’Souza who was the local chemist for 39 years and a local councillor and former mayor is writing a new prescription for success at the upcoming Randwick City elections in September. Noel wants to tackle inequity, high council rates climate change and injustice head on.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Threats of high density and overdevelopment to address the home crisis. I don’t support development excessive in bulk and scale, inconsistent with the existing and desired future character of the locality and contrary to the public interest.
Why should locals vote for you?
I am a man of integrity and noble ideals, determined to try to prevent wrong and protect my community. My greatest strength is the ability to communicate with my residents on their level. I also listen to their many concerns. I then take their phone numbers or emails and send them an email within 24 hours.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
We don’t support high density housing in our area. We don’t support development excessive in bulk and scale, inconsistent with the existing and desired future character of the locality and contrary to the public interest.
Russell Weston – The Greens
I am a very proud Yorta Yorta man from a region between the Goulburn and Murray rivers. Now I live on Bidjigal and Gadigal country with my partner and foster children. I have always worked on grassroots community issues and I was the first Aboriginal man elected to the InterPride board.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Domestic Violence. I want up see council launch community-wide campaigns to raise awareness about domestic violence, its signs, and available resources.
I want to see more education for residents on how to support victims and promote information and programs to stop domestic violence in our LGA and ensure access to essential services such as shelters, counselling, housing and legal aid for victims is available.
We could be providing and advocating for funding and resources to local and front line organisations that specialise in domestic violence support.
Why should locals vote for you?
I believe in putting the community first. On council I will advocate for public housing, including issues of disrepair and overcrowding, frontline domestic violence services and Youth Centres and affordable access to sports facilities. I will also explore all opportunities in South Ward for making our town centres vibrant and green. I have always worked on grassroots community issues and I was the first Aboriginal man elected to the Inter-Pride board and I know LGBTIQA+ rights are important in this area. On council I will put the community first and be the first Aboriginal man on Randwick Council!
Do you support high density housing in your area?
I understand that there are concerns about the environmental impact of increased development in our city including loss of green space and increased traffic congestion. We urgently need more public transport and buses servicing the area, something that Labor promised at the state election! I understand that residents may feel that high-density housing changes the character of their neighbourhoods, leading to concerns about overcrowding and loss of community identity.
Daniel ‘Danny’ Said – Labor
Danny said he believes that by voting Labor at this council election, voters can be assured they will be supporting councillors who are committed to building liveable and sustainable communities that have well-built and designed homes, with parks and open public spaces, connected to local roads, buses, other public transport, as well as footpaths and shared cycleways.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
The South Ward is blessed with some of the best beaches and walking tracks in the LGA if not Sydney, unfortunately some are still inaccessible with individuals with disabilities. The Southern side of the Malabar Headland Coastal walk would be first on my list of priorities to plan, mitigate and construct.
Why should locals vote for you?
Being born and bred in Matraville, I have tackled adverse projects affecting the South Ward while on Council with favourable outcomes and will continue to promote continuous improvement.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
The Randwick Council area is a great place to live and Labor candidates believe in providing more homes and housing choices for local key workers, young people, and families to live closer to their jobs and within the communities they choose.
East Ward – East Randwick, North Maroubra, Coogee and South Coogee
Marea Wilson – Labor
Mrs Wilson has previously served on the council and is currently seeking re-election.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Residents are concerned about overdevelopment and housing affordability. Local people
see smaller blocks of more affordable homes being demolished and replaced with larger
luxury dwellings. This is problematic as it doesn’t address the affordability issue yet gives
development a bad name. Similarly, platforms like Airbnb strips quality, well located homes
from the rental market during the summer months.
As your Labor councillor, I’ll investigate policies that address both priorities including
advocating for housing choice, preserving rental stock, ensuring developers pay their fair
share in affordable housing contributions and advocating for restrictions on Airbnb.
Why should locals vote for you?
I’m a Coogee local who has lived in the Eastern Suburbs my entire life. I went to local
schools and raised my family here.
As an industrial lawyer, I am passionate about ensuring fairness at work. In my spare time I
volunteer at Kingsford Legal Centre helping those who cannot afford legal representation.
Working together as a community we’ve achieved a lot together including standing up for
local heritage protections, increasing our tree canopy cover, and encouraged our local arts
and culture.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
Coogee is already built up. Affordability will be driven by protecting our existing affordable
stock and placing restrictions leakages from the rental market.
Each proposal needs to be looked at on its merits ensuring we get a quality planning
outcome where quality of life is maintained for existing residents and East Ward of Randwick
maintains its village feel and heritage charm.
Carolyn Martin – Liberal
I have lived in the Randwick City for nearly 60 years. Growing up my family owned a small business in Randwick. I graduated from St Catherine’s and Sydney Teachers College before joining the NSW Police Force and after 22 years service returned to teaching, where I spent 15 year in many local schools including the Sydney Children’s Hospital School and the Learn to Swim program. I draw my inspiration from my mother who served on Randwick Council for 17 years and was Randwick Council’s first ever Lady Mayor.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
From my understanding one of the biggest issues is the development of the amenities block including cafe and bus stop at Coogee Beach.
There is a plan to either rebuild or refurbish. The building is not heritage listed although it does have a heritage feel to it.
I have recently attended the information sessions and the Coogee Precinct Committee meeting and understand the concerns that the community has raised. The Council have called for community feedback on this development. If elected, I am looking forward to hearing the results of this feedback and advocating on behalf of the residents in East Ward.
Why should locals vote for you?
I am a local. I have lived in the area for most of my life. I was born and raised here and I have two sons currently renting in Coogee.
I believe that I do have a good awareness of the community issues we all face living here.
Running a small family business makes me acutely aware of how our small businesses need to be supported at a local level. I would love to see all the vacant shops at Coogee and The Spot occupied and thriving.
As an avid swimmer, I want to swim in clean water. I want to see the beach, the parks and open green space free of rubbish and ensure general maintenance is consistent in these areas.
With careers in policing and teaching my goal is to ensure that Council, community groups, police and local schools all work together in fostering and maintaining Randwick as a safe place that is welcoming, so that everyone can enjoy the special place we live in.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
East Ward is predominantly a beach and coastal area making it very difficult to be suitable for higher density housing. Our infrastructure and landscape doesn’t really allow this to be considered a feasible option. However, I do believe that more affordable housing options across the State need to be carefully considered and actioned.
Masoomeh Asgari – The Greens
My name is Masoomeh Asgari, and I’m proud to be your Greens candidate for East Ward. I moved to Australia with my husband and two daughters because I wanted a better future. Now, I want to make sure all Randwick families have a better future as well.
I’m a former lecturer, NAATI accredited translator and interpreter and librarian, and I’m standing up for a society that treats everyone as equal. Randwick City Council is home to more than 104 different national or ethnic groups and caters to a culturally and linguistically diverse community.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Issues such as better local public transport, caring for our environment, and accessibility and inclusiveness are important. If elected, I would act to make access to our beaches easy for all people and support those activities that give us a greater sense of community.
Why should locals vote for you?
Randwick city includes a diverse community. Residents come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. I think I have a different view and more inclusive perspective to the local community. I can be the voice of all backgrounds. I have been attending to different groups of residents in Coogee from all walks of life. Talked to them and asked about their views on current issued in the local area.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
East Ward has among the highest density housing in the LGA with many 3 and 4 story blocks of units. However, I generally recognise that we need more public and affordable housing. Council has a small stock of housing that is growing and I support this being for residents in need, either as transitional housing or on an affordability basis.
West Ward – Kensington, Kingsford, West Randwick, North-west Maroubra
Alexandra Luxford – Labor
Alexandra Luxford is the Deputy Mayor of Randwick City Council and has served on council for the last seven years as Labor’s West Ward Councillor. Alexandra is a lifelong local of Kensington where she lives with her family. Alexandra works in student administration and customer service for TAFE NSW and has volunteered across several local community groups, including Kensington Public School P&C, Randwick Boys’ High School P&C and Maroubra Surf Club.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
One of the major issues in West Ward is the lack of affordable housing. I have consistently pushed for more affordable housing during my time on council, and I will work towards providing affordable housing for our nurses and hospital workers to live close to their workplace.
Why should locals vote for you?
As a resident of Kensington for over 50 years, I understand the local issues as I live them every day just like the residents who I represent. During my time on council, I’ve worked to help deliver wonderful outcomes for our community, including the Meeks Street Plaza in Kingsford and Waratah Ave Plaza in Randwick, as well as upgrades to local parks and amenities in the area. I’ve also advocated against extreme development in unsuitable locations while pushing for more affordable, social housing. I’m willing to listen and take any of the community’s issues on board and do my best to deliver positive outcomes.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
I support sensible development which is appropriate for the location and offers housing choice. The important thing is providing a diversity of housing options rather than a single housing type.
Andrew Hay – Liberal
Andrew is a lifelong local and graduated from UNSW and works in law and technology – helping run major court cases in the Supreme Court of NSW and Federal Court.
Andrew wants to make a difference by having a smoothly run local government that delivers infrastructure and spends on necessary improvement to the local area. Andrew wants what most Australians want and that is to help people to live their own dreams, such as buying their own home and raising a family.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
The biggest issue in Kensington, Kingsford and Randwick Junction is the lack of any culture or vibe in our city centres. Eighteen shops are closed along each of Anzac Parade Kensington, Anzac Parade Kingsford and Belmore Road Randwick. They have become drive through suburbs. We’ve developed a Randwick Junction Masterplan which will make it pedestrian friendly with more plants and artworks, and we need to see that through. For Anzac Parade, we need to get supermarkets in both Kingsford and Kensington town centres and bring back a post office for Kensington.
Why should locals vote for you?
Because I have a proven track record of accomplishment. Last election I made one promise, to complete the Meeks St Plaza that the community had been waiting 7 years for. It was the first issue I raised and the plaza is now complete.
If the community can vote Liberal, we will get a team dedicated to lowering people’s cost of living, keeping rates under control, cleaning our streets parks and beaches.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
High Density Housing needs to be properly planned and have not just community support, but also suit the character of the area and give back to the community.
I don’t support the high-density development that has been coming over the past seven years.
It’s not that every development is automatically bad, it’s that there has been haphazard development with no real goal in sight of what the community should look like. We need to start thinking strategically and for the benefit of the community.
Philipa Veitch – The Greens
Ms Veitch is the current mayor seeking re-election.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Income inequality is a big issue, with the housing and cost of living crisis affecting so many people in our community. More and more people are struggling just to put food on the table or make their rent or mortgage payments, and they’re calling on all levels of government to take action. I’m also committed to doing what we can to help tackle the cost of living crisis by reducing fees for local halls, increasing community and creative grants and providing funding for front line community services.
Why should locals vote for you?
It’s been a privilege to serve as a councillor and Mayor since 2017 and during that time I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work together with so many people in our community. I love our community and am prepared to put the work in to assist residents on the many issues that come up – residents know that they can contact me any time and that I’ll always try to help. Over the last two terms I’ve developed a very good understanding of the complex issues facing our area and believe I have the experience and ability to address them. And as a Greens councillor and Mayor I’m committed to talking action on climate change and promoting equity, inclusion and social justice.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
Randwick west ward is already high density, much greater than the Sydney average and this is increasing with much of Anzac Parade in Kingsford and Kensington being redeveloped as we speak.
We need more genuinely affordable as well as more public housing, but in West Ward most of the new developments going up are expensive commercial student accommodation. We are not getting any new diverse housing and these large new blocks aren’t benefiting residents or providing affordable accommodation for students. The state and federal government needs to return planning powers and provide funding to councils so we can to deliver more genuinely affordable housing and protect the amenity of our local neighbourhoods.
North Ward – Clovelly, North Coogee, North Randwick and Centennial Park
Aaron Magner – Labor
Aaron Magner is Labor’s new voice for Randwick Council’s North Ward. As a lawyer, former UNSW Sustainability Director, and university lecturer, Aaron brings a wealth of experience. He’s passionate about harnessing the power of our local environment and community to enhance residents’ lives.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
In the North Ward major issues include the need to balance housing affordability with sustainability development. If elected, I would address this through a comprehensive approach:
1. Housing Affordability: I’ll work to deliver affordable housing by planning for additional homes in well-located areas, particularly near public transport. Crucially, I’ll ensure developers pay their fair share towards community infrastructure and affordable housing initiatives.
2. Environmental Sustainability: Simultaneously, I’ll push for sustainability and climate-resilient strategies. This includes expanding our urban forest by planting more trees, deploying more electric vehicle chargers, and implementing regenerative practices across Council operations.
3. Cost-of-living: To address the financial pressures many residents face, I’ll work to keep rates low and review Council’s fees and charges to support those in need.
Why should locals vote for you?
Locals should vote for me because I will bring fresh perspectives and deep professional experience to address our community’s challenges.
My wife, teenage sons and I call Clovelly home and have a strong connection to the Randwick North Ward community.
I have the right blend of experience, values and community ties to effectively represent the Randwick’s North Ward on the Council. By voting for me, you’re choosing a representative who will bring fresh ideas, relevant experience, and a commitment to creating a more sustainable, dynamic and vibrant Randwick for all residents.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
People need to live around reliable public transport if we are to transition to a sustainable future. This includes increasing the number of affordable homes around our public transport hubs, while also protecting the environment and preserving our community’s unique cultural heritage.
I support strategic planning that locates denser housing near transport networks and town centres, close to jobs and services like hospitals and universities. This allows us to make the most of existing infrastructure through Local Environmental Plans that enable more housing where people want to live.
Clare Wellington – The Greens
Hi, I’m Clare Willington, Greens candidate for Randwick, North Ward. Before moving to Randwick 12 years ago, I worked as a GP in Canberra and a primary health care policy adviser for ACT government. Since retiring from medical practice, I trained to teach English to speakers of other languages and became a WIRES volunteer. I’m committed to the health and wellbeing of people, wildlife and the environment. I’ll be a strong voice on Council working hard to preserve and protect the natural and cultural heritage of this special coastal area.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
North Ward includes Gordon’s Bay, Clovelly Beach and Burrows Park. The proposal to improve Burrow’s Park sporting facilities has sparked a lot of discussion about the possible approaches to improving the sports field and amenities building while preserving the special coastal character of the park. I’ll be advocating strongly to ensure that Burrows Park retains its wonderful coastal character. Improvements to the sporting facilities should be achieved without major earthworks, loss of wildlife habitat or changes to the off lead dog park.
Why should locals vote for you?
The cost of living is impacting everyone and while council can’t change interest rates, the provision of excellent community facilities can reduce the impact of economic pressure on residents. Randwick has many cultural, sporting, recreational and treasured assets such as libraries, community halls and arts centres. I will advocate for caring for all our valued community facilities and building new assets as needed.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
There’s already a lot of high density housing in North Ward. High density housing is a necessary feature of a dense urban environment. Where further high density housing is proposed it must comply with Randwick Council’s planning regulations and where appropriate, Council must work with State agencies to explore funding arrangements to ensure new development is supported by appropriate infrastructure.
Christie Hamilton – Liberal
I’m a retired Naval Officer and served for 12 years, including two years on HMAS Anzac attending to the East Timor crisis and assisted HMAS Westralia during the tragic engine fire. In the past seven years, I have worked to ensure council service levels and spending is both improved and controlled at the same time. A large council such as ours should be closely monitored and held to account for the quality of services and budget health to ensure long term sustainability with regards to our natural and built environment.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how would you address it if elected?
Burrows Park sports ground masterplan. Residents are concerned about what the completed work might look like and its impact on the area. I would advocate on behalf of residents. I will listen to what they want and what they believe should be left out of scope. For example, I have heard that residents are concerned about lights at the dog park, BBQ facilities, a grandstand and scoreboard. I would argue against these being included in the masterplan when the paper is presented to councillors in a meeting of council and vote in favour of the masterplan proceeding to community consultation.
Why should locals vote for you?
First elected to council in 2017, I have worked hard to improve the area and make it nicer to spend time outdoors, such as the Bundock Park upgrade on Clovelly Beach. I worked with the residents to help secure a grant for the installation of new children’s play equipment. My focus is on local issues and the continued improvement of the service delivery of council to ensure our rates are spent sensibly and we get what we pay for.
Do you support high density housing in your area?
High density housing would be almost impossible in North Ward. There are pockets of medium density housing that has developed over time and in a way that the infrastructure has been able to keep up with demand. Across NSW we need to increase housing options and affordability or my children and many others won’t be able to own a home but that doesn’t mean increasing density everywhere. A lot of older neighbourhoods just don’t have the water and sewerage systems to cope with high density developments, let alone public transport or parking, especially along our coastal suburbs.