Boroondara City Council election 2024: Meet the candidates
Nominations are now open for the Boroondara City Council election. Meet the candidates who want to earn your vote.
Inner East
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The Boroondara City Council election is not far away, and many of the candidates have already stepped up to the plate.
Boroondara City Council has 11 wards with one councillor in each ward.
Candidates have until noon September 17 to finalise their nomination.
Check back here for regular updates on who’s running.
Have other questions about the election? We answer everything you need to know and more here.
Bellevue Ward
Samuel Allan
Samuel Allan was unable to be contacted.
He did not respond to questions from the Herald Sun.
Gregory Ball
Gregory Ball has announced he will be running for election in the Bellevue Ward.
Mr Ball lives in the Bellevue Ward and is not affiliated with any political party or union.
Mr Ball said he believed there shouldn’t be a general rates rise for the next four years.
“There should be more efficient delivery of maintenance and services, unnecessary and unwanted capital projects should be abandoned, and capital projects which do proceed should be managed carefully to minimise the cost,” he said.
“Heritage is also a contentious issue – the community would be best served by establishing an entity like the Boroondara National Trust to preserve and provide public access to the best of our heritage.”
Mr Ball said he was also passionate about compensating for the loss of Koonung Creek Reserve.
“The Eastern Fwy should be enclosed, using a similar concept to the CityLink sound tube, and new parkland should be created to compensate for the loss of Koonung Creek Reserve.
“New parkland should be created to compensate for the loss of Koonung Creek Reserve.”
Serena Huang
Entrepreneur and mother, Serena Huang has put her hat in the ring for the Bellevue Ward.
Ms Huang is a Kew East resident and has doorknocked more than 1000 homes in the ward over her campaign already.
She said she had moulded her areas of focus around responsible government, safe and clean neighbours and supporting local families and businesses through her conversations with residents.
“Your input is crucial because it’s your voice that matters,” she said.
Ms Huang said she was passionate about “shaping a vibrant, inclusive and thriving future together”.
Ms Huang is a member of the North Balwyn Rotary Club and a committee member of the Kew Toy Library.
Michael Nolan
Balwyn North resident Michael Nolan has announced he has joined the race for the Bellevue Ward.
Mr Nolan said he doorknockedmore than 6000 households, where residents said they wanted a “fresh focus at council”.
“People have told me they want council to keep rates low, properly manage redevelopment of the Kew Recreation Centre, to protect parks and gardens and to encourage local shopping,” he said.
“I’m running because I want to represent the interests of our community.”
Mr Nolan, an engineer and a project director in manufacturing, he said he wanted to work to “reduce emissions and make large facilities energy efficient”.
“I’ll advocate for council to renew rather than demolish and rebuild Kew Library and strongly advocate for the residents impacted by the northeast Link,” he said.
“I’ll ensure that Bellevue is always well represented.”
Mr Nolan has given more than 20 years of service to the Boroondara community, including being part of the Hays Paddock advisory committee, Electrify Boroondara, the Kew East Primary School committee and coaching under-age basketball.
He is focused on the community, responsible spending and practical climate action.
Mr Nolan has lived in the Bellevue Ward for 26 years with his family.
David Dawson
David Dawson was unable to be contacted.
Cotham Ward
Liz Kelly
Cotham resident of 30 years and active community member Liz Kelly has joined the race for the Cotham Ward.
Ms Kelly is a member of the Labor Party but said she was “running as an independent in the council elections”.
“I am not endorsed by the Labor Party and am completely self-funded,” she said.
She is also a member of the Australian Services Union.
Ms Kelly said her working life had given her to capacity to contribute in meaningful and effective change, which she wants to bring to local government.
She has worked in a range of organisation in the health, disability, sporting and dispute resolution areas.
Ms Kelly said she was focused on ensuring the council decision makers are held accountable and transparent to ratepayers.
She wants to assist the council to increase accessibility to local services for all residents, to help everyone maintain respect and dignity, particularly the ageing residents.
“I understand through first-hand experience the benefits of care delivered in the community by the community,” she said.
She said her three focus areas for her election campaign were human services being outsourced and impacting the continuity of care,
Ms Kelly said the council should be powered by sustainable energy means, not by gas.
Felicity Sinfield
Deputy Mayor and councillor for the Cotham Ward, Felicity Sinfield has announced she is running for re-election.
Ms Sinfield was first elected to council in 2016, is a mother-of three and is a Liberal Party member.
She is committed to the protection, conservation and enhancement of all heritage listed properties in Boroondara.
She is also passionate about improving infrastructure and local roads, as well as building stronger and safer communities.
Ms Sinfield has more than 20 years of experience in Victoria Police, working in frontline and emergency management, project management and intelligence.
Ms Sinfield said she would tackle the state government changes to planning, including the Camberwell Junction Activity Centre.
“We have significant properties and areas worth protecting,” she said.
“They are being eroded due to plans like the Camberwell Junction Activity Centre and how long it takes to get them protected.
“Additionally there are so many approvals given for developments that don’t get built – so they just sit derelict.”
She is also passionate about protecting open spaces.
“With the increased density and growth in girls/women's sport, our ovals are struggling to cope,” she said.
“Our pavilions are needing renovations to cater for the growth in sport change rooms.”
Gardiner Ward
Michael Burge
Order of Australia medal recipient and practising psychologist Michael Burge has decided to run for the Gardiner Ward.
Mr Burge has lived and worked in Camberwell since 1994 and is a practising psychologist.
He has done extensive voluntary community work and has advocated for gender equality, social justice, discrimination and assisted in community healing following the Black Saturday catastrophe.
Mr Burge has seen first-hand how quality amenities affect lives, wellbeing and connectedness within communities.
He was awarded an OAM in 2010 for his services to psychology and the Australia community.
Mr Burge is running for Boroondara council to give new vision and a voice to the people.
He said he wanted to “deliver results for the Boroondara community”.
David Chu
Father-of-three, family man and mathematics teacher, David Chu has thrown his hat in the ring for the Gardiner Ward.
Mr Chu is a member of the Liberal Party, however is running for council independently.
Mr Chu said his key focuses for council were community safety, sustainable development, supporting local business and the cost of living.
“First we must enhance safety by improving street lighting and strengthening Neighbourhood Watch programs,” he said.
“I advocate for thoughtful, sustainable development that protects our tree canopy and heritage while opposing the state government’s overdevelopment plans for areas like the Camberwell Junction Activity Centre.”
Mr Chu said a third focus for council was reducing the cost of living.
“It is essential which includes freezing council rates and removing excessive waste charges.”
Mr Chu is the co-founder and teacher of Camberwell Community School Quantum Education and a member of the Rotary Club of Camberwell.
Victoria Franco
Camberwell resident and Gardiner Ward councillor Victor Franco has announced he will run for re-election.
Mr Franco has no political party affiliations.
“My loyalty is to our community not to any political party,” he said.
Mr Franco said he was passionate about the area and supporting local communities, including his own involvement in restoring the historic parkland in Camberwell Junction.
“The need to protect our heritage and create more parks and public open spaces particularly given the increased housing targets proposed for Camberwell Junction and surrounding residential neighbourhoods is critical,” he said.
“A major new park and flowing green space in Camberwell Junction is possible through the closure of Reserve Rd, adjacent to the new park created last year following a seven-year campaign that I first established and led.”
Mr Franco is a resident of the Gardiner Ward and resides with his family.
He is a member of the Camberwell Historic Society, the National Trust of Australia and Carers Victoria.
Glenferrie Ward
Sam Aldemir
Glenferrie Traders Association president Sam Aldemir has announced he will run for election in the Glenferrie Ward.
Mr Aldemir has been a proud resident of Boroondara for 25 years, with his wife and children.
Mr Aldemir is the owner of De Barcelona Restaurant on Glenferrie Rd.
“Business is tough, but our community stood by us in the Covid years, and now during the toughest time of all – the cost of living recession,” he said.
“Council must do more to keep our amenities clean and free of graffiti.”
Mr Aldemir said he would work closely with the police to improve foot patrols and “restore the feeling of safety on the street”.
“Youth crime is spiralling, with many residents concerned about their safety,” he said.
Mr Aldemir said he understood the needs of the local community and would ensure value for ratepayers.
Wes Gault
Boroondara resident of 22 years, Wes Gault has announced he is running for re-election.
Mr Gault has been a sitting councillor on the Boroondara council for the Glenferrie Ward and is the Greens nominee for this year’s council elections.
Mr Gault was first elected to council four years ago and said he would continue to use his more than 40 years of experience from working with “all levels of government to deliver better outcomes for the Boroondara community”.
Mr Gault said he was passionate about “protecting Boroondara’s rich heritage” by strengthening heritage overlays and continuing the development of “better quality and diverse range of new dwellings”.
“If the state government’s growth plan for Camberwell is repeated in Glenferrie and Kew, 70 to 80 per cent of our outstanding heritage dwellings will be put at risk,” he said.
“Our housing strategy clearly demonstrates that we can provide all of the new residences we will require without damaging any of our heritage or green open spaces.”
He would like to see safer walking and cycling routes along shared trails, including the Rocket to River trail and the extension of the LE Bray Trail.
Mr Gault said he was dedicated to ensuring Boroondara continues to lead local action on climate change and that council operations remain at net zero.
“I will develop a closer working relationship with Electrify Boroondara and together drive the installation by property owners of solar panels and storage batteries,” he said.
Mr Gault said he would also continue to oversee the installation of public charging stations for electric vehicles.
Rochelle Pattison
Entrepreneur and business owner Rochelle Pattison has joined the race for the Glenferrie Ward.
Ms Pattison is a Liberal Party member however is not endorsed by the party.
Ms Pattison said much of her life was set in the boundaries of the Boroondara Council.
“The Glenferrie Ward holds a special place in my heart,” she said.
“I have deep roots in this area, I lived here during my school years and have spent much of my life in this vibrant community.”
Ms Pattison has a long history in financial services, and has spent many years in community groups, supporting sports clubs, parent associations and LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups.
She said her focus was to maintain council’s core services while enhancing community services, and foster inclusivity.
“I want to ensure our ward remains a great place for everyone,” she said.
“I want to be a representative for all residents and bring a fresh, forward thinking perspective to the council.”
Ms Pattison said she had witnessed the unique character, challenges and opportunities in the Glenferrie Ward first hand, all things that make Glenferrie “a wonderful place to live, work and grow”.
Ms Pattison said she was passionate about tackling the cost of living crisis facing many residents.
“There is a strong demand for the council to implement a freeze on rate increases, providing essential relief for families and individuals,” she said.
“While Boroondara is currently carbon neutral, residents express a clear desire for further reductions in carbon emissions and improvements in energy efficiency, all while ensuring the delivery of quality core services in a cost-effective manner.”
Ms Pattison said she believed as the demand for these services grows, the council “must prioritise efficiency and effectiveness to balance climate commitments with fiscal responsibility.”
Ms Pattison does not live in the Glenferrie Ward.
Junction Ward
Di Gillies
Former nurse and small business owner Di Gilles has announced she will be running for re-election in the Junction Ward.
Ms Gillies was first elected as councillor of the Junction Ward in 2020.
She is not affiliated with any political party, activist or protest group.
She has been a resident of Boroondara for 40 years and has been a member of the Camberwell Historical Society for seven years.
She is passionate about quality and inclusive community services, protecting the trees in Boroondara and achieving an annual net gain in canopy cover.
“One of my key focuses is focusing on the loss of third party rights of appeal and undermining the features that draw people to in live and work in Boroondara,” she said.
“I am also focused on minimising the significant challenges local amenities and facilities face with rapid densification and poor planning.”
Ms Gillies said she would continue to implementation of the Climate Action Plan if elected again.
Mal Osborne-Smith
Mal Osborne-Smith has announced he will be running for the Junction Ward.
Mr Osborne-Smith said the Junction was “tired”.
“It’s functional, but not fun,” he said.
“It’s lost its soul.”
Mr Osborne-Smith said due to long-term planning, “too little has been done”.
“Now the state government is demanding more housing in our Junction and proposing changes to planning laws to achieve this,” he said.
“We need to strongly resist overarching targets by the government for housing that will threaten heritage homes and streetscapes forever.
“We need to demand our fair share of funding for the infrastructure required.”
Mr Osborne-Smith said the council had the opportunity to make the Junction “world class”.
“There are opportunities everywhere- new pocket parks, busker spots, enlivened laneways, closed off roads, a Christmas night market, bluestone footpaths, heritage lights, and safe tram stops and bike lanes,” he said.
“We really could make it into an urban environment that invites and inspires.”
Lynden Ward
Lisa Hollingsworth
Mayor of Boroondara and councillor for Lynden, Lisa Hollingsworth has announced she will be running for re-election.
Ms Hollingsworth was born in the St George’s Hospital on Cotham Rd and is a fifth generation Boroondara native.
She has been representing the Lynden Ward since 2016.
Ms Hollingsworth said she believed “considerate planning will maintain the ambience of our desired neighbourhood character”.
She is passionate about supporting small businesses and fresh produce markets.
Michael Lamb
Business adviser and data professional Michael Lamb has announced he will be running for a seat as councillor of the Lynden Ward.
Mr Lamb is a member of the Liberal Party, however said he was running as an independent and has not been endorsed by the party.
He is also running as a self-funded candidate.
The father-of-three from Camberwell moved into the Boroondara municipality in 2016.
Mr Lamb said he believed in “limited government”, in order to prioritise essential issues.
He is passionate about supporting social bonds in the community and offering assistance to the most vulnerable.
Mr Lamb said he believed Boroondara faced two critical issues leading into the October election.
“The significant planning changes proposed by the state government are a major concern,” he said.
“These draft concerns have been introduced without proper and genuine consultation with the community – it is essential that genuine consultation occurs with residents to enable a united solution.
Mr Lamb said he was also focused on addressing the cost of living crisis.
“With rising expenses, it is crucial for the council to take measures to alleviate financial pressures”, he said.
“One such measure is to freeze council rates for the 2025/2026 period and ensure they remain low.
“This will help ease the burden on residents and small business owners, providing much-needed financial relief.”
Mr Lamb said he wanted to “avoid wasting resources and money to benefit the community and ratepayers”.
Colton Senior
Colton Senior has announced he will be running for the Lynden Ward.
Senior is a candidate for the Victorian Socialists.
They have campaigned for refugee rights, the LGBTQIA+ community and climate change.
They have not responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Maling Ward
Jane Addis
Psychologist and business owner Jane Addis has put her hat in the ring for the Maling Ward.
As a long time resident of the Maling Ward, Ms Addis said she valued the people, heritage and natural environment of the ward.
“I will always act to protect these things,” she said.
“I’m committed to improving our ward and protecting the things we value.”
Shima Ibuki
President of the Neighbourhood Houses Victoria Shima Ibuki has announced she will be running for the Maling Ward.
She is not affiliated with any political party and is running as an independent candidate.
The mother of three has lived in Surrey Hills with her family for 15 years.
She is passionate about commitment to transparency, balance and proactive community engagement.
“The state government’s Camberwell Activity Centre is an opportunity to alleviate the current housing shortage, but also requires complex planning management as the targets are ambitious,” she said.
“There are concerns around how the target of 67,000 new homes will be delivered and the impact on the infrastructure and services.”
Ms Ibuki said she wanted to implement a responsive and collaborative approach to governance in Boroondara.
“Boroondara’s spending is heavily weighted towards building projects, consultancy fees and outsourcing – a more balanced approach is required where people are valued and their needs are supported,” she said.
“The changing face of Boroondara and tensions between heritage, development, green spaces, climate actions and tree canopies need to be negotiated to benefit most residents and future generations.
“Councillors need to work together without party politics and factions.”
Anthony Nicholls
Fourth generation Boroondara local Anthony Nicholls has announced he will be running for the Maling Ward.
Mr Nicholls is a member of the Liberal Party, but said he was running as an independent and has not been endorsed or funded by the party.
The father of five said his priorities for council would be supporting local sporting clubs and community groups alongside local businesses, and having “meaningful and transparent community consultation”.
“The future development of our city including how we respond to the current proposed amendments to the Victorian Planning Scheme,” he said.
“Providing necessary infrastructure to support growth, preserving our city’s character, heritage and tree canopy, and meeting our climate change obligations.
“The decisions that will be made by council over the next four years will fundamentally shape our city and the way that we live for generations to come and they can’t be left to chance.”
Mr Nicholls said he wanted to deliver value to residents and rate payers through “responsible spending on services and infrastructure”.
“Council over spending on infrastructure and services is well known, and unfortunately, well accepted,” he said.
“With better controls and oversight, we can deliver better outcomes for less money – this means that we can achieve so much more for the community.”
Sam Wan
Sam Wan has announced he will run for election in the Maling Ward.
Mr Wan did not respond to questions from the Herald Sun.
Maranoa Ward
Peter Campbell
Peter Campbell has announced he will be running for election in the Maranoa Ward.
Mr Campbell was a member of the Greens, however resigned in 2011.
A long term resident of Boroondara, Mr Campbell said he was passionate about keeping rates low.
“We need responsible spending to do this,” he said.
“For example the Kew Recreational Centre rebuild project is overdue and well over budget.”
He also said reducing traffic and improving public transport were topics he would be focusing on, should he be elected.
“We can reduce congestion by improving public transport and making walking and bike trips safer,” he said.
“Every trip on a bike or on foot is one less car on Boroondara’s increasingly busy roads.”
Mr Campbell said the tree canopy in Boroondara should be increased by 50 per cent and developers should be “stopped from removing heritage and significant trees”.
Mr Campbell does not live in the Maranoa Ward, however lives in the larger Boroondara municipality.
Jackie Carter
Pharmaceutical professional Jackie Carter is the Greens Party candidate for the Maranoa Ward.
She is also a member of the Renters and Housing Union.
Ms Carter said she was passionate about increasing the tree canopy in Boroondara and making recycling simpler and easier for everyone in the municipality.
She is also an advocate for the establishment of an LGBTQIA+ advisory body and would like to see an increase in accessible public transport.
“Boroondara residents are fed up with superfluous council spending with little transparency or accountability,” she said.
“Cost of living and the climate crisis are also important – whether it be residents immediate material needs or the broader climate impacts, residents are struggling to pay their rent and mortgages while also heating and cooling their homes.”
Ms Carter said the two issues could not be separated, and “need immediate meaningful action”.
“The state government has been overreaching into local government for some time and we need to ensure councillors push back and the state government honours their commitments to more public housing and more frequent and accessible transport,” she said.
Chris Pattas
Chris Pattas has announced that he has decided to run for election in the Maranoa Ward.
Mr Pattas has lived in the ward for more than 30 years.
Mr Pattas is not affiliated with any political party and will run as an independent.
He said he was happy to work with all political parties as local government should not be politicised.
“I am happy to consult widely with all political parties and community stakeholders,” he said.
Mr Pattas was previously a councillor and mayor of Boroondara and is focused on the cost of living crisis, tending to the roads and footpaths in the area, and leveraging technology to improve housing opportunities and to support small businesses.
Cynthia Watson
Maranoa councillor Cynthia Watson has announced she will be running for re-election.
Ms Watson has been on the Boroondara council for the last eight years, first elected in 2016.
She said she had “enjoyed listening and finding solutions” for the community throughout her time on council.
Ms Watson is a member of the Liberal Party and has lived in Balwyn North for 25 years.
Ms Watson was instrumental in delivering speed control to the Greythorn shopping centre strip and would focus on community safety and enhancing dog-friendly green spaces.
She said she would bring her eight years of experience back to serve the community to “continue being a strong and experienced local community representative”.
Ms Watson said she was opposed to the Camberwell Activity Centre.
“The impact on surrounding heritage protected neighbourhoods will be significant,” she said.
She is also passionate about the changes to rescode, “which would substantially reduce residents right to object to planning applications”.
“I will also campaign against ill considered housing targets which have no considered the impact on infrastructure such as roads, sewage and schools.”
Riversdale Ward
Rob Baillieu
Life long Hawthorn resident and co-founder of Electrify Boroondara Rob Baillieu has announced he will be running for the Riversdale Ward.
Mr Baillieu has volunteered for numerous LGBTQIA+ organisations and is the president of Voices for Kooyong – the largest volunteer organisation in Boroondara.
He is running for incumbent councillor Susan Biggar’s ward, as she has decided not to re-run for election.
Mr Baillieu is passionate about the climate action plan and alleviated the stress of the cost of living crisis for many vulnerable residents.
He served in the army for eight years and is a lifelong resident of Hawthorn.
“I am standing now because Riversdale deserves a councillor who listens to the community, works hard and can be trusted to deliver quality and reliable services,” he said.
Mr Baillieu has not been affiliated with any political party or union.
“After doorknocking hundreds of residents across my ward, issues that residents care about include climate action and environmentalism, particularly protecting the tree canopy that makes Boroondara a leafy green suburb worth living in,” he said.
“Residents also are keen to increased affordable housing locally so their kids can live where they grew up – I believe this should be done in a sustainable way that protects the character of the neighbourhood.
“I’m committed to all of these things.”
Priscilla Duncan
Priscilla Duncan has announced she will be running for election in the Riversdale Ward.
She is not affiliated with any political party or union and has lived in the Riversdale Ward for a decade.
Ms Duncan said she was passionate about land use planning, cost of living and focusing on community.
“Development that respects heritage and the need for green spaces to support population increase is a key issue,” she said.
“This has been heightened with the Victorian government’s recently released draft plan for Camberwell Junction proposal – council and residents must continue to be involved in land use planning.”
Ms Duncan also said she would focus on steering council towards local community issues.
“Decision-makingshouldn’t be influenced by party politics or preconceived agendas,” she said.
“While council has a key role to play in advocacy, matters that sit outside of council’s remit shouldn’t dominate the agenda.”
Wayne Kelly
Newcomer Wayne Kelly has announced he will compete for a spot in the Riversdale Ward.
He has lived in Boroondara for 10 years and said he was concerned about the “direction of council and its core responsibilities”.
Mr Kelly said he believed the councils had been “distracted from their core responsibilities on issues that don’t deliver services they are obligated to provide for residents”.
He said he was passionate about public safety and would “engage with local community policing to highlight issues of car theft and break ins”, and traffic congestion.
“I will also opposed inappropriate developments, commercial and residential, that ruin the heritage character of the area,” he said.
“I will advocate for surplus council funds to be reinvested into the community across sporting clubs, street scapes and significant historical features.”
Mr Kelly said he was also passionate about preserving the ambience of street scapes and avoiding “overflowing rubbish bins left out on footpaths that stink and attract foraging birds and rats the size of rabbits”.
Solway Ward
Kate Bellamy
Kate Bellamy has announced she will run for the Solway Ward.
She is not affiliated with any political party and is running as independent.
She has living in Glen Iris for the last 23 years, previously in the Solway Ward prior to the electoral boundaries being changed.
Ms Bellamy is the president of the Burwood Cricket Club and co-founder of Glen Iris Scorpions Basketball Club, and said she champions inclusive sports programs.
“I appreciate ageing and/or other factors such as cost can be barriers to participate,” she said.
Ms Bellamy said she was passionate about climate action and social inclusion, and said she was committed to “championing initiatives in Solway that focus on improving mental health outcomes and reducing social isolation”.
“Transparency in council decision-making is essential as residents deserve clarity on where their rates are spent and should feel confident that council decisions reflect their needs now and into the future,” she said.
“My focus is on serving the community as an independent candidate with no ties to party agendas, which I believe enabled me to represent the residents of the Solway Ward without any external influences or bias.”
Atul Kalra
Atul Kalra has announced he is running for election in the Solway Ward.
He said he was passionate about three key issues for Boroondara residents.
“I will champion effective climate leadership which requires a bold commitment to reducing carbon emissions, transition to renewables and promoting sustainability,” he said.
“Local councils can plan an active role in promoting community based solutions like waste reduction, energy efficient buildings and sustainable transport.”
Mr Kalra said he would also focus on the economic development of Boroondara, including the “implementation of strategies to attract businesses and create job opportunities”.
“I am also focused on infrastructure improvement with better roads, public transport, parks and community facilities and more investment in sport venues and community facilities.”
John Friend-Pereira
Ashburton local and international NGO direction John Friend-Pereira has announced he will be running for the Solway Ward as the Greens Party candidate.
Mr Friend-Pereira is a father of two and has been an active Rotarian, spending the last two years as director of community services at the Box Hill-Burwood rotary club.
He said his platform was focused on making the old Ashburton Police Station available for community use, supporting local groups, improving the safety of train/road crossings and ensuring heritage overlays don’t prevent energy efficient and liveable homes.
Mr Friend-Pereira said he would also take on the issue of vacant properties.
“There are more than 400 unoccupied properties in the Solway Ward,” he said.
“Council should become a housing partner, it’s been successful in other areas and the redevelopment of public housing at Alamein Ave, Benghazi Ave, Gloucester Rd and Sunderland Ave would be a good start.”
Mr Friend-Pereira also wants each council ward to be given $100,000 for local community grants.
Mr Friend-Pereria has been a member of the Greens party since 2014 and was a CSPU-Victoria Branch member between 2017 and 2021.
Adrian Morgan
Adrian Morgan has announced he will be running for election in the Solway Ward.
Mr Morgan is a software engineer and has lived in Glen Iris for 25 years.
Mr Morgan said he believed the “frequent use of expensive consultants and the unchecked support of monocular initiatives” have failed to serve the best interests of the community.
“If elected, my position will seek to limit policies and decisions that are simply ‘shuffled along’ and instead focus on financial sustainability and insulating the vulnerable in our community,” he said.
Zachary Townend
Hawthorn resident Zachary Townend has announced he will be running for the Solway Ward.
Mr Townend said his three focuses this council election were to tackle to cost of living, community safety and ensuring infrastructure and services keep pace with the growing population.
“Many residents are feeling the pinch as cost of living rises and its essential the council provides high-quality services while maintaining financial responsibility to ensure value for money,” he said.
“I will advocated for proactive measures to ensure our streets and neighbourhoods remain safe for all.”
Mr Townend said he would also advocate for investment into infrastructure and services without sacrificing quality or overburdening residents.
Mr Townend is a member of the Liberal Party but is running as an independent.
“My sole focus is representing the needs of the local community,” he said.
“I am deeply committed to the Solway Ward area, I have played sport, worked and volunteered in Ashburton and Glen Iris, I feel the most at home in this community.”
Mr Townend is the economic development officer of Boroondara council.
Studley Ward
Kym Sullivan
Kym Sullivan is nominated as a candidate for the Studley Ward.
She did not respond to questions from the Herald Sun.
Nick Stavrou
Nick Stavrou has announced he will run for re-election in the Studley Ward.
Mr Stavrou is a member of the Liberal Party.
Mr Stavrou said he would focus on three key issues if he was to be re-elected into council.
“The state government’s plan to significantly increase housing density threatens the character and liveability of Boroondara’s neighbourhoods,” he said.
“We must advocate for a more thoughtful approach that respects our community’s unique character and needs.”
Mr Stavrou said the council should also advocate for balanced development.
“As we consider development projects like the former VicRoads site, it’s crucial to prioritise community needs – such as green spaces, connectivity, and public housing – while preserving the existing character of our area.” he said.
“Sustainable development should align with local values, not be imposed from above.”
Mr Stavrou said he was passionate about improving local infrastructure and services.
“We need to revitalise Kew Junction, build the new Kew Library, and address traffic and safety concerns,” he said.
“Protecting our open spaces and tree canopy is vital, along with enhancing rubbish collection services to support our community’s health and wellbeing.”
Sophie Torney
Sophie Torney has announced she will be running for election in the Studley Ward.
She has no political party affiliations.
Ms Torney said she was passionate about listening to the community and has door-
knocked “nearly half her ward”.
“People are deeply frustrated by the council’s poor handling of the Kew Recreation Centre redevelopment,” she said.
“A complete lack of transparency, ineffective communication and ongoing delays have eroded public trust.”
She said she was focused on responsible planning, to “get the balance right between the unique heritage and heart of the community while accommodating the need for more housing, nurses, teachers and our children and grandchildren to live near where they grew up,” she said.
“I am also seeking a stronger and sensible climate policy including helping the community to transition off gas, increasing the solar uptake and more public electric vehicle charging infrastructure and protecting the tree canopy.”
Amanda Towe
Amanda Towe is a nominated candidate for the Studley Ward.
She did not respond to questions from the Herald Sun.
Do you know a candidate who hasn’t been included on this list?
Email gemma.scerri@news.com.au
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