Council elections 2024: Who’s running for Whittlesea
Nominations have now closed for the Whittlesea council elections. See the full list of candidates running in your ward and asking for your support.
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Whittlesea City Council elections are coming up quickly and many candidates have put their hands up.
Whittlesea council will have 11 wards with one councillor in each ward.
Check the full list of candidates who have come forward to serve the community
Have other questions about the election? We answer everything you need to know and more here.
Bundoora Ward
Nimesh Shah
Nimesh Shah will be running for the Bundoora ward in the upcoming Whittlesea council elections.
Mr Shah has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Daniela Zinni
Daniela Zinni has announced she will be running for the Bundoora ward in the upcoming Whittlesea council.
If elected, Ms Zinni will review access to mental and women’s health, reducing rates and cost of living and transport prices, beautifying shopping areas and supporting local businesses among others.
Ms Zinni has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Jamie Nikolovski
Jamie Nikolocski has announced he will be running for the Bundoora ward in the upcoming Whittlesea council.
Mr Nikolovski said the three key issues impacting his council were bad rubbish collection, pothole ridden roads and annual rate increases.
Mr Nikolovski, 18, said he was an independent candidate with no ties with any political parties or unions.
He lives in the ward he is running for.
Anthony Mancuso
Anthony Mancuso is the Labor candidate for the upcoming elections.
Mr Mancuso said as a local himself, he was “passionate” about making where he lives “the best place to work, rest and play”.
Mr Mancuso has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Harsh Singh
Harsh Shah has registered to run for the Bundoora ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Singh has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Danny Hanna
Danny Hanna has registered to run for the Bundoora ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Hanna, who is running as an independent candidate, has a background in commerce having studied commerce with a major from La Trobe University and said if elected he would be able to offer a “robust financial perspective”.
“Effective management of council resources requires a deep understanding of finance, which is essential for our community,” he said.
“My experience in financial analysis and accounting will ensure our budget is managed efficiently and transparently.”
Mr Hanna said he has never been affiliated with any party or unions.
Richard Stockman
Richard Stockman will be running for the Bundoora ward in the Whittlesea council.
Mr Stockman said he had a “passionate drive” to serve his community on both sides of the Plenty River.
Mr Stockman has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Marcelle Henderson
Marcelle Henderson will run for the Bundoora ward.
Mr Henderson has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Epping Ward
David Lenberg
David Lenberg will be running for the Epping ward.
Mr Lenberg, has more than 25 years in business, technology, and customer experience, and is passionate about improving Whittlesea.
“I believe in open governance, supporting local businesses, fostering community, and creating sustainable, family-friendly spaces for all,” he said.
Mr Lenberg has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Nessie Sayar
Nessie Sayar is running for the Epping ward.
Ms Sayar has been living in Epping for 25 years.
“Our communities’ needs and issues are important to me, and it’s why I’m running for Council to represent our community,” she said.
“It’s time to elect a local resident who understands.”
Ms Sayar has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Rachael Hussein
Rachael Hussein has registered to run for the Epping ward.
Ms Hussien said the council needed “honest, committed and dedicated” councillors.
“The City of Whittlesea has been under administration for over four years now. This October, we have the chance to elect new Councillors to represent our local community and to serve their interests,” she said.
“We need people at the forefront to speak on our behalf regarding local issues, concerns we have, and listen to constructive proposals that will benefit the community as a whole.”
Ms Hussien has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Edward Sukkar
Edward Sukkar has registered to run for the Epping ward in the upocmign Whittlesea council elections.
Mr Sukkar has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Donny Batten
Donny Batten will be fighting for the Epping ward in the upcoming council elections.
Mr Batten said the three main issues facing the council were rubbish, parking and lack of community sopirting facilities.
Mr Batten said he has never been party of any political party or union.
He lives in the ward he is running for.
“My family and I have been living in Epping for three generation, dating back to 1877 farmed land on Epping Rd Wollert,” he said.
“My uncle Les Batten was a councillor for 25 years at Whittlesea Shire.”
Ganbu Gulinj Ward
Gulhan Yoldas
Gulhan Yoldas has registered to run for the Ganbu Gulinj ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Yoldas has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Lawrie Cox
Lawrie Cox has put his hand up for the Ganbu Gulinj ward.
Mr Cox, a Wollert local for more than four decades, said he was an experienced councillor who was working for a better City of Whittlesea.
“I am seeking your support to be elected in October 2024 for the Ganbu Gulinj Ward.”
Mr Cox said the three issues facing his council were not having strong governance, stopping rubbish dumping and improving council services and accountability.
Mr Cox is a member of Labor Party.
He is also a member of the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices, Epping RSL, Prisoner of War and Relatives Association, Australian Institute of Company Directors and
Victorian Industrial Relations Society.
Mr Cox has served as a councillor on the Shire of Whittlesea from 1979 to 1986 and from 2016 to 2020.
He lives in the ward he is running for.
Ursula van Bree
Ursula van Bree has registered to run for the Ganbu Gulinj ward in the upcoming elections.
Ms Bree has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Ahmed Farole Mohamud
Ahmed Farole Mohamud has registered to run for the Ganbu Gulinj ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Farole Mohamud said if elected he would work to ensure that local funds are used responsibly to create family-friendly spaces and programs, focusing on safety and education for our youngest residents.
Mr Mohamud has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Bineet Gujral
Bineet Gujral will be running for the 2024 Whittlesea election, fighting for the Ganbu Gulinj ward.
Mr Gujral said if elected he would strongly oppose the incinerator in Wollert and also collaborate with his counterparts at Hume council, given the site’s proximity to Craigieburn.
“With the support of both Councils, I believe we’ll have a stronger chance of halting this project from moving forward,” he said.
Mr Gujral has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Patricia Isaac
Patricia Isaac will be running for the Ganbu Gulinj ward in the upcoming elections.
Ms Isaac said the three key issues impacting the council were inadequate infrastructure development, waste management, cleanliness and safety, and public amenities.
“Both Epping and Wollert are rapidly growing suburbs, but infrastructure, such as roads and public transport, hasn’t kept up with this growth. This impacts daily commutes, business activities, and general quality of life,” she said.
“The cleanliness of our streets, particularly in Wollert, is a significant concern. Ensuring that public spaces remain free of litter is essential for both aesthetic and environmental reasons.
“Street lighting and safe, accessible parks are crucial for community well-being, yet many areas lack these essential amenities, especially for families, pensioners, and people with disabilities.”
Ms Isaac said she was a member of the United Australia Party but was running as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections.
“My primary focus is on addressing the local issues that matter most to the community, regardless of party politics,” she said.
Ms Isaac lives in the ward she is running for and said she was not a member of any unions.
“My understanding of the community comes from living here and experiencing firsthand the challenges and opportunities we face,” she said.
Santosh Kaur
Santosh Kaur will be running for the Ganbu Gulinj ward.
Ms Kaur said she had extensive experience in leadership, community engagement and bringing people along towards a vision.
Ms Kaur said the three issues affecting her council were a “disengaged” community with frustrations because of previous council getting sacked, rubbish dumping and lack of support for local businesses, jobs and sporting facilities.
She said domestic violence and lack of transport were also issues.
Ms Kaur said she was not affiliated with any party and had held a nursing membership of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation since 2013.
She lives in the ward she is running for.
Kirrip Ward
Aidan McLindon
Aidan McLindon is running as an independent for the Kirrip ward in the elections.
Mr McLindon has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Jay Upadhyay
Jay Upadhyay is running as an independent for the Kirrip ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Upadhyay said — as a resident who had personally experienced issues such as illegal dumping, rubbish in playgrounds, damaged roads, unkept parks and creeks, and the overall deterioration of our neighbourhood — he was committed to “making a change”.
“Rather than just feeling frustrated, I am taking action to improve our area. I have developed a set of policies aimed at addressing these concerns and enhancing our area,” he said.
“If I am successful in this election, I promise to work tirelessly to achieve this vision and make our community a place we can all be proud to call home.”
Mr Upadhyay has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Imran Khan
Imran Khan is running for the Kirrip ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Khan said he wanted a “better deal” for Epping North, Wollert and Mernda.
“I am a multicultural and youth leader and love this community that I’ve called home for nearly ten years.”
Mr Khan has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Gurinder Kaur
Gurinder Kaur is an independent candidate for Kirrip ward in the upcoming elections.
Ms Kaur said the top three issues impacting the council were community safety, infrastructure and transport, and access to health and wellbeing services.
“Rising concerns over crime and public safety, particularly in rapidly growing areas, require stronger preventive measures and improved local policing,” she said.
“As Whittlesea expands, there’s a need for better road networks, public transport, and community facilities to meet the demands of its growing population.
“Many residents face challenges accessing mental health support, healthcare, and other essential services, particularly in multicultural and disadvantaged communities, highlighting the need for more inclusive and responsive services.”
Ms Kaur said she had no political party affiliations or union memberships.
She lives in the ward she is running for.
Lalor Ward
Stevan Kozmevski
Stevan Kozmevski is running for the Lalor ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Kozmevski has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Nicholas Hajichristou
Independent candidate Nicholas Hajichristou has registered to run for the Lalor ward in the upcoming elections.
A Lalor resident and business owner, Mr Hajichristousaid he was looking forward to “developing policies that put the needs of the resident first.”
Mr Hajichristou has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Ellen McNaught
Ellen McNaught has registered to run for the Lalor ward.
Ms McNaught said she was running as an independent so she could “genuinely represent the community” and “not party interests”.
Ms McNaught has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Mernda Ward
Rohit Taggar
Rohit Taggar has put his hand up for the Mernda ward.
Mr Taggar said he was a proud resident of Mernda, husband and a father of three.
“I‘m excited to run for Whittlesea Council to serve our community. I’ll work hard to improve local infrastructure, support families & support small businesses,” he said.
Mr Taggar has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
William Sharp
William Sharp is running for the Mernda ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Sharp has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Jarrod Lappin
Jarrod Lappin has announced he will be running for the Mernda ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Lappin is the Labor candidate for the ward and said if elected, he will “ensure our parks are upgraded to truly reflect the needs of our community”.
Mr Lappin has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Mill Park Ward
Maurice Abi Raad
Maurice Abi Raad is running for the Mill Park ward in the upcoming Whittlesea council elections.
Mr Abi Raab has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Samantha Mason
Samantha Mason has put her hand up for the Mill Park ward in the upcoming 2024 Whittlesea.
Ms Mason, who works in pathology, said if elected she would advocate to ensure the council was “adequately supporting housing for all”.
“We’re all struggling with the cost-of-living and rental/housing crises – we need our council to do more to support people during these tough times,” she said.
Ms Mason has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
John Fry
John Fry will be running in the upcoming Whittlesea council elections, competing for Mill Park ward.
Labor-backed Mr Fry, who has been on council for 21 years and has been awarded the title of Mayor Emeritus, said the community needed someone with experience “to get this council working for you”.
“The last council was sacked over bribery and poor governance,” he said.
Mr Fry said the top three issues impacting the council were integrity of the council, lack of council services and maintenance of roads, footpaths and parks.
“We need to return the integrity to our council after the last council was sacked amid allegations of corruption, bribery and poor governance,” he said.
“I had previously been on council for 21 years, four times as mayor, and it broke my heart to see this happening to my community.”
Mr Fry said he was a life member of the Australian Labor Party and had been endorsed this election.
He also was a member of the Australian Education Union serving as the vice president secondary, before he retired.
Mr Fry lives in the ward he is running for.
Blair Colwell
Blair Colwell is running for the Mill Park ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Colwell has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Eva Moran
Eva Moran has put her hand up for the Mill Park ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Moran has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Robert Malivindi
Robert Malivindi is running for the Mill Park ward in the upcoming council elections.
Mr Malivindi has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
North Ward
Shashi Pal
Shashi Pal will be competing for the North Ward in the upcoming 2024 Whittlesea council elections.
Mr Pal has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
James Francis
James Francis has put his hand up for the North ward in the upcoming 2024 Whittlesea council elections.
Mr Francis has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Munish Kumar Bansal
Munish Kumar Bansal will be running for the North ward in the upcoming Whittlesea elections.
Mr Bansal has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Mary Krassos
Mary Krassos is running for the North ward in the upcoming 2024 council elections.
Mr Krassos has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Helen Franks
Helen Franks is tunning as an independent candidate for the North ward.
Ms Franks said she was “determined to make a positive difference”.
“My life experience as a wife, mother, grandmother, carer and advocate has given me a broad understanding of the needs in our community,” she said.
“As your elected North Ward Councillor I would be dedicated to ensuring the voices of North Ward residents are heard.”
Ms Franks has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Christine Stow
Former Whittlesea councillor Christine Stow has put her hand up for the North ward.
Ms Stow has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Phil Hurrey
Phil Hurrey is running for the North ward in the upcoming Whittlesea council elections.
Mr Hurrey has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Painted Hills Ward
Ross Lee
Ross Lee is running for the Painted Hills ward in the upcoming council elections.
Ms Lee has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Deb Gunn
Labor-backed Deb Gunn is running for the Painted Hills ward in the upcoming council elections.
Ms Gunn has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
South Morang Ward
Monique Lobosco
Monique Lobosco is the Labor candidate running for the South Morang ward.
Ms Lobosco is the founder of Northern Youth Council.
Ms Lobosco has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Martin Taylor
Martin Taylor is running for the South Morang ward in the 2024 council elections.
Mr Taylor has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Vesna Pepe
Vesna Pepe is running for the South Morang ward in the 2024 council elections.
Mr Pepe has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Andrew Filippopoulos
Andrew Filippopoulos has registered to run for the South Morang ward in the upcoming 2024 council Whittlesea elections.
Mr Fillippopoulos has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Thomastown Ward
Halimah H.F McGlashan
Halimah H.F McGlashan is running for Thomastown ward in the upcoming Whittlesea elections.
Ms McGlashan said the top three issues impacting her council were affordable housing, health and wellbeing and local jobs and economy.
Ms McGlashan is running as an independent candidate and said she had never been a member of any political parties.
Ms McGlashan said she was part of a union but did not specify which union.
She lives in the Thomastown ward.
Chaman Tiwari
Labor-backed Chaman Tiwari is running for Thomastown ward in the upcoming elections.
Thomastown resident of 15 years, Ms Tiwari said if elected she would ensure the communities concerns were “heard and acted upon”.
“Whether it’s improving transport services, making our streets safer, or creating more green spaces, your voices are shaping the future of Thomastown,” she said.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.”
Ms Tiwari has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Lea Thornton
Lea Thornton is running for Thomastown ward.
Ms Thornton, who is running as an independent candidate, said if elected she would support programs to minimise gambling harm as well as family violence support services and social programs.
“We are in a cost of living crisis, and gambling losses have an impact on not only the individual, but on families and households throughout the City of Whittlesea,” she said.
“We don’t need more pokies, we need support systems which give vulnerable people and families access to help, information and connections.”
Ms Thornton has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Quentin Bai
Quentin Bai will be competing for Thomastown ward in the 2024 Whittlesea council elections.
Mr Bai has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Nicholas James Brooks
Nicholas James Brooks has put his hand up to run for Thomastown ward in the upcoming Whittlesea elections.
Mr Brooks has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
George Stavrakis
George Stavrakis will be running for Thomastown ward in the upcoming elections.
Mr Stavrakis said the top three issues impacting the council were community safety, infrastructure upgrades and affordable housing.
Mr Stavrakis said he was running as an independent candidate in the upcoming election but was registered with the Labor Party in his “earlier days” but did not specify if he was a member of any unions.
Mr Stavrakis lives in the ward he is running.
Sarah Garnham
Sarah Garnham is the Victorian Socialists candidate for Thomastown ward.
Ms Garnham said she was running for council because she believed “working-class people deserve better”.
“I have lived in Thomastown for the past three years and I have seen how the cost-of-living crisis has affected people in our community,” she said.
“We are all struggling with higher mortgages, rents and groceries.
“Change is needed at all levels of government, and it must involve putting people before profit.”
Ms Garnham has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
Trung Thanh Thai
Trung Thanh Thai is running for the Thomastown ward in the upcoming Whittlesea council elections.
Mr Thai has not yet responded to questions from the Herald Sun.
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