Casey Council election 2024: Meet the candidates
The Casey City Council is not far away and many locals have thrown their hats in the ring. Check out who’s running.
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Casey City Council election is not far away, and many of the candidates are locked in.
Casey will have 12 wards with one councillor in each ward.
The previous council was dismissed in February 2020, but had six wards with 11 councillors.
We’ll keep updating this story as candidates nominate from Monday September 9 to September 17, so stay tuned.
Have other questions about the election? We answer everything you need to know and more here.
Akoonah Ward
Mush Rahaman
Mush Rahaman is running as an independent in the upcoming council election.
Mr Rahaman is a Berwick local and the owner of La Baguette Cafe.
He is also a Narre Warren Berwick Business Group committee member and was nominated as a Local Hero in the Australia Day Awards.
Mr Rahaman listed the three key issues impacting Casey as community safety, supporting its aging population and economic growth.
“At the core of these efforts is the need for integrity and transparency in leadership,” he said.
“By addressing these interconnected issues—safety, support for our aging population, and economic vitality—while upholding strong ethical standards, we can create a stronger, more resilient City of Casey that benefits all residents.”
Samuel Dennison
Samuel Dennison has lived in the Casey region for over a decade.
Here’s how he described the top issues impacting Casey:
“A number of locals have shared their concerns over an increasing number of break-ins and aggravated burglaries in homes and businesses. We need to tackle this at a locallevel, by installing and improving lighting and CCTV systems, marketing local community neighbourhood watch groups and working with local law enforcement to ensure the community is taking the necessary steps to keep their homes and businesses safe,” he said.
“... (Another) core issue is our road and pedestrian infrastructure. I recently repeated the need for a safe pedestrian crossing across the Princes Highway to Wilson Botanical Park.
“... I’d also like to focus attention on the heart of our community – Berwick Village. It’s time to celebrate the history of our little village, clean it up, sort out the parking and bring back some of the successful events, like the Christmas lights and night markets.”
Mr Dennison holds a Liberal Party membership but is not party-endorsed in the upcoming election.
Scott Dowling
Scott Dowling has called Berwick home for 20 years and his family ties to the area stretch back three generations.
“My commitment to this community is personal, I own two local businesses and I’m driven by a passion for ensuring Berwick/Beaconsfield and the wider City of Casey remain vibrant, safe, and welcoming,” he said.
“Our community flourishes when residents feel secure, connected, and supported.
“My vision is to enhance the quality of life for all, ensuring that our neighbourhoods are safe, our infrastructure is well-maintained, and our services are reliable and effective.”
Mr Dowling believes smart development and support for all businesses would be essential to the community’s long-term success.
His website lists his priorities as public safety, safe roads, clean parks, upgrading facilities and responsible spending.
Kushal Shah
Kushal Shah is an Akoohan Ward local.
Mr Shah listed the three key issues facing Casey as lack of integrity, misgovernance and financial mismanagement.
Dianne Pagliuca
Dianne Pagliuca has lived in the Akoonah Ward for 20 years and would be a third-generation councillor if elected, following after he father and grandfather.
She has a background in education and environmental studies and has completed the Casey Community Leadership Program.
She listed her priorities as:
“(Ensuring) that appropriate planning is implemented to ensure our city is safer, functional, more vibrant and connected with improvements to our core services, particularly our roads.
“Protecting our natural environment and our unique Berwick Village to ensure we have a healthier and more cohesive community for future generations.
“Improving sustainability by reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and increasing renewable energy. This will not only provide potential long term savings, but reduce our carbon footprint.”
Patrick Ferdinands
Patrick Ferdinands is running to represent Akoonah Ward.
He is the principal lawyer at Ferdinands Legal, a law firm based in Berwick.
Casuarina Ward
Kim Ross
Kim Ross is running as an independent candidate for Casuarina Ward.
Ms Ross is a psychologist, business owner and mother of three who has lived in her ward for 25 years.
Here’s how Ms Ross described the three key issues facing Casey:
“A large youth population: Over a third of our residents are under 25. Many of our young adults are anxious, struggling and isolated. I’m passionate about advocating for improved mental health support, expanding local employment and recreational opportunities, and increasing accessibility and inclusivity in our community,” she said.
“... Sustainability and Green Spaces: This includes protecting and improving existing parks and green spaces, which enhance wellbeing, and help combat climate change. Controlling growth so we don’t lose liveability is important.
“... Integrity. A lack of local representation means we are voting for the first time after eight years. It’s important to have a council that listens and respects you ... Accountability, honesty and compassion matter to me and I will do my best to follow these values when representing you.”
Bassir Qadiri OAM
Order of Australia medal recipient and former Casey Citizen of the Year, Bassir Qadiri is running in the upcoming council elections.
Mr Qadiri listed the top issues impacting Casey as community safety, infrastructure and transport and housing affordability.
When asked if he had any political party affiliations or memberships, he replied: “No comment”.
According to information posted online, he has taught languages at Dandenong High School, hosted radio programs for SBS and worked as an interpreter for Monash Health.
He is the founder of the Bakhtar Community Organisation and has worked on a variety of committees including the City of Casey’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee.
He does not live in the ward he is running to represent.
Jane Foreman
Jane Foreman is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
She is a member of Family First, but is not endorsed by the party in the upcoming election and believes local government should be divorced from politics.
Here’s how she listed the three main issues impacting the City of Casey.
“Governance: The community is demanding a return to integrity and transparency in local leadership. Elected councillors must prioritise serving the people, working together effectively, and holding each other accountable,” she said.
“Fiscal Responsibility: Residents are concerned about how their hard-earned rates are spent. There is a strong desire for efficient outcomes and minimal rate increases. The recent increases in rates and waste service charges over the past few years have placed significant financial strain on many households.
“ ... Infrastructure Upgrades: Timely and cost-effective upgrades to existing infrastructure, along with planning for future needs, are crucial. Residents want assurance that projects will be executed efficiently, enhancing quality of life and ensuring the areas being developed can support growth.”
Suzanne Carmody
Suzanne Carmody is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
She listed the three key issues impacting Casey as cost of living, roads and childcare.
She is a member of the Labor Party.
Morteza Ali
Morteza Ali is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Michael Kelaart
Michael Kelaart is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Mariam Khaliqy
Mariam Khaliqy is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Lyndon Samuel
Lyndon Samuel is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Rex Lazaros
Rex Lazaros is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Rex Flannery
Rex Flannery is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Correa Ward
Kanu Aggarwal
Kanu Aggarwal, a teacher and mother of two, is running as a candidate for Correa Ward.
“Casey’s population is growing rapidly, and with this comes a higher demand for services, infrastructure, housing, parks, clean spaces for well-being, community centers, maternal and child health facilities, jobs, and effective traffic management,” she said.
“... We need visionary leaders who think long-term, ensuring infrastructure and services keep pace with growth. We can’t afford politicians who come and go; our environment and quality of life must remain uncompromised.
“As our community expands, so does crime. To tackle this, we need vigilant and proactive leadership to protect our society. It’s the government’s responsibility to plan effectively and execute efficiently. For this, we need wise leaders who put people first, not their own interests.”
Ms Aggarwal said she joined the Labor Party a few months ago but decided she would run four council back in 2019.
“Living in my own ward, I understand the needs and challenges we face,” she said.
“My commitment is to serve with heart and determination, ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all.”
Shegofa Naseri
A philosophy and economics student at Deakin University, Shegofi Naseri has called Cranbourne home since 2018.
Her vision for Casey is to help create a community where young people feel supported and residents feel safe.
She listed the three key issues impacting Casey as urban growth and infrastructure, youth services and support, and community safety.
Neshat Abdullah
Neshat Abdullah is listed as a candidate for Correa Ward.
He is a father-of-three, local business owner and an interpreter.
He has listed his priorities as including improved community safety, safer roads and footpaths and improved access to council facilities.
Tracey Ryan
Tracey Ryan is listed as a candidate for Correa Ward.
Gary Rowe
Gary Rowe is listed as a candidate for Correa Ward.
Onkar Sandhawalia
Onkar Sandhawalia is listed as a candidate for Correa Ward.
Cranbourne Gardens Ward
Michelle Crowther
Lifelong Cranbourne resident Michelle Crowther is running as a candidate to represent Cranbourne Gardens Ward.
She is the owner of Be Your Best Physiotherapy and a mother of two.
One of her focuses will be helping to improve access to maternal and child health appointments.
Mary Melton
Mary Melton, who has been a Casey resident for more than 20 years, is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming election.
She believes councillors should be a bridge between council and residents, rather than pushing their own personal or political agenda.
“In my conversations with residents and neighbours it is clear that people want our council to focus on community safety, fixing the roads and seeing our council demonstrate fiscal responsibility with our ratepayer dollars,” Ms Melton said.
She added she was eager to roll her sleeves up and get to work for residents and vows to remain committed to her principles of community, integrity and diligence.
Anthony Lake
Anthony Lake is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Blessing Nhlziyo
Blessing Nhlziyo is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Tamas Kapitany
Tamas Kapitany is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Jo Muir
Jo Muir is listed as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Dillwynia Ward
Jaz Masuta
Real estate agent Jaz Masuta is running to represent Dillwynia Ward.
His priorities include public safety, traffic management, multicultural and community events, youth programs and better mobile coverage.
Gurpreet Gill
Gurpreet Gill is running as a candidate for Dillwynia Ward.
His website says: “Elegance redefined”.
Champika Hewa Maddumage
Champika Hewa Maddumage is running as a candidate for Dillwynia Ward.
Baljinder Dhaliwal
Baljinder Dhaliwal is running as a candidate for Dillwynia Ward.
David Bissell
David Bissell is running as a candidate for Dillwynia Ward.
Anthony Walter
Anthony Walter is running as a candidate for Dillwynia Ward.
Anthony Dissanayake
Anthony Dissanayake is running as a candidate for Dillwynia Ward.
Joe Pang
Joe Pang is running as a candidate for Dillwynia Ward.
Grevillea Ward
Dave Perry
Lifelong Casey resident Dave Perry is running as a candidate for the Greens for Grevillea Ward.
Here’s how he described the three keys issues impacting Casey:
“Inappropriate developments which impact the liveability of our area, causes traffic issues and in some cases threatens the Green Wedge,” he said.
“Insufficient Aged Care Services for our ageing population. This causes undue stress on our residents and in worst cases the lengthy delays for essential services causes significant safety concerns.
“It would be remiss not to mention the lack of integrity and transparency Casey residents have endured during the previous Council.”
John Ternel
John Ternel has been a City of Casey local for 50 years.
He listed the top three issues facing Casey residents as rising rates and cost of living, youth crime and theft, and poor roads and infrastructure.
Mr Ternel described the increase in youth crime and theft as “concerning”.
“My personal experience with youth crime underscores the need for intervention. I plan to collaborate with local charities, schools, and community organizations to implement preventive programs and drive positive change,” he said.
He also hopes to advocate for better road maintenance with government departments and improve sport facilities in the area.
Mr Ternel is a member of the Liberal Party but he is not party-endorsed in the council election.
Stephen Matulec
Lifelong Narre Warren local Stephen Matulec is running as an independent candidate.
Here is how Mr Matulec described the top three issues he believes are facing Casey:
“Rates are too expensive – Many families and pensioners struggle to pay their rates bill, with northern Casey having some of the highest rates in the municipality. Council should be more efficient with spending and look at cutting rates down,” he said.
“Lack of transparency and accountability – Following the sacking of the previous council and the current un-elected administrators, the council continues to lack transparency and accountability. A transparency hub like the one Frankston council created, needs to be established to make all information easily accessible to the public.
“Too much bureaucracy – a lot of money is spent on the council offices and helping big corporations, while small businesses struggle. Money needs to be spent on local communities and local issues including roads, rubbish, parks, sports clubs, and supporting small businesses, not on bureaucracy or corporations.”
He is a Libertarian Party member but has not received their endorsement for this election.
Haroon Sayed
Haroon Sayed is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
He has lived in Narre Warren since 2011.
Here’s how Mr Sayed described the three main issues impacting Casey:
“Population Growth and Infrastructure: Rapid growth is putting pressure on our roads, parks, and public services. We need better planning tosupport infrastructure and improve transport, housing, and public amenities,” he said.
“Community Safety and Youth Crime: Rising youth crime is a serious concern. I want to strengthen crime prevention and provide more opportunities for young people to engage positively in the community.
“Diversity and Social Inclusion: Casey is home to a diverse population, including many newly arrived migrants and refugees. We need to foster inclusion by ensuring access to services and support for these communities, promoting multicultural harmony.”
Stephen Capon
Stephen Capon is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
He was formerly a member of the Labor Party but left in 2022 due to Covid lockdowns.
He said the biggest issue facing Casey was electing local candidates with integrity.
“All residents were upset and disgusted over the actions of the council, and at the corruption and lack of transparency and ethics that many of the councillors showed at the time. In the four years of administrators, we’ve missed out on local representation, and many (including myself) have been disappointed at the lack of connection from the Administrators with community groups,” Mr Capon said.
“A similar issue that I’ve heard from groups is how former councillors (prior to 2020) were not connected with the local groups and not putting in the effort to meet with them. Locals want someone who’s willing to put in the effort, to come to meetings, and listen to what people have to say – whether that’s about the Ackland Park re-development or Wilson Botanic Park funding or anything else.
“Finally, with cost-of-living pressures, locals are wanting value for money from Casey Council. It’s about hearing from residents what services and infrastructure are critical for them, and which aren’t as needed and can be reduced to help lessen rate pain.”
Carmen Powell
Carmen Powell is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming election.
Ms Powell said the three keys issues facing Casey are roads, rates and rubbish.
“These corse issues impact the everyday lives of the community,” she said.
Sinfree Chirunga
Sinfree Chirunga is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Bernie Postma
Bernie Postma is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
David Parr
David Parr is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Kalora Ward
Zabi Mazoori
Casey Citizen of the Year 2023 finalist Zabi Mazoori is running to represent Kalora Ward.
Mr Mazoori has volunteered as secretary for Greater Dandenong FC over the past two years and has said he would advocate for more sporting facilities as a councillor.
He listed his three top priorities as improving and expanding council’s services, supporting economic growth to assist local businesses and ensuring greater accountability.
Melinda Ambros
Melinda Ambros was born and raised in Endeavour Hills.
She described herself as having “dedicated many years to mentoring and coaching hundreds of kids” and has also worked in human resources.
“The key issues affecting Casey include rising rates, the lack of proper resident representation in the council, local matters being overlooked, and the overall neglect of our ward,” she said.
“I am running as an Independent candidate with no political affiliations because I believe our focus should be on real community issues, not party politics.
“I look forward to a council that prioritises local concerns such as keeping rates low, supporting community services, maintaining and improving local infrastructure, ensuring cleaner, safer paths, protecting our ward and the entire City of Casey, and promoting efficient waste management.”
Duc Nguyen
Duc Nguyen has worked as a software engineer for the past 16 years.
“This background has instilled in me a ‘getting-things-done’ attitude, emphasising iterative development and openness to necessary changes to achieve final goals,” Mr Nguyen said.
“My professional journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a deep understanding of complex systems, which I believe are crucial qualities for addressing the challenges facing Casey.”
He listed the three key issues impacting Casey as trust, under-delivered services, and high operational costs.
Damien Sawyer
Damien Sawyer is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Peterine Smulders
Peterine Smulders is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Fred Jover
Fred Jover is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Jafri Luwanga
Jafri Luwanga is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Brian Oates
Brian Oates is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Afroz Ahmed
Afroz Ahmed is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Kowan Ward
Kasuni Mendis
Berwick community leader Kasuni Menis is running as a candidate for Kowan Ward.
Ms Mendis listed the three key issues facing Casey as lack of trust in council, lack of infrastructure and lack of community cohesion.
“The events of the last eight years have significantly impacted our community’s trust in our council and the services they deliver,” she said.
“The missing link of community representation has meant that we have missed out on vital infrastructure improvements, advocacy and community programs to ensure that we have the facilities and services our community needs to ensure we are safe and cohesive.”
Ms Mendis is the president of the Casey Multi-Faith Network and Casey Residents and Ratepayers.
She ran unsuccessfully for council in 2016 but has described herself online as now being “older, wiser and more experienced”.
She is also a member of the Labor Party and has been for the past eight years.
Shane Taylor
Shane Taylor is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Mr Taylor has worked at WorkSafe Victoria and the Victorian Building Authority.
Here’s how he described the three key issues he believes are impacting Casey.
“The City of Casey is facing three critical challenges that demand immediate attention: infrastructure, overdevelopment, and governance transparency,” he said.
“As one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regions, Casey is grappling with severe traffic congestion and inadequate public transport. Residents are frustrated with daily gridlock and the lack of accessible transport options in key areas. This rapid growth has also led to concerns over overdevelopment.
“Communities are witnessing the strain on local amenities, with many fearing that unchecked expansion is eroding the area’s unique character and overwhelming existing infrastructure. Preserving green spaces—parks, reserves, and recreational areas—has become essential to ensuring Casey remains a liveable and family-friendly environment.
“In addition to these structural challenges, Casey is still recovering from past governance issues that have shaken public trust. Residents are calling for greater transparency, accountability, and more responsible management of public funds.”
Christine Skrobo
Christine Skrobo is running as a libertarian candidate in the upcoming election.
Here’s how Ms Skrobo described the three key issues impacting Casey:
“Core services are not being prioritised and ratepayers are not seeing value for money. Council needs to focus on ensuring the roads are fixed, rubbish is collected and footpaths are maintained,” she said.
“Rates are too high and increase each year. The council must cut down on wasteful spending so ratepayers can keep more of their hard-earned money.
“Community engagement is poor and holding accessible council meetings is a clear way to improve this. That starts with having them at appropriate times, reading out all public questions and allowing residents to stand up and ask questions themselves if they wish to.”
Joby George
Joby George is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
The three major issues he said face Casey are a lack of community safety, poor parks, roads and amenities, and poor governance.
“When local governments fail to address these issues, it leads to unsafe environments where residents face daily challenges,” he said.
“Poorly maintained roads increase the risk of accidents, hinder emergency response times, and make it difficult for people to access essential services. Inadequate infrastructure, such as unmaintained parks, public spaces or failing public utilities, further compromises the quality of life.
“These problems often arise from ineffective governance, where lack of transparency, mismanagement of resources, and poor planning create a cycle of neglect, leaving communities vulnerable to safety hazards and underdevelopment.”
Raj Nayak
Raj Nayak is listed as a candidate for Kowan Ward.
Jawad Erfani
Jawad Erfani is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Gagan Bumrah
Gagan Bumrah is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Bernard Carr
Bernard Carr is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Quarters Ward
Kuljeet Kaur Robinson
Kuljeet Kaur Robinson, who works as a mental health nurse in a public hospital, is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Ms Robinson, who migrated to Australia in 2007, runs a not-for-profit called ‘Punjabi Sath Melbourne’.
She also writes poetry in Punjabi and has published five books.
Jagdeep Singh Sukhija
Holt Community Leadership Award recipient Jagdeep Singh Sukhija is running to represent Quarters Ward.
Aftab Hussain
Aftab Hussain is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming council election.
The issues he hopes to address as a councillor include cost of living, improving local parks, fixing potholes and cleaning roads.
Craig Baird
Craig Baird is a Freedom Party member.
He listed the three key issues facing Casey as upgrading storm water drainage, road maintenance, and bringing council’s focus back to “core business” such as roads, rates and rubbish.
Ian Wood
Ian Wood is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
David Rolfe
David Rolfe is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Ridvan Rasimi
Ridvan Rasimi is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Carolyn Eaves
Carolyn Eaves is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
River Gum Ward
Asher Coleman
Asher Coleman is running to represent River Gum Ward on council.
Mr Coleman said the key issues facing Casey all centred around “neglect”.
“The old council neglected its duty to integrity, which is why we’re in this mess,” he said.
“Our communities have been neglected and are suffering from lack of community services, such as youth and aged care services as well as support for families.
“And in my part of the city we’ve been left dealing with the issues at Veolia without support from council.”
He was a member of the Greens when he was younger, however he left the party in 2019 because he wanted to work across the aisle on practical solutions.
Nazir Yousafi
Nazir Yousafi has lived in the River Gum Ward for almost two decades.
He has worked with organisations that run programs for youth, the disadvantaged and helped to promote gender equality.
He said community safety would be one of his top priorities on council.
Wayne Smith
Wayne Smith is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Mr Smith has lived in River Gum Ward since the 1980s and raised his family in the area.
He wants to get “back to basics after four and a half years of non-elected administrators who slashed and burned”.
His priorities include responsible leadership and decision making, as well as improving services, programs and facilities.
Mr Smith also wants council to mitigate issues surrounding the Hallam Road tip and waste transfer station.
He has been a member of the Labor Party since the 1980s, however, he is not party-endorsed.
He was also a secondary teacher and proud member of the Australian Education Union and elected member of the state branch.
Garry Page
Garry Page is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
In his candidate statement, he said he was running because Casey needed a “competent, trustworthy council that is not a variant of the old council”.
“If the new council is unable to distance itself from the past allegations of corruption then everything the next Council attempts will be tarnished and suspect,” she said.
“The government has appointed a person for one year to oversee the next council which indicates their level of trust in the integrity of the new Council.
“Therefore nothing is more important than the election of a competent and trustworthy Council. The reputation of the new Council must not be tainted by the past corruption allegations.”
He also sent through a lengthy statement on how a candidate’s placement on the ballet could affect their electoral results.
Geoff Hansen
Geoff Hansen is a resident of Narre Warren South.
Mr Hansen believes the three main issues in Casey are rates, accountability for how the rates are spent and poor road conditions.
“Rates are a major cost for residents and business owners alike. I will stop the ever increasing rates and get Casey council back to basics. We need and end to the unnecessary spending on the woke agenda programs which are not part of council’s jurisdiction,” he said.
“Council needs to listen to the rate payers, to represent residents honestly, and be accountable.
“I am concerned with the amount of time taken for the completion of road works in our city.”
Damien Rosario
Damien Rosario is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Lynette Pereira
Lynette Pereira is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming election.
Tooradin Ward
Anthony Tassone
Local pharmacist and business owner Anthony Tassone is running to represent Tooradin Ward.
Mr Tassone said three of the key issues impacting Casey residents were roads and public transport infrastructure, cost of living and community safety.
“There are other local issues that have a greater importance depending on the suburb or location such as mobile phone reception in Clyde and Clyde North,” he said.
“Integrity and accountability are important to residents given our Council was dismissed in 2020 for alleged corruption.”
Mr Tassone’s pharmacy is located in Tooradin Ward. He also has relatives who live in the area.
He helped negotiate and implement the eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement and held a leadership role in the Victorian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild.
Andrew Gai
Andrew Gai has worked in community services for over 14 years.
He listed the three key issues impacting Casey as cost of living, bad mobile network and family violence.
“I love this community and I have observed some needs and issues that require a strong advocacy which I can bring to the role of a councillor,” he said.
“My vision is ‘for a safer, empowered and thriving community’. We can achieve this vision by consulting with all communities in Casey and working together with service providers to ensure that every resident has access to essential services regardless of where or who they are.
“Casey residents felt let down by what happened four years ago so one of my priorities is to restore trust and confidence in the council and ensure that the best interest of all residents is taken into account”.
He is a member of the Labor Party but is not party-endorsed in the upcoming election.
Jennifer Dizon
Jennifer Dizon is running as a candidate for Tooradin Ward.
“I believe that the three key issues impacting the City of Casey are our roads and infrastructure, mobile phone and internet connectivity, and public transport,” she said.
Ali Yaghobi
Ali Yaghobi is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Mr Yaghobi listed the three top issues impacting Casey as mobile reception and internet services, traffic congestion and roads, and community safety.
He is a member of the Labor Party but it running as an independent candidate in the upcoming election.
Kuldeep Kaur
Registered nurse Kuldeep Kaur is vying to represent her local community on the next Casey City Council.
She has been nominated for the Women of Casey Award and the Holt Community Leadership Award.
Her vision is to promote inclusivity and foster a strong, vibrant and connected community.
Brenton Kelly
Brenton Kelly is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Ravneet Singh
Ravneet Singh is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Waratah Ward
Jamel Kaur Singh
Jamel Kaur Singh is running for the upcoming Casey City Council elections.
She listed the three key issues impacting Casey as infrastructure and maintenance, community safety, and population growth and planning.
Stefan Koomen
Doveton local Stefan Koomen is running to represent Waratah Ward.
Mr Koomen has served as chair of the local resident group (DETA), treasurer of the Doveton Show, and acts as a Justice of the Peace.
“My active local involvement includes leading the successful ‘Save Doveton Pool’ campaign to stop council demolishing this local treasure,” he said.
“My connection to our community, and experience in government and business, means I will be a strong and effective voice for our suburbs.”
Here’s how Mr Koomen listed the three top issues impacting Casey:
“Better Basic Services: Essential services like rubbish removal, park maintenance, and road repairs in Hallam, Doveton, Eumemmerring, and Hampton Park need urgent attention.
“Public Spaces and Infrastructure: Our suburbs have been overlooked for infrastructure investment. We need immediate improvements to ensure our public spaces are clean and accessible. Places like Hampton Park Central and Autumn Place must receive their fair share of resources to improve community facilities.
“Community Safety: Enhancing safety through better-maintained public spaces and improved communication with local police is essential. Increased lighting and measures to prevent anti-social behaviour will help create safer environments for all residents.”
He has worked as a local adviser in the office of Gabrielle Williams, the Labor MP for Doveton, and described himself as a traditional local Labor branch member.
However, he is running as an independent because he does not believe politics belongs on local council.
Nasser Yawari
Nasser Yawari is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming election.
Here’s what Mr Yawari listed as the top three issues facing Casey:
“Rising crime rates: Theft, burglary, and youth crime are increasing due to factors such as unemployment, lack of awareness about the consequences, and insufficient CCTV coverage,” he said.
“Unfair council budget: There is a lack of a fair council budget that prioritises the well-being of women, our seniors, and local sports clubs.
“Unaccountable council: The council’s lack of accountability is evident in the poor Google ratings, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with their services. The council appears more politicised than focused on the needs of its residents.”
He has been a local resident for over ten years.
Burak Dilbaz
Burak Dilbaz is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
Mr Dilbaz listed the three top issues facing Casey as crime, trust in council and development.
He hopes to protect Casey from overdevelopment.
He was a member of the Labor Party for 18-months, however said his membership ended in mid-2020.
Ezatullah Alam
Ezatullah Alam is running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
