City of Greater Geelong election 2024: Charlemont candidate survey

Find out about this year’s candidates.

Picture: Alan Barber

Susan Joachim

Charlemont candidate Susan Joachim

Susan Joachim

Age: 60

Occupation: Director

Do you live in the ward? Yes

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party? If so, which one(s)? No

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? • Health & Wellbeing

• Education & Employment

• Environment & Sustainable Growth

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? No, councils must also deliver other services. These include providing high-quality infrastructure for new housing estates, managing local parks and supporting local community groups.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? This is now a matter for Federal Government to consider. Council should focus on providing high-quality local services to Geelong ratepayers and our community.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes, we are already feeling the effects: rising sea levels erode our coastline, extreme and frequent weather changes are impacting on our health and community.

Charlemont candidate Sian Milton-McGurk

Sian Milton-McGurk

Age: 28

Occupation: Assistant Director- WHS Field

Do you live in the ward? I have lived in the Charlemont Ward for over a year now, and I have lived in Geelong for four years.

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party?If so, which one(s)? I am a proud member of the Greens. We are a grassroots party, and as an endorsed candidate I am upfront about my values and will not be taking corporate donations.

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? I am pushing to lead local climate action, support genuinely affordable housing, for more public transport for the future and safe bike riding and walking.

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Council can do its job to provide services and infrastructure while supporting local communities. Greens on council will take roads, rates and rubbish seriously while supporting diverse communities

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? January 26th is a day of mourning for first nations people, it is not a day to celebrate. An effective, inclusive council should take stances on these issues while investing in the community

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? We are in a climate crisis, councils have a role to play in pushing for local climate action. Including a shift towards renewables, improving public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure.

Charlemont ward Geelong council Emma Sinclair

Emma Sinclair

Age: 44

Occupation: Project Management & Community Engagement

Do you live in the ward? Yes.

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party?If so, which one(s)? I am an independent and not a member of any political party. I have previously been a member of Reason.

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Supporting families with childcare and help at home for seniors. Lowering disruption from roadworks and future planning for congestion. Transparency and Integrity. “

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Parks, libraries, sports, and arts - our community deserves much more! Candidates incapable of managing beyond the basics should rethink their readiness for council.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? Let’s change the date so we can all celebrate. It costs us nothing to show a little compassion and it’s the right thing to do.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes. The scientific community have been telling us this for DECADES. I’ll defer to the experts on this one.

Charlemont candidate Teagan Mitchell

Teagan Mitchell

Age: 21

Occupation: Retail

Do you live in the ward? Yes. I am proud to live in Armstrong Creek.

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party?If so, which one(s)? Yes. I am a member of the Australian Labor Party.

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Neglected Charlemont ward to receive equitable funding

Infrastructure needs including a community hub, childcare and dog park.

Maintenance of footpaths, roads and reserves

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Council is responsible for many services beyond the 3Rs including libraries, maternal and child health, sporting facilities and reserves.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? We need to have a day that is not so divisive in our community. For Indigenous people, Australia Day holds immense trauma; others it’s celebratory.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes, we’re seeing more extreme climate events, the Local Government Act says councils are to promote mitigation and planning for climate change risks.

Blake Hadlow

Did not respond to survey.

Sunny Dhaliwal

Did not respond to survey.

Originally published as City of Greater Geelong election 2024: Charlemont candidate survey