City of Greater Geelong election 2024: Corio candidate survey

Find out about this year’s candidates.

Picture: Alan Barber

Anthony Aitken

Corio candidate Anthony Aitken

Age: 54

Occupation: Finance Mgr / Accountant

Do you live in the ward? North Geelong

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party?If so, which one(s)? No and I have never been a member of a political party. I believe party politics should not be in councils.

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Fighting for a fair share for the North.

Cheaper access or free access to council services like Norlane Pool for those who cant afford them.

Community Safety & clean up rubbish in local suburbs.

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Council has a responsibility to get basic services right, if it does that then it earns the ability to venture into other areas of community interest.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? I support Australia Day and will continue to vote that Geelong Council funds events on Australia Day. If the federal government changes the date of Australia Day I would not oppose it.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? The science cannot be disputed, the earth is warning because of human activity. We must reduce this impact in a sensible and co-ordinated way. Geelong Council has a very credible Climate Action Plan.

Robert Blaszczyk

Corio candidate Robert Blaszczyk

Age: 31

Occupation: School Teacher

Do you live in the ward? Yes - Norlane

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party?If so, which one(s)? Not a member or associated with any party.

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Youth Engagement - work with community centres, communities, sports clubs and schools Accessibility to Services Rejuvenate Corio Ward as it is the Gateway to Geelong.

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? We have the opportunity to expand on that, be better involved in the community and connect with them.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? It can remain on January 26th.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? We are facing a changing climate and need to start doing our part to improve it.

Sarah Hathway

Corio candidate Sarah Hathway

Age: 34

Occupation: Social Worker

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)? Yes. Socialist Alliance.

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Ease cost of living pressures by providing affordable services. I will oppose privatisation of Council services. Council to provide land for social and public housing.

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? No. Council provides essential maintenance and services including roads, rates and waste management, aged care services, libraries, local pools, and funding for local sports clubs.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? No. I don’t celebrate Australia Day on January 26 and support steps towards Reconciliation that Council has taken whilst acknowledging there’s more work to do.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes. Local Councils are legislated under the Local Government Act 2020 to consider mitigation and planning for climate change risks as an overarching governance principle.

Maddie Slater

Did not respond.

Azadeh Doosti

Did not respond.

Danny Mahfoud

Did not respond.

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