City of Greater Geelong election 2024: Hamlyn Heights candidate survey

Find out about this year’s candidates.

Picture: Alan Barber

Eddy Kontelj

Hamlyn Heights candidate Eddy Kontelj

Age: 56

Occupation: Executive Director

Do you live in the ward? No

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? * Reduce Rate Burden and Cost of Living

* Invest in Roads, Paths, Drainage, Rubbish, Playgrounds, Dog Parks and Fishing Infrastructure

* Support Community, Sport Clubs, Veterans & Small Business

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Yes. Focus on Roads, Paths, Drainage, Rubbish, Playgrounds, Dog Parks and Rate Reduction

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? Yes. Australia Day should be celebrated on the date proclaimed by the Federal Government, and currently this is the 26th January.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? The changing climate is a significant global challenge and there is an urgent need to take appropriate action.

Angela Carr

Hamlyn Heights candidate Angela Carr

Age: 44

Occupation: Social & Community Services 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)? Socialist Alliance

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Saving council land for social housing. Affordable, accessible services which address cost of living pressures. Accountability and consultation with the community.

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? No, as we would lose aged in-home support, low-cost childcare, maternal child health services, youth programs, libraries, recreation, arts and culture initiatives.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? January 26 is a day of mourning for Aboriginal People. It would be respectful to celebrate the achievements and diversity of our nation another day.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes, the climate science is clear. Increasing catastrophic weather events such as bushfires and floods are a direct result of global warming.

Mathew Hood

Hamlyn Heights candidate Mathew Hood

Age: 40

Occupation: Marketing & Communications

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? Refocus council on essential service - roads, waste, public spaces; Community focus - empower residents, not party agenda; Revitalization - enhance parks and public spaces restoring community pride.

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Council should focus on the basics - delivering essential services efficiently and cost effectively, rather than being distracted by outside agenda and party politics.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? Yes. 26 January celebrates our nation’s shared history and national identity. We should be celebrating our great country and community at any opportunity.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Whilst we are facing climate challenges, the response should be state and federally led. Council’s focus should remain on delivering essential local services and community priorities.

Joey Nicita

Hamlyn Heights candidate Joey Nicita

Age: 29

Occupation: Early Childhood Educator

Do you live in the ward? I live right on the border of my ward.

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 Victorian Greens and was a Greens NSW Councillor for years prior to this.

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? I am campaigning on affordable housing, improving public and active transport infrastructure and tackling the cost of living (through properly funding community facilities)

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Council should meet expectations on all three, while supporting and advocating for our community and the many different groups within.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? No. I would love to see us find an alternative day that better reflects ALL of Australia so that everyone can celebrate this country.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? To say otherwise is to ignore the science. Council has an incredibly important role to play in building our climate resilience against extreme weather and a degrading environment.

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