FORTY-one candidates are vying for seven positions on Hobsons Bay Council at the October 27 election.
Ballot packs will go out from next week, with the election conducted entirely by post. This week, we profile 11 candidates running for two positions representing Wetlands ward (Laverton, Seabrook and Altona Meadows).
Next week, we profile 14 contenders fighting for two vacancies in Cherry Lake ward (Altona, Altona North, Brooklyn and Seaholme) and 16 candidates jousting for three vacancies in Strand ward (Williamstown, Williamstown North, Newport, South Kingsville and Spotswood).
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Name: Carl Marsich
Age: 56
Resides: Altona Meadows
Occupation: Occupational health and safety officer
Political party/affiliation: ALP
I believe I can help the community by advocating strongly to improve community services for families, the elderly, disabled and carers, plan and build needed infrastructure for the Altona Meadows, Laverton and Seabrook communities. And I’ll improve the quality of living, community safety and amenity of our precious environment.
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Name: John Sagona
Resides: Seaholme
Occupation: Customs officer
Political party/affiliation: Independent
I have lived locally most of my life and enjoy serving our community. If elected, I will advocate for improvements to roads (especially Point Cook Road and Central Avenue), local shopping strips in Altona Meadows, Laverton and Seabrook, paths, services for families, and upgraded parks, sports facilities and reserves.
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Name: Colleen Gates
Age: 37
Resides: Laverton
Occupation: Environmental compliance manager
Political party/affiliation: Independent
Elected councillors must be able to demonstrate integrity and fairness and provide unbiased representation on behalf of the community. I am standing for council with these qualities in mind. I am hard-working, community-minded and will continue to pursue issues on behalf of others, no matter how challenging the topic.
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Name: Luba Grigorovitch
Age: 27
Resides: Altona North
Occupation: Rail, Tram and Bus Union divisional organiser
Political party/affiliation: ALP
I will continue to advocate for the needs of residents and will address important issues such as congested roads, public transport, railway parking, Laverton Swim Centre, and community services. I proudly stand on my record of solid achievement as Altona Meadows ward councillor to tackle issues and ask that you re-elect me to continue the fight.
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Name: John Hogg
Resides: Altona Meadows
Occupation: Deputy mayor and councillor for Altona Meadows, Seabrook and Laverton
Political party/affiliation: Independent
I was elected four years ago and have been very successful for Altona Meadows, Laverton and Seabrook. I am seeking re-election to continue my work on improving community services, public transport, roads, footpaths, amenity, shopping strips, parks and sports facilities, while also reducing graffiti and promoting arts and events.
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Name: Khalid Souied
Age: 61
Resides: Seabrook
Occupation: Shop owner
Political party/affiliation: Independent
Having lived in the western suburbs for more than 40 years, I have the local knowledge and skills to make our council area even better. I aim to preserve parks, help the elderly, improve amenities and protect the local environment. I will hear the voices of our residents.
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Name: Talal El Hassan
Age: 43
Resides: Altona North
Occupation: Managing director
Political party/affiliation: Independent
As a Justice of the Peace and a strong advocate for multiculturalism, I wish to provide greater pensioner rebates, build a new library in Laverton and make more childcare centres available. Additionally, I would like to pursue issues such as to assist schemes for small business providers.
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Name: Anna Thomas
Age: 26
Resides: Altona Meadows
Occupation: Small business owner
Political party/affiliation: Independent
I am standing for our council because I have been a member of the Hobsons Bay Residents Association for several years and want to represent our community to gain improvements to our roads, footpaths, shopping strips, sports facilities, community centres, public transport, public safety, bicycle paths and environment.
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Name: Rodney Solin
Age: 60
Resides: West Altona
Occupation: Victoria University teacher
Political party/affiliation: Greens
I am standing for council as a Green because there is too much council infighting. Also, council is too Williamstown-centred. Not enough focus is given to Laverton or Altona Meadows. We need a clean and healthy environment. We need more attention to aged and children’s services, also migrant services.
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Name: Charmaine Kent
Resides: Seabrook
Occupation: Semi-retired accountant
Political party/affiliation: Independent
I am an active member of Hobsons Bay Residents Association and acknowledge the everyday inconveniences experienced by the public and issues such as Point Cook Road traffic and Laverton station. Vote for me for a commonsense approach to work with other councillors and continue to improve our area.
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Name: Robyne Duggan
Age: 53
Resides: Altona Meadows
Occupation: Tenant and property management worker
Political party/affiliation: Independent
I am standing for council as I live in the local area and believe I am able to offer you a candidate who probably wants the same things you do: improvements to traffic congestion, better access to services, support for local trades, a graffiti-free community and streets safe for walking.`
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