We have welcomed the opportunity to partner with WILD (Women in Local Democracy)  to help inform  voters on critical good governance and gender equity issues.

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Local Government Elections October 2024

Candidate Survey Analysis In the Greater Geelong City Council

 

An initiative of Women in Local Democracy (WILD) and The Zonta Club of Geelong Inc

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Introduction

Women in Local Democracy (WILD) strongly endorses gender equality, noting it is over a century since women – albeit with property qualifications and the exclusion of First Nations women – achieved the legislated right to nominate. The Victorian State Government has also adopted a gender parity target for the 2024 council elections.

Currently women represent only 43% of councillors state-wide with the Geelong figure trailing

behind at 36%. This gender gap means that Councils do not reflect the makeup of the communities they were elected to serve. Furthermore, without equal consideration in decision-making of the different perspectives and life experiences of both women and men, council good governance is inevitably compromised.

The struggle for women’s equal rights to vote and stand for councils has been long and arduous, with women facing entrenched gendered discriminations, including the 1867 Municipal Act which excluded women, along with insolvents and the insane, from standing as candidates.

It was not until 1920, six years after the right of women to nominate was won, that the first Victorian women councillor was elected; but progress in women’s representation was slow and fifty years later there were only fifty women councillors in Victoria.

Significantly, the second wave of feminism in the 1970s asserted the rights of women to participate and lead as decision makers. This development coincided with a widening scope of councils’

traditional roles, from roads, rates and rubbish, to community planning and co-ordination, integrated development and the provision of services for a wide range of age groups across diverse areas, including recreation and leisure, arts and culture, public and environmental health, transport, housing and community safety.

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These new complexities in local government’s roles and responsibilities both challenged and attracted women candidates interested to promote the overall wellbeing of communities through local political leadership,

WILD initiated the Empowering Women 50/50 Network to help build community wide support for gender equality. It has over 400 individual members, including current and former MPs, councillors, candidates, CEOs and community members and is now inviting organisational members to join the Network. Current organisational members include Bellarine Wellbeing Connect, Committee for Geelong, Cultura, Deakin University, Geelong Regional Library Corporation, Geelong Sustainability, Humans in Geelong, Neighbourhood Houses, Barwon, The Pulse 94.7, the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Women’s Health and Wellbeing, Barwon South West, and the Zonta Club of Geelong Inc.

WILD has organised several forums in the last three years specifically to help people to develop their knowledge and understanding about Councillors and their role, community engagement and gender parity and to support the development of leadership skills. These workshops have been well attended by men and women from across the Greater Geelong City Council region, with many of those attending building their confidence to nominate at this year’s local government elections, and building networks to support each other through the process. WILD has also supported a number of other initiatives such as the Leading Locally Program, and the Greater Geelong Councils Women in Community Life Advisory Committee. 

With Libby Coker, MP, member for Corangamite as our Patron, we look forward to continuing to grow the work of the Network, as we work towards gender parity.

 

2024 Local Government Elections

In 2023, an independent electoral structure review panel appointed by the Minister for Local Government reviewed the electoral structure of Greater Geelong City Council. The purpose of the

review was to advise the Minister on the appropriate number of councillors and electoral structure, including ward names, for the council.

The panel looked at

• the appropriate number of councillors and wards for the council

• the location of ward boundaries

• appropriate ward names.

After extensive community consultation. the electoral representation advisory panel recommended that Greater Geelong City Council adopt an 11 single-councillor ward structure – 11 wards with one councillor per ward.

This recommendation was agreed to by the Minister for Local Government and under Victoria’s Local Government Act 2020 (the Act), Greater Geelong City Council now has a single-councillor ward

electoral structure.

The names for the 11 wards in this electoral structure are

• Barrabool Hills Ward

• Charlemont Ward

• Cheetham Ward

• Connewarre Ward

• Corio Ward

• Deakin Ward

• Hamlyn Heights Ward

• Kardinia Ward

• Leopold Ward

• Murradoc Ward

• You Yangs Ward

The following page provides more information on the electoral ward boundaries that have been implemented for the 2024 elections. The map has been taken from the Victorian Electoral Commission report.

The report can be accessed here

 

 

 

  

 

Partnership Formation

At the close of nominations on 17th September 2024, there were 51 candidates who had nominated across the 11 wards in Greater Geelong. 110 years since gaining the right to nominate, Geelong women were standing in increasing numbers and in each council ward, giving the electorate the power at this council election to vote for improvements in good local governance by redressing the gender imbalance in councillor representation.

Building on the momentum of the workshops and other activities, WILD partnered with Network

member the ZONTA Club of Geelong to survey the council candidates in the Greater Geelong Council elections about their stance and opinions on gender parity in councils. The aim of this activity was to inform the people in each of the new electorates about their views.

The questions inquired about the candidates’ future support for the three principles of the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter

• gender equity

• diversity and

• active citizenship

and the application of a gender lens to council policies and funding priorities.

Candidates were also asked their views on good governance, integrity, transparency and

accountability. Most importantly from the perspectives of residents we were interested to hear their ideas about meaningful and regular engagement with the community prior to council decision- making.

The candidate survey and cover letter are included in the two next pages.

Candidates were sent the survey using the email address they provided to the VEC, which were publicly available.

 

                                                                                                        

 

 

 

Dear Candidate

 

 

Women in Local Democracy (WILD) and the Zonta Club of Geelong, supporters of gender equality in our community, endorse the State Government’s goal of gender parity in Council representation at the forthcoming October election.

Our role is to help inform voters about the candidates in the 11 new wards in the City of Greater Geelong to help ensure the election of a Council that better represents the make-up of the community it serves.

We therefore invite you to complete the attached survey and add a brief candidate statement.

Individual responses, together with an overall survey analysis, will be distributed to print, radio and social media, and circulated to the Empowering Women 50/50 Network mailing list of around 500 individual and organisations across Geelong.

We look forward to your response which must be received by the deadline of Wednesday, September 25th.

Please email your completed survey to wildgeelong@gmail.com

 

 

With appreciation,

 

 

Jenny Wills                                                                  Beryl McMillan

WILD Convenor                                                          President Zonta Club of Geelong

 

 

For more information about the gender parity target, please follow this link to Gender Equity in Local Governments: https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/our-partnerships/gender- equity

 

CANDIDATE SURVEY – CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

ELECTIONS 2024

 

CANDIDATE NAME:                                                                                                             

NOMINATED WARD:                                                                                                           

 

Please respond to each of the following statements by placing a X in either the YES or NO box

As a candidate for the October 2024 Council election:

 

YES

NO

1.  I support the 3 principles of the Victorian Local Government Women’s

Charter- gender equity, diversity and active citizenship

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2.  I endorse the Victorian Government’s gender parity target for Mayors and

Councillors at the October election

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3.  I stand for good Council governance, integrity, transparency and

accountability

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As a Councillor I will:

YES

NO

1.  Apply a gender lens to all Council policies and funding priorities

 

2.  Promote a Council culture that is safe, respectful and inclusive

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3. Support as of right entitlement to Council care allowances to ensure all Councillors can carry out their roles and responsibilities without

discrimination

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4.  Consult with the community to ensure there is regular, meaningful,

transparent and accountable engagement with residents, prior to Council decision making

 

Please write your key reasons for standing for Council below (maximum 50 words):

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Thank you. Please send your completed survey by Wed September 25th to wildgeelong@gmail.com

 

Analysis of Results

26 out of the 51 candidates standing at the coming elections responded to the survey, with unanimous support for gender equality and gender parity on council.

Every respondent expressed a commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion. As well, in individual statements about their reasons for standing, candidates recognised the wide brief given to councils by the Victorian constitution and state legislation. As a result, they variously expressed

strong views about working to manage climate change, achieving sustainability, committing to direct council provision of services for all age groups and supporting affordable housing, better public

transport and improved local infrastructure.

Strong commitment was also expressed for good governance, a council culture that is safe, respectful and inclusive, integrity, transparency and accountability, supported by proper council care

allowances to enable all councillors to perform their duties freely.

 

No of Candidates    51

No. of responders   27*

% of total candidates  53%

Wards Represented    10

*1 responder from the Kardinia Ward did not answer any questions

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Responses per Ward

 

Ward                            No of Candidates                No of responders

Barrabool                                 3                                            1

Charlemont                              6                                            5

Cheetham                                5                                            2

Connewarre                             2                                            1

Corio                                        6                                            4

Deakin                                     8                                            2

Hamlyn Heights                      4                                            2

Kardinia                                   7                                            5

Leopold                                  3                                             0

Murradoc                               2                                             1

You Yangs                              5                                             4

Totals                                    51                                           27

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Responses per Ward to the ‘As a Councillor I will…..’ Statements

 

 

​Candidate Statements

Candidates were asked to provide a statement to outline, in 50 words or less, their key reasons for standing for council. The table below includes statements from each of the respondents. It includes a statement for the candidate who did not answer the questions.

 

Candidate Name     MORIARTY, Aleta

Ward                         Barrabool

Candidate Statement

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I believe in the power of bringing more voices to the table, and that starts with greater gender equality. When everyone’s heard, we can take real action—on the cost of living, affordable housing, expanded childcare, supported libraries, infrastructure that benefits everyone, and tackling violence against women. My work with UN Women proves that empowering women and

communities drives real change and I’m ready to bring that change to Geelong.

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McGINNESS, David

Barrabool

 

NELSON, Ron

Barrabool

 

MITCHELL, Teagan

Charlemont

Our community has never seen someone like them, representing them. I am a local to my ward, I support my community and we need a Councillor accountable to community. My polices are ideas and visions that have been led by my conversations with residents, after all that is my job.

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JOACHIM, Susan

Charlemont

The Council needs …

• to be professionalized

• to be transparent, fair and community-oriented.

• to set priorities and make decisions which are forward-looking, address the demands and

requirements of the community (such as health & wellbeing, sustainable environment &

biodiversity) and advocate more effectively vis-à-vis state and federal politics.

PS: The term “Apply a gender lens” used above is misleading; hence, I am unable to tick either ‘yes’ or ‘no’; “gender neutral view” or “gender fair view” would have been a more appropriate term

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SINCLAIR, Emma

Charlemont

My vision for Charlemont Ward is to create a sustainable, livable, and desirable ward for years to come, to ensure our established suburbs don’t get swallowed by development and for Geelong to be a city that leads the country in integrity and innovation

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DHALIWAL, Sunny

Charlemont

I'm running for council to ensure Charlemont Ward benefits from leadership that deeply values community engagement. With experience as an environmental health professional and active community leader, I advocate for a council enriched with members who possess a robust history of community involvement, committed to enhancing transparency and community well-being

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HADLOW, Blake

Charlemont

 

MILTON-McGURK, Sian

Charlemont

I am a young and passionate local community member, with a vision to transform our area into a safe, greens and people focused community. I want to help lead local climate action, support genuinely affordable housing, for more public transport for the future and safe bike riding and walking.

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HUTCHINSON, Mellissa

Cheetham

 

GANT, Tom

Cheetham

I recognise my privilege as a white male but strive to use it differently. I’m committed to actively listening, advocating for underrepresented voices, and addressing key issues like affordable housing and infrastructure. My focus is on creating space for all perspectives, ensuring inclusive and equitable outcomes for all.

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METRIKAS, Jon

Cheetham

 

HARPER, Jess

Cheetham

 

CADWELL, Melissa

Cheetham

To put my experience as a current Councillor to work, for all the

Cheetham Ward residents in Geelong ‘s eastern suburbs. I’ll deliver important funding and upgrades, listen and respond to the community, and keep Council focused on providing affordable essential Council services that help with the cost of living.

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WILKINSON, Elise

Connewarre

Sustainability, Equity and Integrity. Sustainability: protecting the natural environment and reducing CO2 Emissions. Equity: celebrating the diverse members of our community and supporting our needs with programs and infrastructure. Integrity: being accountable and transparent in decision making and leading ethically I am working for a fairer more sustainable future

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SHEARMAN, Angela

Connewarre

 

DOOSTI, Azadeh

Corio

 

HATHWAY, Sarah

Corio

I’m running in Corio Ward because I live here and know my community well. I want to work with residents to identify issues important to them and support residents to campaign for improved services and Council support for community led initiatives. I’m running because if the wrong people are elected, we are at risk of seeing Council services privatised and

outsourced, something I am strongly opposed to. Outsourcing of services like kinder, aged care, local pools etc will detrimentally impact residents in Corio Ward.

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AITKEN, Anthony

Corio

 

SLATER, Maddie

Corio

I didn’t have representation growing up of someone like myself, in a position of leadership. It is critically important that the young people in our community can have that, and just by running in this election, I hope to inspire those young people to see themselves in positions of leadership.

 

MAHFOUD, Danny

Corio

I am running for council to address local issues, improve roads, and revitalise some local streets like the entrance to Geelong. Living in Corio and always interested in local matters, I've spent over 20 years involved in the community. I'm committed to making fair, responsible decisions that benefit all residents and support families.

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BLASZCZYK, Robert

Corio

I'm a genuine local resident that lives, works and is involved in sports here. I care about my area and want to be a force for change. Vote Local.

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WALLACE, Derek

Deakin

I live in the Ward so I have an understanding of needs. Footpaths, roads, personal safety, mental health. Mental health is a big issue

e.g. loneliness, disconnected youth. Your personal safety is very important e.g. Adequate street lighting. Roads and footpaths kept up to high standards. Thank you . Derek Wallace

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SCHERRER, Izzy

Deakin

 

KENNEDY, Nicholas

Deakin

 

HAITSMA, Joshua

Deakin

 

COX, Sue

Deakin

 

HILTON, Anastasia

Deakin

 

KATOS, Andrew

Deakin

 

RICHARDS, Andy

Deakin

Deliver several community projects in Mt Duneed, Grovedale,

Waurn Ponds and Belmont. Ensure funding for library and

children’s services are maintained or increased. Oppose all cuts to essential community services such as aged care. Give the local community in southern Geelong proper democratic representation on City of Greater Geelong Council

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NICITA, Joey

Hamlyn Heights

As an early childhood educator, I am standing for Council because I want to build a better Geelong for our young people and their families- providing them with a progressive, sustainable future and governance that is transparent and reliable

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CARR, Angela

Hamlyn Heights

My values are driven by social justice with a strong focus on women, children and equality. I represent the average working parent and want to see council maintaining the important services it currently delivers to our community specifically, aged care, family, youth, arts and libraries.

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KONTELJ, Eddy

Hamlyn Heights

 

HOOD, Mathew

Hamlyn Heights

 

FLYNN, Emilie

Kardinia

Our city faces urgent environmental and social challenges: the proposed Lara waste-to-energy incinerator and floating gas terminals, alongside a lack of housing and alternative transport options. Geelong’s growth is at a crossroads. We can either continue down the business-as-usual path of urban sprawl and heavy traffic; or we can build a better future.

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KONTELJ, Stretch

Kardinia

Thank you for your email. As a candidate, I have received numerous requests to sign pledges and complete surveys and questionnaires in support of various causes. I have decided not to sign any pledges or complete surveys or questionnaires at this

time. If elected, I am committed to considering all matters that come before Council based on their individual merits, with a focus on what will best serve our community, without fear or favour.

That is my promise to you. Thank you again for reaching out.

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DUNSTAN, Johnny

Kardinia

 

MURRIHY, Peter

Kardinia

I’m standing for Council again as I believe I can make a positive difference in the Geelong Region. There are many challenges to be addressed and I believe I am in a position to hear what the

Community expects and then act on. Let’s do this together.

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DESBROWE-ANNEAR,

Peter

Kardinia

Make Geelong Great Again. Listen to what the community really need. Provide a safe and secure environment. Support small businesses in Geelong.

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GARCIA, Daniel

Kardinia

For a very long time, council, like most governments, have ignored what really matters to us all. I am running to change this. I am a local working doctor whose entire job is dedicated to listening to and healing the sick. If elected I will bring a new evidence-based vision to Geelong Council for you. One that is focused on facts and not politics. As a shift worker, I understand the lived experience of many residents, many who are feeling the cost-of-living crisis. My profession may be able to mend and heal many local residents, but we also get to see the emotional toll these stresses are having on people. That’s why it is important that we have a local government that is made up of people with lived experience.

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COSTOSO, Candice

Kardinia

 

SULLIVAN, Trent

Leopold

 

McKEEN, Shona

Leopold

 

LYNCH, David

Leopold

 

LOCKHART, Kate

Murradoc

I am standing for council to genuinely listen to, understand and serve our community’s needs. To be an advocate for community groups and organisations; to facilitate improved access and quality of the public services and infrastructure that Council has a leading hand in providing; and acting on Climate change.

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STORY, Rowan D.

Murradoc

 

SLATER, Theresa

You Yangs

As a Queer mum in this region, I want to support others to see themselves represented and champion the importance of all voices being heard. I truly love the Geelong region and wish to support people to thrive and flourish in a supportive community represented by a council that listens and reflects them.

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GREENWOOD, David

You Yangs

I am committed to supporting grassroots initiatives in Lara and across the You Yangs Ward, ensuring better road infrastructure, and advocating for the community on critical issues like the Waste-to-Energy Incinerator. My goal is to provide independent, community-centred leadership, free from political party obligations. I look forward to potentially representing the community at the council level as the first openly LGBTQIA+ male and person with a disability.

 

KULIC, Lorraine

You Yangs

I live in Lara, amid community minded and see the needs and focus required. My vision would be to foster stronger connections within the community. Having a collaborate approach to planning and community consultation in decision making. Getting the basics right of providing services, amenities, venues and facilities.

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BURSON, Chris

You Yangs

 

LYNCH, Nicole

You Yangs

I want to see council concentrate on issues important to Geelong people - roads, infrastructure, rubbish/graffiti removal, clean/safe streets, alternative housing options, responsible development, cheap parking options, etc. I got tired of these issues been pushed aside. I felt our rates weren’t utilised efficiently. I’m a normal person like many Geelong residents.

 

 

Conclusion

WILD and Zonta were pleased and impressed with the thoughtful excellence of the responses

received as well as the response rate. As for those who, for whatever reasons, did not respond, we were disappointed that they did not take advantage of the opportunity to offer their views for public scrutiny.

With 45% of candidates standing being women and several coming from non-English-speaking backgrounds, there is a real possibility that gender equality and a degree of diversity might be achieved. Fostering active citizenship would further improve council decision making by properly informing, and engaging effectively with, the community throughout the future council’s term of office.

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The Zonta Club of Geelong  hopes that the above information will lead to informed decisions and greater gender equity

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