THE nomination period for candidates in the 2024 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections has closed, with 37 candidates nominating to contest the shire’s eleven wards.
Of the candidates, six current councillors (Crs Bissinger, Celi, Gill, Marsh, O’Connor and Roper) have thrown their hats in the ring to serve another four-year term. Five current councillors (Crs Brooks, Dixon, Holland, Mar and Race) have decided not to stand again.
This election will see the move away from a six-ward system (three with multiple councillors) to an 11-ward system, with only one councillor to be elected from each ward.
In Beek Beek ward, which covers the area of Baxter, Somerville and Tyabb, two candidates are seeking election: Lavinia Jenkin and Kate Roper.
Lavinia Jenkin says she is “a small business owner with past corporate experience” that believes in a “future peninsula which ‘houses’ strong, connected communities. Where families are thriving, and access and inclusion is the foundation for town planning and development”.
Kate Roper is a current councillor who has been representing Watson Ward for the last 18 months after the resignation of Paul Mercurio from council. With the Ward boundaries realigned she now stand in Beek Beek Ward.
In Benbenjie Ward, which covers McCrae, three candidates are seeking election: Peter Clarke, Dinka Jakovac, and Max Patton.
Peter Clarke lives in McCrae and says “I am running because I am frustrated at the failure of the current council to fix our roads, halt the rate rise, stop the new levies and paid parking. I have previous experience in local government at Melbourne when we became the ‘World’s Most Liveable City’”.
Dinka Jakovac has a background in law and interior design and has lived permanently in McCrae for the past 15 years. She says “I am concerned council is letting our residents and ratepayers down and moving in the wrong direction” and that she is running so she can “bring council back to basics and provide proper service to our community in exchange for our hard-earned rates dollars”.
Max Patton says he is a “born and bred local with significant coastland management experience across the Southern Peninsula”.
In Briars Ward, which covers the area of Mornington south of Bentons Road and Mt Martha, three candidates are seeking election: Bill Daish, Anthony Marsh and Despi O’Connor. It is the only ward where two current councillors will be competing against each other for the role.
Bill Daish says as “an engineer I am a logical and clear thinker, excellent for project work and prioritisation of needs” and that his vision for the peninsula is to “Stick to the knitting. Focus only on those matters that affect shire residents”.
Anthony Marsh is a current council and previous Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor. He says his vision is a peninsula where we “all love to live, work and play. Surrounded by a well-maintained coastline, supported by quality council infrastructure, and home to many thriving businesses and a happy and healthy community”.
Despi O’Connor is also a current councillor and previous Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor, and a teacher for 15 years. She says that “through authentic community collaboration I envisage a peninsula that values, protects and promotes a sustainable future for all to enjoy the fullness of life”.
In Brokil Ward, which covers the southern portion of Mt Martha, Safety Beach and Dromana, three candidates are seeking election: Patrick Binyon, Marie Murray and Elizabeth Woolcock.
Patrick Binyon says he has “expertise is working with vulnerable youth and is an advocate for those who are on the margins of society” and that his “vision for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is one that acknowledges a changing demographic and represents all residents with dignity”.
Marie Murray says that “as a bookkeeper with a strong sense of ethics I look after many small businesses and have learnt to listen to my client’s needs and wants” and that her vision would be to “focus on reasonable and compatible growth that reflects the needs and desires of the community, along with bringing new ideas for increasing our ability to pay for public services”.
Elizabeth Woolcock says she is “currently a director on a board, where saliant decisions are made, and has a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in political science and Indigenous Australian studies” and aims to “protect our unique environment, Green Wedge and agricultural sector and advocate for the preservation of this area”.
In Coolart Ward, which covers a large swathe of the western side of the peninsula from St Andrews Beach through to Tuerong, three candidates are seeking election: Neil Biggins, Dennice Allen-Breeschoten and David Gill.
Neil Biggins says he has a “strong science career background with my own business and government” and would “love to see a more harmonious relationship between the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and its residents”.
Dennice Allen-Breeschoten says she offers “over 25 years of experience in business and community leadership in the corporate sector and non-profits” and her vision is to “foster a vibrant, safe, and sustainable community without locals having to incur continued increased rates, taxes or foreshore parking costs”.
David Gill is a current councillor standing for re-election. He says he is “particularly concerned with the direction this council may be taking regarding our planning protections as a number of candidates have a history of trashing our much-valued Green Wedge. There is overwhelming support by our community for retaining the character of the Mornington Peninsula”.
In Kackeraboite Ward, which covers much of Mt Eliza, two candidates are seeking election: Stephen Batty and Daniel McCaffrey.
Stephen Batty says he is a “qualified and experienced in business management in the finance, event management, logistics and risk management sectors” and wishes to “provide a safe, family environment for all to enjoy the magnificent coastal and rural aspects of our council areas and to assist in providing all necessary support to ensure local businesses are successful”.
Daniel McCaffrey boasts family connection to the area back to the 1920’s and says he is “committed to supporting positive aging programs, advocating for youth services, and improving the health and safety for all of us”.
In Moorooduc Ward, which covers much of outlying areas of Mornington, Mt Eliza, Baxter, as well as Moorooduc, two candidates are seeking election: Bruce Ranken and Kathryn Smith.
Bruce Ranken says that “as a past Councillor in another shire we cut wasteful spending, resulting in a two-year period zero percent rate increases for the community and increased efficiencies” and that his aim is to “ensure as a community we have a council that is efficient and productive”.
Kathryn Smith says she has “many years of bringing people together in high pressure, competitive environments” and that her vision “is to see council united, who listen to the community and aren’t just about their own agendas”.
In Nepean Ward, which covers the southern tip of the peninsula from the southern part of Rye to Portsea, seven candidates are seeking election: Andrea Allen, Susan Bissinger, Josie Jones, Suzanne Jones, Krysten Le Marshall, Eddie Matt and Monique Toms.
Andrea Allen says she “is an independent candidate from Blairgowrie running for Nepean Ward”. She was a Federal public servant for 14 years, including an 18-month stint in a Minister’s Office at Parliament House.
Susan Bissinger is a current councillors restanding for election and says she is a “critical thinker by nature, and has a vast amount of practical experience from over 25 years in the construction industry” and wants to see “a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community where everyone is treated equally”.
Josie Jones is an Order of Australia recipient who says she brings “25 years of experience in creative direction, project management, and business solutions”. She says her “vision for the Mornington Peninsula Shire is to foster a resilient, sustainable community that protects our coastal character and natural biodiversity, improves road infrastructure, supports small businesses, and inspires volunteerism”.
Suzanne Jones says she is an “experienced corporate professional with a background in stakeholder consultation. Known for building trust and confidence in challenging or contentious environments”. She believes “division has defined our council for too long” and she wants it to be “an efficient and effective decision-making body in the best interests of the community”.
Krysten Le Marshall has owned a business in Sorrento since 2021, is a mother of two, and has been heavily involved in the Sorrento Chamber of Commerce. She says that “bringing the community together is something I am passionate about”.
Eddie Matt says he can “engage well with stakeholders and community members to achieve common goals” and his vision for the peninsula is for a “thriving, inclusive community with focus on protecting and sustaining our natural environment where residents enjoy a high quality of life”.
Monique Toms says she “is a proud trans woman, businesswoman, volunteer and local resident”. Toms and her extended family have lived in Rye for the past 50 years. She says she is standing “to get a fair share of services, better access, more accountability and transparency, and proper consultation from council on issues that matter”.
In Tanti Ward, which covers much of Mornington, four candidates are seeking election: Barry Besanko, Tom Davies, Nick Fallaw and Paul Pingiaro.
Barry Besanko has had his own business on the peninsula for 28 years and has been involved with local football clubs and professional athletes for over 40 years. He says he wants to “bringing back old fashioned values to ensure our municipality is valued and admired by others around Victoria”.
Tom Davies says he is standing for council “to challenge their spending at a time when residents are struggling with cost of living and being divided by ethnicity, gender and sexuality”.
Nick Fallaw says he is “inspired by his grandfather’s legacy as shire president” and that he has “learnt the importance of listening and learning above all else, when responding to the needs of our community”.
Paul Pingiaro runs an award-winning small business and is standing on the mantra of the council becoming “transparent and accountable”. He says he wants “free access to our coastal assets, clean beaches, well-maintained public infrastructure, thriving local businesses, and a shire where every resident’s needs and values are met”.
In Tootgarook Ward which covers areas of Rosebud, Capel Sound and Tootgarook and the northern section of Rye, three candidates are seeking election: Andrew De Bartolo, Antonella Celi and Cam Williams.
Andrew De Bartolo is a science professional and a support worker that works on the peninsula. He says he is “passionate about funding mental health and domestic violence support services, providing more accessible and affordable housing, and protecting the green wedge”.
Antonella Celi has been a councillor for 14 years after first being elected in 2010. She will stand for re-election to the newly formed Tootgarook Ward after previously representing Seawinds Ward. She says her vision for council is to “value, protect and enhance the characteristics and lifestyle that makes the Mornington Peninsula a very special place for our community to live, work, volunteer and enjoy recreational activities”.
Cam Williams has a background in business, sports coaching, and various volunteer positions, and says he brings “practical experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of our community’s needs.” He believes we “need a council that’s open and straightforward, focusing on the basics and getting the best value for our rates”.
In Warringine Ward which covers areas of Hastings, Bittern and Crib Point, five candidates are seeking election: Simon Meyer, Mark Palmer, Hilda Rachid, Nic Robertson, and Michael Stephens.
Simon Meyer was born and raised in Hastings and says he is a “dedicated community leader and advocate committed to serving and uplifting my community.” He says he is “focused on improving local infrastructure, including better maintenance of roads and access, expanding bus routes across the peninsula, and supporting local businesses”.
Mark Palmer says his experience includes 33 years in the army reserve, eight years in the regular army reaching the rank of Major, and 20 years owning and operating aged care homes. He says “we need to make sure our infrastructure is sufficiently robust to cater for higher population while protecting our environment and keeping the friendly and welcoming atmosphere”.
Hilda Rachid is a local business owner and Hastings resident for over thirty years. She says she “loves to volunteer and serve her community” and says she “possesses a deep understanding of our community’s needs and aspirations after many years of listening to residents’ stories, and empathising with their frustrations, which encouraged me to actively contribute”.
Nic Robertson says that “as a working teacher I have many skills of negotiation and patience. I am skilled at research and have a political and philosophical vision that is based in environmental survival and fairness to people of all nations and abilities”.
Michael Stephens has over 30 years’ experience working and operating a small business. He says he wants to see the Warringine Ward “gently growing while protecting the natural elements that community groups cherish”.
Ballot pack mailouts begin on 7 October with voting closing at 6pm on Friday 25 October.
First published in the Mornington News – 24 September 2024
