SWAN Questionnaire for candidates

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Elections

1. Why are you standing for Council?

Committed to serve the Mornington Peninsula Shire

I have nominated to stand for re-election as a Candidate for the Mornington Peninsula Shire elections to retain my seat for the Seawinds Ward which includes the townships of Safety Beach, Dromana, McCrae, Rosebud, Capel Sound, parts of Mt Martha and Red Hill.

As a Seawinds Ward Councillor for the past 10 years, it is a privilege to serve on Council to add my professional knowledge and experience to important decisions.

As a result, we have seen the achievement of many outcomes and delivery of local projects like the Aquatic Centre in Rosebud, upgrades to community buildings, sports reserves and support for many community groups.

With the impact of COVID-19 on our local community and economy, I am determined to continue my work to

��advocate on issues

��address the challenges

��focus on opportunities and

��seek Local, State and Federal government resources and funding to support our projects in Seawinds Ward and across the Peninsula.

Now is a time to act and instil hope for a positive future direction.

2. Do you consider Council has a role in advocating on issues of concern to locals at the state and federal levels?

Yes, Council plays a pivotal role to advocate on issues of concern to the community to State and Federal members of all and any political party.

3. What do you see as the main social justice issues which currently need Council attention or advocacy?

State investment in Social, Affordable and Crisis housing needs for the homeless and rough sleepers on the Peninsula.

4. Have you advocated or worked for better outcomes with regard to Social Justice issues? If so how and in which areas?

Yes. Through the following roles:

1: Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Committee: worked with stakeholders on progressing and launching the Health & Wellbeing Plan Gender Equality Strategy, the Family Violence Prevention Plan & Statement of Commitment for the prevention of family violence; Elder Abuse;

2. Past Chair and Delegate to the Triple A Housing Committee: support and advocacy on numerous social and affordable housing initiatives and homelessness and rough sleepers on the Mornington Peninsula including support for Regional Local Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter; Social and Affordable Housing Policy and Triple A Housing Plan 2020-2030 and development of other Housing resources and information.

3. Chair: Positive Ageing Steering Committee: Adoption of the Positive Ageing Strategy that embraces the WHO Age Friendly Cities framework to provide outcomes to our community across the nine domains of: Transport; Social Participation: Communication and Information: Respect and Social Inclusion: Housing: Civic Participation and Employment: Community Support and Health Services; Outdoor Spaces and Buildings :Quality of Life

5. Do you support the renaming of Blacks Camp Rd, Pre-school and Reserve?

Council has resolved to go out to consultation on the renaming and community choice.

6. What can the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council do to help reduce violence against women in the home?

The Shire has adopted the Gender Equality Strategy, the Family Violence Prevention Plan & Statement of Commitment for the prevention of family violence that will see the Shire support stakeholders and the community through advocacy, programs and services provided through the Communities team.

7. What type of projects could council undertake to increase community awareness of Indigenous cultural heritage on the Mornington Peninsula?

The Shire supports the Reconciliation Action Plan objectives and strategies through an established and dedicated Aboriginal Culture and Community Development team placed within the Communities Department.

Willum Warrain Community House in Hastings receives support and funding from the Shire.

8. Did you protest about the closure of the Centrelink office in Mornington? If so how?

As Chair of the Shire Health & Wellbeing Committee and through the work of Shire Officers and the Mayor we supported stakeholders to advocate to the State and Federal MP’s through and through media releases to raise this important issue on behalf of the community.

More information and Candidates Responses at this link: https://swanwomen.org.au/candidate-statements-mpsc-2020/