Griffith Business Chamber are pleased to present the following candidates running for Local Council. The purpose of these profiles is so our community can get to know who you are voting for and make an informed choice come election day. They are presented in no particular order.

GBC reached out to candidates that we were aware of and publicly asked for candidates to get in contact with us in the lead up to this campaign. These profiles are purely voluntary.  All candidates were given the same questions and none have been altered in any way. No profiles were accepted beyond 3rd November, 12pm and candidates have not seen other candidates answers- providing fairness, transparency and equal opportunity to all.

 

ANNE NAPOLI

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I am a local, my children and grandchildren live here. I want to make sure that Griffith is the best place it could possibly be to live, work and raise a family.
I am motivated by the fact that for the last few years Councillors were not given the freedom to exercise their democratic rights to speak up when they deemed it necessary. This needs to change. I would like to see a new and inclusive Council with the Mayor, Councillors and the Community engaging in consultation and decision making.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

I am a community focused person. I have been actively involved in local schools P&C, including being a past President of Kalinda Special School. My work has focused on sports, advocacy and lobbying for services such as education, health and Post School Options facilities. I have business skills acquired from owning and managing my own hair and beauty salon, employing a large staff and providing apprenticeships and training for young people. As a former director of A&A NAPOLI Builders I understand the difficulties of running a business and the struggles faced by builders and developers in dealing with red tape.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

By meeting and working with stakeholders, the Aboriginal Land Council, developers and the Business Chamber, we can work together to bring the housing, homeless and workforce crises to the attention of the State and Federal Governments  with Council committing to see that this crisis is addressed immediately.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

I will review Council’s internal policies and make sure that the community are not unfairly charged with excessive fees, such as water, rates, DA’s and other Council charges. We need appropriate staff that are well trained to seek and apply for government grants, so we can keep delivering the best services possible to our community.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

I applaud the G.B.C. For their vision and commitment to come up with their ambitious plan for economic development and investment. I truly approve and would like to see Griffith City Council and the Griffith Business Chamber, work together in partnership to achieve great outcomes for the progress of our city. If Griffith is to prosper and grow we must attract, encourage and support developers into our local government area by removing some of the red tape that currently exists in Council.

EMA MUNRO

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I have a degree in Politics and know that I can bring educated and informed discussion to the Chamber. I’d like to work professionally with all tiers of government to deliver the best outcomes for the Griffith community. This can be achieved if Council is dynamic and works collaboratively. Some of the areas of most need include, reviewing internal policies and creating affordable housing options. This should ensure sustainable and equitable future growth for Griffith.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

As a school teacher, I work with young people and school communities everyday. I encourage teenagers to be the best they can be by participating in school and broader community activities. This year, we have established a recycling system with the aim of purchasing recycled plastic furniture and thereby closing the resource loop. We have helped at the Community Centre and I recently organised a wildflower walk on the Hill which attracted the capacity number of 20 people outdoors. This linked us to the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists from Naranderra and Leeton.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

As a councillor, I’ll advocate for the streamlining of the development approval process (DAs) to make it more efficient, support the rezoning of CBD land, for example, accommodation above shop fronts, empty and idle land to become accessible. Assist in bringing to fruition a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) to ensure workers for Griffith. This can be achieved by working professionally and effectively with the Griffith Business Chamber, fellow councillors and our State and Federal members.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

Increased access to services for all people of Griffith is critical. For example, improving health and mental health services, supporting respite for carers, extending the community bus service to the library and swimming pool, attracting and keeping professionals such as teachers and doctors, supporting tertiary education. All of this requires healthy communication and consultation between the three tiers of government and the Griffith Business Chamber.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

I will support the following: reinstating the open media policy, freeing up public access to policies and freedom of information, re-allow questions from the community at Council meetings and continue to support the Area News at meetings. Where appropriate, adopt the successful achievements of other councils and be flexible with new ideas. Finally, ensure the community is kept up to date with the progress of current projects and their costings.

If you wish to contact this candidate: ema.munro@gmail.com

MELISSA MARIN

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I have worked for 16 years in the LG sector both in Griffith and Carrathool Shire, and know what makes a good councillor great!

I want to see Griffith grow, I would like to see more job opportunities afforded to our young local people, I want to see the end to divisions between councillors and the Mayor, but most of all I want to provide transparency

It is of great concern to me that in the last few years GCC Councillors have not been been afraid to speak up when necessary, fearing retribution and bullying. Griffith residents deserve to have an inclusive council, councillors and mayor.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

Having worked in the hospitality industry for over ten years I had abundant involvement within the Griffith community. Helping organise fund-raisers and coordinating events for the community was part of my everyday work life.

My previous work experience made me acutely aware of local legislations and Acts.

I now work as a Service Coordinator within the disability sector, with this I must be a good communicator, empathetic, know my region and stakeholders.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

I believe Council needs to fast track DA’s and be more accounted for the time it takes DA’s to be approved.

By consulting and working with Patrons, Developers and the Business Chamber, we can work together to bring the housing, homeless and workforce crises to the attention of the State and Federal Government.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

Let’s stop all the wasted money at the hands of Griffith City Council. Senior Management salaries are exorbitant. They answer to the GM, who in-turn answer to the Mayor and then the Mayor to the Councillors.

It seems this process has become vanished over the last few years.  I believe a review and overhaul of GCC’s internal polices need immediate attention.

I would like to see a much larger scale of community consultation on projects suggested by Council. Let’s really listen to our community, when they say they do not want a project to occur, let’s find out why? A great example was a ‘Rose Garden’ in Griffith expected to exceed 900K!

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

To achieve transparency, an organisation must provide information about its activities and governance to stakeholders and all people of Griffith that is accurate, complete and made available in a timely way. Transparency enables accountability. Transparency and accountability need each other and can be mutually reinforcing. Together they enable our towns’ people to have a say about issues that matter to them and a chance to influence decision-making and hold those making decisions to account.

I will not be afraid to question projects, staff and councillors of things I do not understand fully or have reason to believe need further exploration.

If you wish to contact this candidate:  Facebook candidate’s page: “Anne Napoli Chris Sutton United Team for Griffith Share Group”

ANDREW CANTRELL

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

Hi my name is Andrew CANTRELL. I have lived in Griffith for over 40 years and love this town.

I want to protect and grow local jobs and services, see upright governance and accountability within council, safe and accessible roads, let’s stop wasted monies, we need pure common sense used to make decisions for our town and its people.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

I am community focused, I have worked blue collar jobs all my life and know the hardships regular people and families go through.

Whilst living in Mildura I volunteered my time helping out at the local Vinnies store and during the Christmas period I delivered boxed food to families that would have otherwise gone hungry on Christmas day!

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

Griffith City Council needs desperately to consult and work with stakeholders, developers and the Business Chamber, if we do this regularly and with open-mindedness we can work together to bring the housing, homeless predicament to the attention of the State and Federal Government.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

I believe council needs a review of its internal policies. Rate payers are currently charged huge and excessive fees for Water, Rates, and Development Applications.

I’m not afraid to speak out and stand up for what is right and fair.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

If we want to see this great town of Griffith grow and advance we desperately need to encourage, attract and support our developers - honestly the amount of red tape developers have to go through at GCC is ludicrous.

If you wish to contact this candidate:  Facebook candidate’s page: “Anne Napoli Chris Sutton United Team for Griffith Share Group”

JENNY ELLIS

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I am running because I am passionate about this community and believe I have the skills, experience, and personality to be an asset on Council. While I have my eye on some specific projects such as Lake Wyangan, the sports precinct, and a new arts and cultural centre; my outlook is much broader in desiring Griffith to be a premier regional city. This would involve ensuring we attract businesses and individuals and have the housing, education, services, and lifestyle available to keep them here.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge, and experience will you bring?

I have been involved in education; small business; health and wellness; churches; sporting groups; performing arts and music; and groups such as Griffith Soroptimists, The Griffith Muso's Club and Griffith Women in Business.

I am a leader and communicator, experienced working with small groups and large audiences. I have worked alongside people of different ages, cultures, academic and religious backgrounds. I have managed the finances and staff of Riverina Family Chiropractic for over 20 years and have skills in marketing, team building; coaching, teaching, and event planning.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

Three steps that I can only promise at this point: listen first, research the issues and follow my words with action. I recognise that we indeed have a housing crisis in our community, both for the homeless and for people wanting to move here for work. If I am elected to council my attention will certainly be upon this very important issue. Without a solid knowledge of how Council works, I believe I would be naïve to promise anything more than that at this stage.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

The first step for me would be to get a thorough understanding of what exactly is in the power of the Council to do for its citizens and where the greatest needs are in our community.  As someone who has only been on the outside of Council looking in, I am already beginning to educate myself on this.  I am a woman of action, but I have also learned over the years the importance of listening first. I would expect then to give more specific answers in my second term.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

For me, the most important character traits of a community leader are honesty and integrity. Both are foundational to my character and have a natural flow on to transparency and accountability. With the Council meetings on Facebook, their Café's and their newsletters I believe Council is already engaging more than ever with the community.  I will certainly be making myself available to constituents and take every opportunity to both listen to the needs and ideas of the community and pass on decisions based upon these discussions.

If you wish to contact this candidate: FB: 'Jenny Ellis – Griffith' https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070853291224

Email: jenny.ellis1@madetothrive.com.au

DEB LONGHURST

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I have considered this decision carefully and feel that I now have the experience to truly make a difference. My motivations are to represent an under-represented section of the community, to create a beautiful and progressive city for all citizens to enjoy. I would like to see a Council which is supportive of

Innovation and progress, while at the same time protecting the valuable assets we have such as our human resources.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?  

I have been employed in community services for the past 38 years and involved with numerous voluntary organisations during that time. I have served on Ministerial advisory committees, State Based Boards and locally have been involved with Riding for the Disabled, Carevan  and Domestic Violence committees.  I have vast experience in Governance, Housing, Human Resources and Management. I am currently employed in a Homelessness Service in Griffith covering the Western Murrumbidgee District.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis? 

It is important to ensure that all stakeholders are consulted to develop an action plan which is not only viable but also realistic. I have recently attended an international webinar discussing

Local Government Innovation in Housing and Homelessness, and I believe it is imperative that all levels of Government work together to achieve positive outcomes in these areas, and continue to work together to ensure that the outcomes are regularly reviewed and assessed within the context of a changing landscape.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

I think that we could certainly tweak some policies and budget items to get a fair and equitable balance. A review of Council’s internal Policies and our budget allocations could potentially provide more Community Services.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

I believe that it is important that we have dialogue with all our citizens and ensure that their opinions are respected though a transparent , inclusive and vigorous process of consultation. The way forward for this would be to thoroughly review the media policy and give Councillors a voice. I am very interested in the idea of a Consultation Advisory Group. I would like to see this explored for other sectors of the Community as well.

If you wish to contact this candidate: Deb Longhurst 0427487811 DEB@LCN.ORG.AU

 

LISA LOWES

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I have become a local after having lived in Griffith for over 15 years. I would like to see Griffith become a place/community where everyone loves to be - work, live and stay long enough to raise their family here. My motivation is driven by the fact that there isn’t a lot of opportunity for community involvement for someone new to town. I would like to see more community plans put into place which make our town more enjoyable for everyone – places for people to meet people

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?  

I am a part of our community. I have played a few different community sports. I have management skills that I have learnt from over the years while working at a locally owned retail store. I have gained the knowledge and experience of understanding and communicating with both the customer and the supplier all while trying to do what is best for my employer’s business. At times, especially with the recent situations can be hard for everyone.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis? 

I will take the appropriate steps to bring the housing crisis, homelessness crisis and workforce crisis to the attention of the State and Federal Governments in an attempt to have these matters improved as soon as possible. I will also help those who require these services become aware that there is assistance available.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

I will continue to do what is needed to improve the lives of all residents to make sure everyone is treated fairly and equally when it comes to Griffith City Council Charges. I will communicate with the people of Griffith and surrounds when they feel the need to speak up about any matter regarding rate payers’ valuable funds.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

I will help to create and manage a council that aims to increase the trust and participation of the people within our community by encouraging and supporting everyone. If all involved –council, business people and residents come together and engage openly we can work as a team to improve and help our community nourish.

If you wish to contact this candidate: lisa_lowes87@hotmail.com

 

DOUG CURRAN

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I want to see a change from our current trajectory, the past is behind us and Griffith has been very prosperous, we need to harness that prosperity and entrepreneurial spirit for the future of our City and engage key stake holders such as the Business Chamber and our Local Member to move Griffith into the next phase of growth we deserve to experience. I am motivated by inclusion and consultation in order to achieve a truly positive and shared outcome for the entire community.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?
Apart from 13 years on Council, I am currently a member of the Griffith City Sports Council and the Griffith Showground Trust, I have been on the Griffith Neighbourhood House committee and the Griffith Blacks committee. I have lived in Griffith for 27 years and along with my wife raised 2 wonderful children in this magnificent City. I am an Operations Manager for a large multi-national company based in Griffith, employing up to 15 employees, generating local economic activity and supplying hundreds of customers locally and regionally.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

Council needs to work collaboratively with local organisations and different levels of government to achieve a positive outcome to this long-standing issue. We have made positive steps recently, but it has been too slow and we are not reaching enough people in crisis. We need to work with developers and the department of planning to free up more land for housing, to ensure there is a mix of affordable housing and then work with employers and the Chamber on a solution to the ever growing workforce issue.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

We need to work with all levels of government as well as local entities to improve our slice of the funding pie. We need to be shovel ready with projects that the community have provided good feedback on so that when funding becomes available, we can proceed with those projects. We need to ensure that we maintain any improved service for the betterment of the community.  There is no use developing more if we are not able to maintain a high standard of community services.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

Genuine engagement through regular agenda driven meetings with key stakeholders, such as the Business Chamber and our Local Member is a good start.. In my time on Council I have had to chair several difficult committees due to sensitivities or personalities and I have been able to bring the committees together to achieve positive outcomes through honesty and accountability. I would look to reconvene the General Managers Review Committee so that Councillors have the opportunity to discuss the performance and KPI’s of this important role within Council.

If you wish to contact this candidate: Doug Curran – 0407 950 711 dcurran@griffith.com.au

CATHERINE STEVENSON

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

After having conversations with family, friends, Community members and business colleagues, it became apparent that there were many concerns about the direction Griffith is headed. This has motivated me to take up this opportunity to make a difference within our community. I would like to be part of a Council that is transparent and engaging, willing to work with the Community, the Business Chamber and our local members of parliament to see Griffith progress. I aspire to help make significant changes for the betterment of our community. I want to see existing issues such as our lake, lack of housing, employment, health, roads, council policies & procedures resolved. We need significant action to move forward.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

I have always been involved in and supported the many sports and school activities in which my children have been involved. I helped out on sports days, reading in the classroom and fundraising. I was also involved with the Griffith Netball Association and Swans Netball. I was a committee member of Griffith Netball Association and also coached and umpired for GNA & Swans. I was always on hand to help out at MDS, the local dance studio that my daughters attended and were involved in for 19 years. I also participated in a local charity fundraiser called “It Takes Two”, where I sang with my sister to help raise funds for our chosen charity the Motor Neurone Griffith District and Support Group. I like to listen, be proactive and make informed decisions. I have over 20 years’ experience in the finance industry and my partner and I also have our business which we have run successfully for over 20 years. I believe these skills will make me highly valuable to our council and community.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

More discussions and positive outcomes with developers & the Aboriginal Lands council is essential. I would also work to see easier processes for developers including quicker processing of DA’s put into place & local government charges reviewed. It is also important to look at alternative ways we can make more housing blocks available at affordable prices. I would also work with the Business Chamber to finally establish better foreign employment schemes here in Griffith, to help alleviate the workforce crisis. Finally, I will take steps to work with the State and Federal Government to ensure they uphold their responsibilities to the community and help resolve these crises sooner rather than later.

What steps will you take to improve the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds?

The review of current policies and procedures of our Council is a must. This should help to reduce the number of errors and over spending that is currently occurring on Council projects such as Yambil Street, Boorga Road, unnecessary Codes of Conducts, investigations by HR Dept and Credit Card spending. Also ensuring staff are qualified and trained for the positions that they currently hold and for any new employees going forward. Ongoing training for staff where necessary to keep them up to speed so they can work quickly and efficiently with little downtime.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

I will work to develop a Council that is willing to work with other associations, organisations and government departments, such as the Business Chamber, as well as our local members and developers. We need a Council that can debate issues in a civil manner and then resolve them in a realistic time frame, not years down the track. We need to engage with the Community on a regular basis, keeping them informed as to what is happening within Council, and if able, invite community members to speak about their concerns and joys at council meetings. Finally, I will ensure the ban on councillors making ‘unauthorised statements’ is lifted. This will allow the council to be transparent and help the community to engage with Council regarding their concerns.

ANDY ARMSTRONG

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I am running because I’ve had a gut full the way Council has been run. I would like to see Stonestreet, Donaldson, King and Carusi sacked and Zappacosta, Stead, Andreazza and Dal broi removed from Council.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

I’ve owned my own Business for 35 years and haven’t been bankrupt. You don’t promise things you can’t deliver, you don’t spend more money than you make, you put money away for bad times and do your homework before you make a decision and listen to people that have more knowledge than you. I am also involved in The Man Cave Chapter in Griffith and if I do get into council, I pledge to give my  wages from Council to a charity organization to help prevent our young people from harming themselves as this should not be happening.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

All departments in council need to be looked at and made more efficient. I manage RSL LifeCare and I know we haven’t got enough housing in Griffith. We need more land to be developed and make it easier and cheaper for developers to build in Griffith.  I know I’m just scratching the surface of the problem and this is why we need to consult with smarter people than me to solve these problems.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

One of my priorities is the health of our community. If we all work together to ensure people in our community are happy and healthy, people in our community will want to interact more with Council to achieve positive outcomes, whether it’s in relation to our Council charges, roads, health or housing and their input into Council decisions will be beneficial to all and our City will go ahead.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

I think the business chamber and local member Helen Dalton should be more involved.  We should have a youth committee because we need their input as the town will be their responsibility one day. We need  mental health to be addressed which Helen can help with. I’m the sort of person that doesn’t worry about a pot hole here or there especially when you have our youth committing  suicide in our town you have to address the important issues first.

 

LAURIE TESTONI

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I have put my hand up to run for the Griffith city council elections on the back of my involvement over the past 15 plus years on the independent Griffith City Sports Council and various committees of council that I am a member of.

Griffith and its satellite villages need to continue to grow, offering a future for the current and future generations. It is important to settle into the role of a councillor and encourage growth throughout our council.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?
I have spent my entire life in Griffith and am very proud of our city and what it has to offer and what we can hopefully achieve over time.

• Branch manager of the Yenda Group’s Fruit & Case branch.
• Griffith City Sports Council chairman.
• Australia day committee member.
• Griffith Cultural committee member.
• Griffith Basketball association life member.

My experience of being a member of the Griffith City Sports Council over the years has seen my involvement of a number of Council committees, seeing the sports council become an important body for the sports has seen a strong relationship built with Griffith City Council, councillors and various committees.

I hope to continue my involvement and call upon my past experiences to help shape a strong council for the future.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

Griffith needs to continue to grow offering more housing opportunities at a sustainable rate. The new council would need to focus on new developments offering affordable housing to cater for and to encourage families to relocate to the city to help cover the shortfall of employment that a lot of the businesses are experiencing.

Communicating and engaging the public is very important, it would be an advantage to engage other working committees that can have further professional input to any further designs especially when it comes to the homeless.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

It is important to be transparent, I would encourage the new council elected to work together on major projects and to be engaged with the community when needed to. The council has various committees that they can call upon who can provide much needed knowledge and experience which can be overlooked at times.

JEREMIAH DIXON

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I’m running for council because I truly believe Griffith has potential in becoming a far greater regional capital. As a young man born and raised in Griffith, I think we will become this through focusing on keeping our youth mentally well and encouraging them to invest their future here in our city. Griffith has to be an environment that emboldens aspirational young people willing to start businesses, create jobs and build a better city, full of purpose.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

I’ve been working for a better Griffith all my life, through working at my family’s small business since primary school, volunteering at various community organisations/schools and advocating for Griffith on a greater stage.

Mainly my experiences have led me to know Griffith to be a city of family businesses, it's the essential community that underpins our region and it’s something that has to be allowed to flourish, crucially we need a council that’s prepared to work with businesses.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

The housing crisis is something that has hit young people in particular quite hard in Griffith; it's a huge drawback of our city’s potential. I love Griffith and wish to build my future here but with the rise in housing prices and rental market availability it’s becoming a major problem. Our council needs to become proactive with development, focusing on reducing DA approval time and sourcing more qualified people to approve DA’s to match growth, this would even out the overall problem.

What steps will you take to improve the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

If I am elected to council I would like to see funds spent more responsibly and when it can be spent on beautification. Sadly many of our existing parks are poorly maintained and we should focus on upgrading and utilising the space we already have for leisure and recreation rather than funding a rose garden, for example.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

I would like to see the media ban on councillors lifted. It's a great insult to our community that our publicly elected councillors can’t speak to the media about matters of council. The community can only hear what happens in council through approved means. We should hear our elected representatives' opinions as often and as freely as possible, then we might have trust in our leaders once again when we know how they are thinking.

If you wish to contact this candidate: Feel free to contact through personal facebook directly or through the Anne Napoli Team for Griffith facebook page.

 

Louis Toscan

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I am running for our Council Elections to further progress this great city. I am now retired so can give my time to to a new future for our council.

-In future would like to see Lake Wyangan return to recreational wonderland.

-Improve and maintain roads.

-Griffith is in need of truck stop  and rest area.

-Make it easier for business and home owners to establish in Griffith.

-Improve facilities and infrastures in the villages of Yenda,Bilbul,Yoogali,Hanwood,Beelbangera and Lake Wyangan.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

I have been member of Yenda Rotary Club for 31 years,twice as President. Being involved in local and overseas charity projects. I have  played a number of sports in my lifetime,meeting many people. I was born and bred in Yenda. As a retired farmer have a vast experience in agriculture, both in irrigation and dry area farming.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

I would like Council to open up more affordable housing, this will bring more people to our area with their special trades and skills, thus helping us grow.

What steps will you take to improve the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

Finish the Griffith Base Hospital to become a main treatment centre,instead of having to travel away for treatment. Build or purchase a  accomodatiion facility, so families who have travel here for treatment have a comfordable place to stay.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

I will work as a member of a cohesive council that listens to the people wishes, helping to see our Griffith City Council grow to a strong future

 

Manjit Singh Lally

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I have lived, worked and own business in the Griffith City council area for over a two decade. I have the skills, passion and experience to actively engage with local community. I am excited to bring my knowledge and experience to play my part in the development of the best interests of our community are upheld. I am running for the Griffith City Council to ensure the city continues to move forward in future.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

I have very genuine history of community involvement in local issues including Restoration of good governance. Supporting and listening to the ratepayers - residents and local businesses Support for small businesses; & increased public safety initiatives. I’m committed to continuing my strong track record of improving the livability of our city.

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

We all need a home. None of us can go about our lives, raise a family, go to work or stay healthy, without a stable and safe please to call home. Our housing system need to improve to make sure everyone has secure work and safe roof on their head. Homelessness, violent/antisocial behavior and high commercial vacancy are the key issues putting a stop to our city being a safe, vibrant and bustling destination. These hard issues are paramount, and I welcome the opportunity to address them. Ongoing discussion and action in these areas will ensure we can be optimistic about Griffith City Council and its future.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximizing the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds?

I have every confidence our city will emerge from its current woes. It will take a focused and concerted team effort, but together we can revitalize Griffith.

Integrity - I stand for what is good and decent for the ratepayers of the city.

Independence – My decisions will be made based on facts and what is right for the majority not the minority.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

A grass roots and "back to basics" approach with the bigger picture always in mind. I try to create transparency and open the community engagement with council.

I really love our beautiful city and absolutely believe that its future is bright. I kindly ask you to consider me to be your voice for change.

SHARI BLUMER

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

This town is unlike any other.  Having recently moved back home to Griffith (from Canberra) I have a renewed appreciation for its astonishing diversity and productivity.

Griffith has a unique potential for cultural and economic growth – I’m running for Council because I want to contribute to that growth and promote the special characteristics of this town.

As a young(ish) woman whose family has lived in Griffith since the 1920s, I have worked across the spectrum of enterprise (including SMEs and multinationals) and government, at both Territory and Federal levels.

The key issues that I would promote are health, housing, community arts and tourism – as well as kindness!

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

My first memory of community involvement is visiting Legacy widows with my grandfather Gary Blumer at the age of six or seven and selling Legacy badges up and down Banna Avenue.  After moving to Canberra, I maintained a close connection with the Griffith arts community, being one of the co-writers and producers in community theatre productions such as Griffith the Musical (2009) My Place (2010) and Dawn – One True Note (2015).

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

The housing crisis and workforce crisis are equally important but also interdependent. To be competitive and attract a workforce you need options to house them. I propose to work with Council and the business community (including the Chamber) to highlight the issues we face and engage productively to harness funding and innovation opportunities, also looking to other jurisdictions which have had success in this area.

Homelessness is a complicated issue, but there are ways to tackle it, including improving access to mental health services and housing availability.  Overcrowding and the adequacy of rental accommodation is also an issue that requires attention.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

I would seek to promote the following actions on Council:

1. Review of Council committees, including terms of reference and membership, to ensure appropriate community, NGO and business representation, and capacity to enquire into and escalate policy issues as required (particularly in health);
2. Investigate opportunities for thoughtful urban design, particularly medium-density residential development (including design competitions);
3. A plan to respond to the recommendations and risks raised by the Griffith Destination Tourism Report (2021); and
4. Strong representation for the community arts.

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

I am a candidate who, if elected, can hit the ground running.  With experience in territory and federal government, I understand how to achieve policy outcomes – the kind of energy that’s required, along with clear, sustained and optimistic communication.

I would be strong voice for open, transparent government, particularly through the effective use of committee structures, with real community representation.  Local government should not be distant – it should share self-governance with those who it serves.  I welcome the opportunity to represent Griffith City in 2021.

If you wish to contact this candidate:Shari Blumer shariblumer@gmail.com 0415 081 362 (via text)

 

CHRIS SUTTON

Have you considered why you want to run? What are your motivations? What would you like to achieve?

I have lived I Griffith for over 40 years. Growing up loved going to Lake Wyangan - it used to be a hive of activity, now it’s a ghost town & people are spending their weekends travelling to other towns and LG areas to use their facilities, instead of coming to ours!

I would also like to see better communication between council, the Business Chamber & our State & Federal members, this is vital if we are to move forward as a council and a city.

Do you have a genuine history of community involvement? What appropriate skills, knowledge and experience will you bring?

I have been on the Griffith Hockey Association committee for over 30 years, with 2 terms as President. I am currently a Director on the Coro Club Board & was on the Griffith Business Chamber. I have been in the entertainment industry for over 35 years & have donated (and still donate) my time & services to help many local charities fund raise!

What steps will you be advocating for Council to help resolve The Housing Crisis, Homelessness Crisis & Workforce Crisis?

 I believe Council needs to fast track DA’s and be more accounted for the time it takes for DA’s to be approved.

By continuously consulting and working with Patrons, Developers and the Business Chamber, we can work together to bring the housing, homeless and workforce crises to the attention of the State and Federal Government.

What steps will you take to improving the lives of all citizens, while maximising the use of ratepayer’s valuable funds.

I would like to see an overhaul of fees (and policies) that are charged such as Water and Sewerage, Rates & the Landfills - both in Tharbogang and Yenda.

I would like to see DA’s be handled in a timely manner and be held accountable when they start to drag out. I would like to see a much larger scale of community consultation on projects suggested by Council. Let’s really listen to our community, when they say they do not want a project to occur, let’s find out why? A great example was a ‘Rose Garden’ in Griffith expected to exceed 900K!

How will you help create an open and engaged, accountable and transparent Council that enables an increase in trust and participation with and in the community?

 To achieve transparency, an organisation must provide information about its actions and governance to stakeholders and the people of Griffith that is accurate and truthful. Transparency and accountability are key factors allowing rate payers and the people of Griffith to trust in Griffith City Council, which currently I believe is not occurring.

I am in no way afraid to question projects, schemes and plans or staff and councillors of things I do not understand. I believe currently not all councillors have a ‘voice’ for fear of retribution, this must stop!

If you wish to contact this candidate: Facebook candidate’s page: “Anne Napoli Chris Sutton United Team for Griffith Share Group”