by Gabriella Vukman
The candidates for the Knox City Council wards of Chandler and Dobson have shared their visions for the municipality and outlined their capabilities and contributions to their respective wards.
Paige Kennett
Vision for the municipality of the Knox City Council:
I’m committed to a future focused Council that genuinely listens to our community, preserving our green leafy surroundings, and improving local amenity that is financially sustainable.
Expertise or attributes that aid in undertaking the role of councillor:
I have worked both in the private and public sectors, providing broad practical experience. I hold Masters, Graduate Certificate and Bachelor qualifications that provide theoretical experience.
I truly care for the future of our community, am dependable, honest and will be here to listen to you.
Ryan Bruce
Vision for the municipality of the Knox City Council:
To ensure Knox remains a hub for business and innovation, allowing all in our community to thrive.
Additionally, I wish to expand upon the positive steps the council has already made towards reducing its carbon footprint.
Expertise or attributes that aid in undertaking the role of councillor:
In my career, as a teacher, I am constantly required to make decisions. Though many are relatively small in scale.
I believe this skill to be transferable and would be of great assistance in the many decision making processes of the local council.
Matt Harris
Vision for the municipality of the Knox City Council:
Everyone in Knox should feel at home and truly valued.
I’ll focus on making local services better, supporting our local businesses, keeping our streets safe, our sporting clubs stronger, and bringing our community closer together, all while preserving what makes Knox a great place to live.
Expertise or attributes that aid in undertaking the role of councillor:
I bring a no-nonsense approach, backed by years of experience in the not-for-profit, government, and private sectors.
My local volunteering has taught me how to connect with people and get things done. I’m practical, approachable, and want to make a real difference in our community.
Jeff Kidney
Vision for the municipality of the Knox City Council:
To get back to basics, roads, rates and rubbish, and to be real voice for the community ensuring real change.
Expertise or attributes that aid in undertaking the role of councillor:
As a local resident, a firefighter and an avid community member for real voice for getting back to what matters.
Dobson
Meagan Baker
Vision for the municipality of the Knox City Council:
My vision for Knox is a thriving community with accessible parks, open green spaces, and safe spaces for everyone.
We provide diverse housing choices without overdevelopment. By offering community facilities that meet needs and foster strong connections, ensuring everyone can live freely, peacefully, and thrive where they work and play.
Expertise or attributes that aid in undertaking the role of councillor:
As your current local Councillor, I’m well-versed in Local Government Act regulations, governance, and Council policies.
As a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, my training has sharpened my skills in strategic decision-making, financial accountability, risk management, leadership, good governance and managing community expectations and interests effectively. -currently a councillor.
Tony Holland
Vision for the municipality of the Knox City Council:
If elected I will fight to retain rate capping, develop a proper road and footpath maintenance program, support local clubs, ban overseas junkets, keep the pensioner rebate.
The cost of living is making it very hard for all of us. I will reintroduce Australia Day Awards that Knox Council axed.
Expertise or attributes that aid in undertaking the role of councillor:
I am a Business Owner with over 30 years Experience. For the last 12 years I was a director at the local Bendigo Bank, and in that role was able to help numerous sporting clubs, Charities and community groups in the Dobson Ward.
We need passionate qualified counsellors in Knox
Emily Cox
Vision for the municipality of the Knox City Council:
I want Knox to be a community where people feel their concerns are heard, and communication is an integral part of the relationship between councillors, council and residents here.
To see that our local spaces continue to be and grow into valuable, inclusive community hubs for everyone to enjoy.
Expertise or attributes that aid in undertaking the role of councillor:
As an engineer with ten years of experience, solving complex problems has been the basis of my career. My priority is to find simple solutions that meet community and environmental requirements at the best possible cost.
I have been a volunteer locally since I was a teenager, including leadership roles.
Dobson Ward candidates will attend a community meeting on the 5th of October at the Ferntree Gully CFA Hall.
Providing an opportunity to ask questions and access voting options, the meeting will take place at 2pm.
