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Candidates were asked to send us their “last-ditch pitch” and answer in one sentence why you should cast your vote their way.
Here are the candidates’ responses.
WOLLONGONG WARD 1
Mithra Cox, Greens, Group A (mayoral candidate)
“I'll be working to make Wollongong sustainable, inclusive - and fun.”
Stephen Young, Greens, Group A
“I want Wollongong to show leadership on climate change.”
Janice Kershaw, Labor, Group B
“A vote for Kershaw in Ward 1, is a vote for experience, stability, accessibility and a greater focus on the needs of the residents in the northern suburbs, remember vote 1 in Group B, above the line.”
Jenelle Rimmer, Labor, Group B
“When my grandkids ask me what I did with my life, I hope to be able to say that I fought for a better community, I stuck to my values and I was true to myself, for me this means employing my passion to improve the suburbs we all love and make them more accessible and inclusive for all locals.”
Leigh Colacino, Liberal, Group C
“The Liberal group in Ward 1 will continue to fight for sensible and realistic business, economic and residential growth throughout the whole of Wollongong.”
Warwick Erwin, independent, Group D (mayoral candidate)
“The people of Wollongong should be the first priority of Wollongong Council with real community consultation, return on rates for current ratepayers and return to completing basic infrastructure such as roads, curb and cutters, needed footpaths, drainage and flood mitigation.”
Greg Petty, independent, Group D (mayoral candidate)
“I thank the community for the opportunity and privilege to represent them for the last six years and commit to a further three years of dedicated public service with the same robust and ratepayer focus.”
Wayne Cooper, independent, Group D
“I ask the residents and ratepayers to seriously consider the candidates of Ward One Wollongong Independents who have a proven and demonstrated track record of open and transparent community engagement and consultation which will continue as our fundamental platform if elected.”
Ray Robinson, independent, Group D
“All members of the Ward 1 Independent Team have a successful, non political and continuing record of helping community in interacting with Council”
WOLLONGONG WARD 2
John Dorahy, Liberal, Group A (mayoral candidate)
“John Dorahy, will lead Council with International Business Management experience, expertise in a multi-disciplined organisation a Door Always Open policy with Superior Service Oriented Empathy, focus on Jobs Creation and Keeping Residents Safe, a Leader focus on solutions for Residents benefit with improved Services, Roads & Footpaths.”
Cath Blakey, Greens, Group B
“I want to see more harnessing of renewable energy in Wollongong, and planning done with people in mind.”
Theresa Huxtable, Greens, Group B
“I will work hard to make Wollongong a place where we all want to live and play.”
Andrew Anthony, independent, Group C (mayoral candidate)
“As a community minded independent, I will listen to the concerns of residents and fight for a better Wollongong, supporting only sensible, well designed development that is sensitive to our natural and built environment.”
David Brown, Labor, Group D (mayoral candidate)
“As a full-time Lord Mayor I will not be a ceremonial ribbon-cutter, I’ll drive policy and outcomes that make Wollongong better as a vibrant confident city and invest in the suburbs where it is needed.”
Tania Brown, Labor, Group D
“A hard-working local who is passionate about progress and promoting this beautiful region to drive investment attraction so our kids can live and work here too.”
Vicki Curran, independent, Group E (mayoral candidate)
“I’m a strong independent working for you not a political party, so if you want transparency, accountability, efficiency, protection of parks from privatisation, an end to flood impact and a council free of corruption then Vote 1 Vicki Curran Group E”
WOLLONGONG WARD 3
Vicky King, Labor, Group A
“I want a ward three in Wollongong that is liveable, affordable, safe and colourful, to be a great home for all residents”
Chris Connor, Labor, Group A
“I would like people to vote for me because of my strong continued representation for our community, my commitment to build Fowlers Road bridge, footpaths, sporting field lighting, fighting for local jobs and affordable housing.”
Ann Martin, Labor, Group A
“I have proven that I have the ideas, passion and skills to do the work that other candidates talk about, and, ironically, I'm the one who won't get elected!”
Jamie Dixon, Greens, Group B
“I want Wollongong Council to be a friendly and supportive service provider, to help people and businesses reach their full potential.”
Gordon Bradbery, independent, Group C (mayoral candidate)
“For six years Gordie has served this City as Lord Mayor, yes a few issues but proud of what's been achieved and there's much more to be done.”
Terry Gallagher, independent, Group C
“Help me make Wollongong the best that it can be by keeping it independent”
Cameron Walters, Liberal, Group D
“You deserve more, you deserve change and I'll bring that to the table - I will deliver more.”
SHELLHARBOUR
Barry Bird, independent, group C
“Vote 1 Group C Barry Bird; there is no hard sales pitch, no politicians' promises, just a commitment to listen to ALL the residents of Shellharbour and to fight to keep our jobs local, our growth sustainable and to get back to the basics of providing services to all in our community.”
John Murray, independent, Group D
“The Community First team is committed to maintaining Shellharbour's independence and sustainability; improving its customer service, completing the Marina development and applying the profits to worthwhile projects in the older areas of the city.”
Narelle Clay, independent, Group D
“Local Council needs committed, energetic, positive, progressive, community minded people who care about the people, the services, the infrastructure and strive for a decent standard of living for all and along with John Murray, David Boyle and Cliff Sears, we am experienced and will deliver for Shellharbour.”
Diane Quinlin, independent, Group E
“Diane Quinlin’s Group E objective is to Keep Council Accountable to the Community it serves while providing the services and infrastructure neglected by Council as it spent $60 million concentrating on the City Hub over the last six years.”
Helen Stewart, independent, Group F
I support an open transparent line of communication between staff, Councillors and residents. Controversial DA's have had a huge impact on the community. I will seek to reintroduce onsite inspections with staff, Councillors and residents to seek better solutions for all concerned. I believe once important issues arise within a precinct Councillors and staff must meet with residents to inform and engage in meaningful dialogue to assertion their concerns and opinions. This style of interaction allows both staff,Councillors and the community to make informed decisions together. I encourage residents to have their say on what happens within their local area.
Steve Doyle, independent, Group G
“It's time for a change, we need a community based council and not a political council.”
Peter Moran, independent, Group H
“There are many big decisions coming up in the next three years and I would provide the community with a diligent, well informed and independent thinking councillor who is no one's yes-man or puppet.”
Kellie Marsh, independent, Group I
“The Kellie Marsh Independent team are driven to deliver a fair share of services across the Shellharbour Community.”
Marianne Saliba, Labor, Group J
“We saved the future of Shellharbour City by stopping the merger with Wollongong and now We would like to ensure our financial future by protecting the profits from Shell Cove project and growing councils businesses to take the pressure off rates and share the benefits across the city.”