GEELONG COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Another 10,000 Places for First Home Buyers

By Warren Strybosch

Under the First Home Loan Deposit New Home Guarantee Scheme (FHLDS), a further 10,000 places have been which will help first home buyers enter the property market.

One of the measures announced by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, as part of the 2020-2021 Budget, was the commitment to make available an additional 10,000 places under the popular First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS).

This now doubles the total amount of places originally made available this financial year from 10,000 spots to 20,000 spots. Let’s hope these measures continue so that other first home buyers can gain access to this scheme. To access this scheme, first home buyers will be means tested and need to have demonstrated a level of savings (refer below).

What the FHLDS New Home Guarantee entails

The National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) has now released further details of the additional spots.

The additional scheme allocations are available to first home buyers that are Australian citizens, 18 years and over, and wish to build a new dwelling or purchase a newly built dwelling with a deposit of between 5 and 20 per cent of the property’s value. It is not available for those wishing to purchase an investment property.

According to the NHFIC, eligible properties include: newly constructed dwellings (e.g. whether a freestanding house, townhouse or apartment) off-the-plan dwellings (e.g. whether a freestanding house, townhouse or apartment) house and land packages land and a separate contract to build a new home.

The FHLDS NHG is only available to first home buyers who have a taxable income of up to $125,000 per annum for the previous financial year (if applying as a single applicant) or a combined taxable income of up to $200,000 per annum (if applying as a couple).

A revised set of property price caps also apply for eligible properties under the NHG.

They are as follows:

Region NHG Property Price Cap

NSW - Capital City and Regional Centre

NSW - Other

Vic - Capital City and Regional Centre

Vic - Other

Qld - Capital City and Regional Centre

Qld - Other

WA - Capital City

WA - Other

SA - Capital City

SA - Other

Tas - Capital City

Tas - Other

ACT

Northern Territory

Jervis Bay Territory & Norfolk Island $950,000

$600,000

$850,000

$550,000

$650,000

$500,000

$550,000

$400,000

$550,000

$400,000

$450,000

$400,000

$600,000

$550,000

$600,000

findgeelong.com.au OCTOBER 2020 | FIND GEELONG 5 Can You Contribute Into Super if

not Jobkeeper and over age 67?

By Warren Strybosch

The prudential regulator has provided guidance on whether individuals aged 67 to 74 who have been stood down from their employment but are receiving JobKeeper are able to make personal contributions.

APRA, in an update to its FAQ page for COVID-19, has confirmed that RSE licensees will be able to accept personal contributions, under the work test rules, from an individual who is aged 67 to 74 where the individual had been stood down from their employment due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic but is in receipt of the JobKeeper payment.

APRA stated that where an employer is receiving the JobKeeper wage subsidy for an individual, RSE licensees should consider the individual to be “gainfully employed” for the purpose of the “work test”, even if that individual has been fully stood down and is not actually performing work. “In APRA’s view, it is appropriate for an RSE licensee to take this approach because the individual is still employed and is obtaining a valuable benefit from his [or] her employer,” the prudential regulator explained.

In APRA’s view, the Jobkeeper subsidy satisfies the ‘work test’ for the purpose of voluntary superannuation contributions.

Special Feature: Your 2020 Candidates Revealed

Who Should you vote for to represent our Shire? This will help you to determine who would you like to represent our shire. Please see the following pages for their short Bio.

We have also prepared some questions that the candidates have answered succinctly.

1. Have you been a councillor before? If so, how long for? 2. Why do you wish to be a councillor? 3. What occupations hvae you had in the past? 4. Which Ward are you running for? 5. What do you see are the main issues facing your particular ward and Maroondah as a whole? 6. In your next four years as a councillor, if you get in, what will you do to make a difference?

WINDERMERE WARD

SARAH HATHWAY

My name is Sarah Hathway, I live in Norlane with my partner and two-year-old daughter and I’m a candidate in Windermere Ward for the upcoming Greater Geelong City Council Elections. I’m a member of Socialist Alliance and a union organiser in the health sector. I know what it takes to build community campaigns. Windermere is a large area for North Geelong out to Little River that seems to be neglected and ignored. If elected I am one vote on council which is why I want to work with community members across to ward to identify what issues are important to them that we can campaign around.

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3. NO. I don’t believe the interests of working people are being represented our that our Council is doing enough to advocate to the community. This is why I’ve put my hand up to see things can be done differently. I have been working as a union organiser for close to three years in the 4. 5.

6.

My name is Monique Connell. I am a mum of two (7yrs and 3yrs), and I am running for council to get climate action happening in Geelong. I want Geelong to have a vibrant community with job growth, education and infrastructure invested in to future proof our city. We need new fresh faces in council who understand what the community needs, and are not just helping out their mates in business and making decisions that only benefit a few. We need to invest in renewable energy, world-class recycling, community gardens, more efficient, reliable, and clean public transport. https://www.facebook.com/ vote1MoniqueConnellforWindermere

1. I have never been a councillor before. To bring climate activism into every decision the council makes. 3.

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Windermere Ward. The Council seems to be very CBD centric, we’ve recently seen attempts from Council to partially destroy award winning architecture in relation to the Green Spine as a result the State Government had to step in and take control of the road. Now history seems to be repeating itself with discussions around vehicle access through Lt Malop St to Moorabool St. These issues are important but there is more to Geelong than the CBD. There are areas in Norlane and Corio that don’t even have proper footpaths, lack tree coverage, public toilets or parks. We need to get the basics right. We also need council to step up and advocate for the Geelong community to all levels of government to ensure we get funding for projects like the Northern ARC. I am not running as a career politician or developer looking to further my own interests. I’m running because I want to work with and empower the community in the northern suburbs of Geelong to campaign for the issues that they care about. I want to ensure that the council provided services are retained and expanded and I will oppese any attempts to privatise or contact out services, or sell off council land and assests.

I currently work for the state government but I am also a qualified teacher, sports scientist and I have a degree in architecture. I have worked in schools all over Geelong, designed buildings, preserved artwork, worked in research, ans worked with the AFL. Windermere Ward JOBS, healthcare, education. The Windermere ward is quite large and contains both rural and urban communities who have both been hit hard b COVID. Investments in insfrustracture and job growth in the North is paramount. Build a world-class recycling system to create jobs and deal with all the rubbish we cannot ship to China using the fed gov’s $600 miliion Recycling Modernisation Fund develop a better, more efficient, and reliable public transport system, foster community gardening and education.

ENAMUL HAQUE

Hi, I am a proud resident of Corio, living with my wife (a medical doctor at Geelong Hospital) and my four year old son. Due to my vast experience in professional and educational fields, I believe I am the perfect Councillor Candidate to help improve the Windermere Ward in the Greater Geelong City Council.

I hold a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (University of Sydney), contributing to research nation-wide as a Research Fellow at Deakin University, RMIT University, University of New South Wales, University of Wollongong and University of Sydney.

Diverse community and commercial relationships are crucial to me. I am involved with many community networks, which possess leadership experience. This experience would

help greatly in my contribution to the Windermere Ward. Sectors I strive to improve include: Enhancing post-pandemic support for all residents. Providing scientific and technological support to struggling local farmers. Initiating more local projects to create more jobs. Introducing new and more frequent bus routes. Expanding and improving railway station & car parks in Lara, Corio and Little River. Boosting the economy through the promotion of local businesses. Creating new community hubs and leisure centres to help unify the area. Establishing new health centres and early childhood learning services for the growing population. Encouraging sustainable development to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a clean environment.

With my professional experiences and educational background, I am the perfect candidate for our community. I strive to make the Windermere Ward a beautiful, liveable and resourceful area for all residents, establishing it as one of the best residential areas in Greater Geelong.

I listen to the community and I care about your voice. Support me and I will represent you. ………………………………………

Dr Enamul Haque [ Councillor Candidate for Windermere ]

Research Officer – RMIT University

Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Deakin University

PhD – The University of Sydney

BILLARINE WARD

TOM OCONNOR

ANDREW ALEXANDER

Good to talk earlier today and the very best with this your latest journey.

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5. Yes . from 2004 -08.

Ensure our Bellarine community has a primary say and role in the future for The Bellarine.

Several including raising a family of four from Quantity Surveying - Cadet Patrol Officer TPNG - Transport Manager ACTA, Adelaide - Logistics Manager Alcoa, Point Henry - Business owner Glassmetal Industries, Silk Screen & Sign Factory and Cryo Grind Geelong – Consultant / Project Management – Council and full time community activist

Bellarine Ward.

The primary issue is for our community townships to come together and determine their individual and collective needs and expectations for the next 5 years, such that Geelong follows our example.

6. Inspire township[s to determine their needs and expectations and work with each on an individual and collective basis in conjunction with Council staff.

As a first-time candidate, I believe Kardinia Ward needs a new voice on Council who will bring fresh ideas and cooperative leadership. I am 41 and a father of two primary school children. I am a small business owner and lawyer with qualifications in management, public policy, law, philosophy, political science, and education. I have been a secondary school teacher in local schools, a commercial and family lawyer in Melbourne, and now manage a local law firm. My volunteer community involvement includes: multicultural ambassador with the AFL; community representative with the Victorian Multicultural Commission; and, currently a board member of The Geelong Swimming Club Foundation. 1. 2.

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6. No I am committed to a vision for Greater Geelong that sees it develop into a smart, sustainable, and creative city. Teacher, Lawyer, Small Business Owner, and Company Director. Kardinia Ward Creating job opportunities; Youth mental health; Review of how rates are calculated; Business support; Accessible public transport; Better social, road and recreational infrastructure, particularly in the Southern Suburbs; and, Sustainable rubbish and recycling services. Please see my flyer or media release for more information. If elected, I will take action to ensure that Council delivers: (1) Projects that attract young people to live, study, work and invest in our community which will boost our local economy and stimulate new 3. job opportunities; (2) Improved parking, traffic management and integrated and accessible public transport infrastructure; (3) Sustainable rubbish and recycling services that minimise our waste production; and, (4) Better planning outcomes that help position Geelong as a major Australian tourist destination.

I am a social worker, mother of two teenage children and have lived in Barwon Heads for the last 19 years. Population growth, development and the impacts of climate change are significant issues facing the Bellarine. The Council has declared a Climate Emergency. If elected I would say NO to behaviors, projects, industries and business as usual and YES to smart urban and rural design- for buildings, businesses and communities, focused on water, energy, food, transport, waste and consumption, that creates jobs, regenerates nature and enriches lives. This is my first time standing as an Independent for Bellarine Ward www.putclimatefirst.org.

NAOMI ADAMS

STEPHANIE ASHER

I have lived in Ocean Grove for 13 years and love the community atmosphere and beautiful environment. I live with my two senior rescue dogs and I foster other animals when I can. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, time at the beach with my dogs, practicing yoga, reading, attending live music events, going to local markets, road trips, and amateur photography, especially capturing the human-animal bond. I am Regional Group Leader for the Animal Justice Party Western Victoria. I am involved in various local community initiatives including Geelong Against Live Export, animal rescue and rehab groups, and local mental health, LGBTIQ and climate change activities. I am proudly endorsed by the Animal Justice Party (AJP), whose values are kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence.

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3. No I am passionate about the wellbeing of my diverse community and I want to ensure that ALL of the residents of the Bellarine Peninsula have a strong voice in Council. I want to see more women in positions of leadership and influence. I want to see more diversity in Council. I want to make a difference for the animals, humans and the environment. I am a Psychologist with over 20 years experience working as a counsellor and previously a youth worker, in a range of

1. 2. 3. 5. 6. Hi. I’m Melissa Cadwell. I’m a Geelong local, like you. I grew up in St Albans Park, and I’ve lived here all my life. I’m a resident and ratepayer. I live on the same street that I grew up on where I’ve bought a house. I went to Geelong East Primary School and Geelong High School. I’m very committed to my local community. I’ve run several community campaigns to help local working families, increasing their take home wage, and keep them safe at work. Having lived all my life in eastern Geelong, I won’t just blow in and blow out like some other candidates when it’s election time. My life has not always been easy, and I know what it’s like to do it tough – but I’ve worked hard to overcome the hurdles I’ve faced. I grew up in a single parent family, after my father’s death from a workplace accident, and I’ve overcome a life-threatening childhood illness. I was born and raised in Bell Park and educated in North Geelong and together with my wife Paula, raised a family in Brownbill and have a genuine interest in the well-being of the Ward. I have a long history of community service particularly of the ethnic communities of Geelong in my former capacity as President and Chairman of the Geelong Ethnic Communities Council, the Geelong Migrant Resource Centre and the Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS). I am also a former member of the Refugee Review Tribunal and am a proud current serving member of the Australian Defence Force as a Specialist Reserve Legal Officer. served as a City of Greater Geelong Councillor for seventeen years, including a term as Mayor. This extensive experience will enable me to bring a unique skill set and knowledge to Geelong’s Council. I have returned to Geelong and feel impassioned to return onto the Council to help community based, local government and health services. In my counselling career I supported residents of the Bellarine Peninsula for nine years, and when working in community health I represented my team as a union delegate. Prior to this career I worked predominantly in sales and hospitality sectors. 4. Bellarine • Lake Connewarre wetlands should become family friendly, safe, eco-tourism locations. • Dangerous poison baits (that have devastating effects not only on the targeted species, but on native wildlife and domestic animals) need to be replaced with alternative methods of introduced species control. • The Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) needs to address backyard breeding, assist with affordable de-sexing, registration and microchipping, and instant re-unification when companion animals become lost. • Assisting local businesses with recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as the Bellarine is a tourist destination. • Protecting green spaces and wildlife corridors. • Supporting environmental projects that address the climate crisis. • Addressing erosion of our coastlines. • Capping housing development I got a university education in my thirties, working full time & studying at night over 8 years. I now work as a union organiser, helping all kinds of workers secure better conditions at work. I’m asking for your vote at this election because I want to see people like us get a fair go from council. a change from Council. There’s no-one like me currently on council. Which means that decisions are being made by people that don’t represent or understand my community. I think its time that we had people on council who do. professional experience across many different industries - construction, hospitality, not for profit sector, vocational education, public health research, and the labour movement - so I bring a lot of varled skills and experience to the role of Councilor. CBD and the fashionable bits of town. We never see them around my area in eastern Geelong Geelong revive and thrive in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. To succeed, Geelong needs a reinvigorated vision that tackles head on the challenges ahead but at the same time identifies and builds on Geelong’s strengths and advantages. I have extensive business and local government experience which equips me with unique skills and knowledge to help steer the City through these challenging times. accountant and ADF Reservist over the past 25 years, in Australia, the UK and Europe. Most recently, I was Group Legal Director and Main Board Director of Specsavers Optometry Group which employees over 35000 people worldwide and has a global turnover of over $3 billion per annum. have lived all our life and where we have raised and educated our three children. infrastructure including roads, drains footpaths, park and playgrounds. • 5. Improving public transport and bicycle tracks. I am passionate about social justice, animal advocacy and environmental issues. Throughout my career and my involvement in community activities, I have developed very successful community consultation and engagement skills, and I will consult the diverse range of Bellarine community members and community groups to ensure that they all have a voice. I will endeavour to achieve outcomes on the issues outlined above, as well as advocate strongly for other needs identified by my community – I work for you!

I will always make decisions based on the core values of the Animal Justice Party - Kindness, Equality, Rationality and Non-Violence.

Although I am endorsed by the Animal Justice Party, I am not a ‘single issue’ candidate (nor are we a ‘single issue party’) - I will advocate for the well-being of all residents of the Bellarine

I was honoured to be elected in 2017 and to be the first Bellarine-based Mayor of Greater Geelong. My priority is listening to local voices and helping people with council issues. My passion is improving professional standards and promoting clear and honest communication from council. Local people tell me they want rates spent on shared trails, swimming pools, arts venues, libraries, decent roads and local streetscapes, and our peninsula protected and developed in a respectful, sustainable way. I led unanimous council support for prioritising climate change action and considering sustainability across all activities in the organisation. Critically for the Bellarine, our council also endorsed the Settlement Strategy in 2020 which limits new residential developments outside defined town boundaries. If re-elected, I will continue to protect our unique townships, drive the North Bellarine pool project, create trail links and bike paths, involve local expertise and set higher organisational performance targets.

4. Yes, councillor since 2017, mayor 2019-20 To ensure the Bellarine community has the infrastructure it needs and has a strong voice at council. Management consultant, sustainability specialist, corporate affairs manager. Bellarine Managing growth in a sustainable way, communicating effectively with council Continue to get things done, make sure the Bellarine ward gets its fair share of budget, speak up for the community

BROWNBILL WARD

MELISSA CADWELL

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4. 5. NO I reckon its time people like me got a fair go for I’m a mature, tertiary educated woman, with Brownbill Our current Councillors only care about Geelong community, animals and humans alike. because they never venture out of the inner suburbs. But they are supposed to represent everyone in the ward. It’s just not fair that our community misses out on council funding and projects, just because there’s no-one like us from where we’re from, on council. This will only change when we elect someone who’ll stick up for the outer suburbs.

• I’ll represent the ‘forgotten people’ in the outer suburbs to ensure Council considers everyone’s needs & interests when making decisions and funding projects. • I’ll never vote to cut, privatise or contract out council jobs or the services they provide.

• I’ll oppose increased costs for critical services like kindergarten, childcare, leisure centres, homecare and meals on wheels.

• I’ll support projects providing good, secure local jobs, delivering real benefits for our community, like

STRETCH KONTELJ

1.

2. Prior to my overseas appointment in 2015, I After five years living and working overseas,

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5. I have worked as a lawyer, university professor, Brownbill Ward in which my wife Paula and I -Improvement and development of basic facilities upgrades for local sporting clubs. - Protection of our environment, heritage buildings and neighbourhood character. - Development of sports clubrooms and facilities and increased funding for public open space, dog friendly parks and bike lanes where appropriate. - Economic and environmental sustainability and creation of jobs. - Fostering of the arts and culture to help revive the CBD.

6. Sporting Clubs and cultural Associations will need support to emerge from hibernation. I look forward to reengaging with Clubs and Associations and will strongly advocate for increased funding for sporting grounds, clubrooms, cultural programs and the arts. Cost of living is challenging all residents and businesses. I will work to cap rates at or below inflation, fight to protect heritage and neighbourhood character and lobby for increased footpath and road maintenance funding. I will be tough on hoons and graffiti. I appreciate the havoc wreaked by the current economic crisis and will champion support for businesses and jobs.

GABRIEL WENYIKA

PETER JOHN MURRIHY

Hi I’m Gabriel, I’m running for council in the Brownbill Ward, for City of Greater Geelong. I moved to Geelong from Zimbabwe in 2006 to study Law and International Relations at Deakin University, 14 years later I am proud to call Geelong home. I am married and my wife and I are expecting our first child later this year. I am a lawyer by training and I have loved getting into the community by serving as a Board Member of OneCare Geelong. I also volunteer with Red Frogs Australia, a chaplaincy network that seeks to provide a positive peer presence in alcohol - fuelled environments where young people gather.

1.

2. No I have not been a councillor before.

I want to give young people a voice as well as the multicultural community so that I am able to help as many people as possible. 4.

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6. I am a lawyer by training, currently though I work for the Australian Bureau of Statistics here in Geelong.

Brownbill

There needs to be an improved recycling and hard waste management system, there needs to be more regularly and reliable transport particularly on weekends and more opportunities for young people.

I will seek to give voice to the concerns of the community as a whole, encourage a multicultural viewpoint on all matters before the council, ensure that young people are represented and heard in decision making. I will also consider all issues before the council upon their merits and in line with the Geelong City Councils Strategic Plan and for good of the Geelong community as a whole. Increase the awareness of and expand Hard Waste Collection Services to reduce the dumping of white goods and other hard waste. I will seek to increase support for the Arts and for local businesses and evoke strong action on climate change.

Hi everyone, My name is Peter Murrihy and I am someone who is passionate about Geelong and its future. What is special about Geelong is it’s lifestyle. Being just down the road from Melbourne, close to the Bellarine and a short drive to some of the best beaches in Australia. This is why Geelong is unique. I have been involved in Community sport for over 40 years and I just love this involvement. I am a Life Member of St Marys Sporting Club, been Senior Coach of Newtown and Geelong Amateurs. I am currently the President of The Geelong Racing Club and I have previously been President of the Lorne surf club. I am the proud Father of 3 daughters and we are all so fortunate to be able to call Geelong home

If re elected this will be my 3rd time on Council and I do this because I want to make a positive difference. I am a Retired Policeman and I am standing for the Brownbill Ward. I speak about the lifestyle enjoyed by many in Geelong but I think one of the main issues facing all Councillors is the ability of all Geelong Residents to enjoy this lifestyle. A couple of issues I would like to see addressed in the next 4 years is a complete refurbishment of Landy Field and the Kardinia Park precinct.

KARDINIA WARD

BRUCE HARWOOD

ATAMJIT SINGH

I was born and raised in Geelong and attended Geelong College, The Gordon TAFE and Deakin University. I am a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I am also involved in and strongly support the following community organisations - Headspace Geelong, Geelong Bloodbank - Blood / Plasma donor since 1985, Geelong Environmental Council, Geelong Community Foundation, Friends of the Barwon River, Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek, Geelong Library Corporation, Cycling Victoria.

My interests include music , cycling , motor bikes and writing comedy.

1. I was first elected to council in 2003 so about 16 years all up and have been elected as Mayor for over 4 years and Deputy Mayor for 5 years. 2.

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For me it’s to continue to be a strong community voice advocating for all on relevant topics in particular focusing on the health & well being of our community and the environment. And also keep a close watch on our economy as we recover from COVID.

Victorian Policeman (25 years as a Detective mainly in the crime squads - Major Crime, Homicide, and local crime investigation units), Director of a waste water treatment company (using organic processes instead of chemicals) , and built a company that redirects about 40,000 tonnes of wood waste each year from landfill to create a bio energy fuel source.

Kardinia Ward 5.

6. Planning how our ward and region will manage growth. Particularly infill density of established suburbs and infrastructure required for the new growth suburbs. While not compromising a healthy environment trying to retain neighbourhood character , amenity and connectivity.

Remain committed to the role, consult with and listen to the community. I’m always accessible to the community to hear their voice with an outcome focused attitude. And I’ll be working to increase the attention to our environment and the health and well being of the community.

“9 years experience working as a community worker. I understand the grassroots community issues. I have represented the Sikh and Indian communities at various Multicultural platforms. As a professional Education consultant, I work closely with young students and understand the role of education in community’s growth. Vision for PROGRESSIVE, DECISIVE AND DIVERSE GEELONG. Advocate for sustainable planning, better roads, modern sports and recreation facilities, achieving Climate Change targeted framework, better parks, new Libraries in the growth regions and continuous upgrade of existing libraries, work toward fixing the problem of unauthorized Graffiti. A vision for a more liveable city” 1.

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5. NO

As a migrant this city has given me a lot and I will take every opportunity to give it back to the community. I want Geelong to be more Progressive, council decision making process must improve and there is the need to share equal social and economic resources with CLAD communities.

I manage Education Consultancy Company

Kardinia

Region needs immediate attention towards road infrastructure, sports facilities and sustainable planning 6. Advocate for sustainable planning, better roads, modern sports and recreation facilities, achieving Climate Change targeted framework, better parks, new Libraries in the growth regions and continuous upgrade of existing libraries, work toward fixing the problem of unauthorized Graffiti. A vision for a more liveable city.