MOSMAN MAIL
Meet your Local Council Candidates.
Dear Readers,
As our local elections approach, understanding each candidate’s vision is crucial. In this special edition, we offer an unbiased look at those seeking your vote, aiming to equip you with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions.
Inside, you’ll find detailed profiles, key policy stances, and essential voter information— everything to help you vote confidently on September 14.
I encourage you to engage with this material, discuss it, and participate actively in shaping Mosman and North Sydney local government areas. Your vote is your voice (and it’s also compulsory!)
Anna x
We asked each lead candidate to provide us with around 250 words outlining their motivation for running and their top priorities for the community if elected. Each candidate’s response is presented in the order they appear on the ballot.
MOSMAN LGA
SIMON MENZIES 03
ROY BENDALL 04
COLLEEN GODSELL 05
ANN MARIE KIMBER 06
JOHN WAKEFIELD 07
NORTH SYDNEY - CAMMERAYGAL
SARAH SIEW-LING KOK 08
MARYANN BEREGI 09
ANGUS HOY 10
SHANNON WELCH 11
PETER NOBLE 12
JESSICA KEEN 13
PALLAVI SINHA 14
NORTH SYDNEY - ST LEONARDS
ZOE BAKER 15
JAMES SPENCELEY 16
MICHAEL WANT 17
GODFREY SANTER 18
Simon Menzies
INDEPENDENT
Mosman has been my home for over 40 years, and five generations of my family have lived here. I have had the pleasure of raising my daughter in this community and have been actively involved in local schools and sports committees, both as a parent and a child.
I’ve coached local rugby and hockey teams, enjoy playing lawn bowls, and love calling raffles at various social clubs. This year marks my 20th anniversary as a Mosman Councillor.
My candidacy is built on experience and independence. It is crucial for a new Mayor to have Council experience. With 20 years on Mosman Council and strong leadership skills, I deeply understand our community’s needs and the nuances of council operations.
I believe a council of Independents best serves Mosman. This election includes five candidate groups: three political parties (two major parties and a registered local political party) and two local Independents, including myself.
As an Independent, I prioritise people over politics, making decisions based on each issue’s merits rather than a political agenda. I am committed to addressing local issues effectively, not engaging in party politics or being on council to raise a profile for running for state parliament.
My priorities are:
Ensuring a smooth leadership transition and stability on council.
Ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with community needs.
Balancing development with environmental sustainability. Preserving open spaces, beaches, and bushland.
I will also continue my advocacy for allowing dogs on ferries. I strongly support the current DA for new change facilities at Middle Head Oval. Rawson Oval will be next.
A vote for Simon Menzies is a vote for a safe, reliable, and independent future for Mosman.
great Kim Blackburne.
Although I am nominally a member of the Liberal party, my team is staunchly independent and not answerable to any party machines like Serving Mosman, Labor and the Greens.
I love the Mosman community deeply, and I believe that we can make it even better by lifting service levels and focusing on residents’ needs and our environment. I’m committed to leveraging everything we love about Mosman and taking it to the next level.
I have served on Mosman Council for 12 years, five terms as Deputy Mayor, served on the Mosman Audit Committee and Expenditure Review Committee, I am a former Board member of Taronga Zoo (10 years) and am a current Sydney North Planning Panel Member and Chairman of Northern Metro RFS Bush Fire Management Committee.
We can make Mosman EVEN better by addressing the following issues: Service levels, traffic, excessive development, footpaths, pet-friendly services, vibrancy for our night time economy and assistance for rental residents while protecting and fostering our natural environment.
When the tide rises, all boats rise with it.
It is time to expand the benefits of this community to all residents with the introduction of a 24-hour Council Concierge Service, a rental advisory service, a vibrant night-time economy and a more pet-friendly attitude for our furry friends.
We need to expand our environmental efforts by encouraging more sea grasses so we have turtles in more than one bay.
Colleen Godsell
THE GREENS
My name is Colleen Godsell. I am an educator, a business owner and a community leader.
A member of The Greens and an Australian citizen, I have lived in Mosman since 1986 and raised my family here.
In 2000 I waged a five-year action to save the historic Barn Whaling Station from developers, raised the $1.2 million dollars to restore it and expand its heritage curtilage.
In 2018 I was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia for significant service to youth through Scouting, and roles with educational, historical preservation, Indigenous tourism and social welfare groups.
I am a graduate of the AICD and have served on boards for more than 30 years.
I am a skilled negotiator and activist. A protégé of the late Jack Mundey AO. I know what it is to fight for the things that are precious to us and to never give in or give up.
My vision for Mosman is to focus attention on support and relief for residents in the cost-of-living crisis with additional services. To take an immediate position on the challenges we will face with housing targets versus sustainable development. To negotiate housing strategies that seek to support essential workers so we can attract and retain them.
Bring back low-cost occasional care and provide much needed free mental health services together with meaningful waste and climate change strategies.
Ann Marie Kimber
SERVING MOSMAN
I have been a resident of Mosman for 20 years and am running as both a Mayoral and Councillor candidate for Serving Mosman.
Serving Mosman is a registered, non-aligned, independent team.
For the past 15 months, I have worked closely with Mayor Carolyn Corrigan and the team to prepare for this role.
Saturday, 14 September, provides voters the opportunity to give serious consideration to who will represent them for the next four years.
Representing the Mosman community is a great privilege and requires an authentic, forward-thinking leader who can build relationships with other elected representatives, council staff, and the community.
With an MBA and a leadership background in business, healthcare, sport, and community service, I bring a diverse skill set, plus two essential qualities that our Carolyn saw in me: intelligence and character.
I’ve spent six months door-knocking to meet the community and hear from residents about their experiences, needs, and hopes for Mosman’s future. If elected, I will continue to listen to the community and provide the strategic leadership required to prepare Mosman for the future, while understanding how much residents love and cherish this place.
I will continue the good work of Council to enhance our beautiful suburb. My priorities will be to preserve Mosman’s unique character and environment while keeping it dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable.
My independent team and I will focus on environmental protection, advocating for the community’s voice in housing reforms, improving recreational facilities, addressing traffic congestion, and prioritising climate action and transparent governance.
John Wakefield
LABOR
I spent my formative years in the local area, attending North Sydney Boys and Mosman High.
In my twenties I relocated to Bondi, where I eventually served as a Councillor and Mayor.
Twelve years ago, planning our children’s education, Mosman drew me back. Our three children are enrolled in local schools, enjoying all that Mosman has to offer.
Mosman is a great place to live but there are neglected issues. The most important is the Woolworths development on Military Road. I was a convenor of the Mosman Village Community group, which co-ordinated opposition to Woolworths.
Remember, Woolworths wanted a full-scale supermarket, not a Metro. I believe they have only put their big plan on the back burner.
The new Council must protect Mosman Village. Woolworths can be no bigger and no other large supermarket can be developed.
I will initiate a review of the retail zoning and withdraw a Council plan to open Lennon Lane into Belmont Road as my first action.
Mosman Collective readers will be familiar with the bird feeding issue on Spit Road. I will bring this long-neglected problem to a full Council meeting to resolve a way forward with sensitivity to all involved.
Climate change is facing us. I will establish a control group for all Council’s energy and climate initiatives to ensure they are practical and effective, with full auditing to keep us on track and on budget.
I am running as a Labor Party member with residents Alyson Wills and former Councillor Warren Yates.
Sarah Kok
SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA PARTY
As a Cremorne local for more than 15 years, I care passionately about our community’s quality of life.
I’m committed to putting our environment, heritage and community first by standing firm against overdevelopment and fighting systemic unfairness in the NSW planning system that prioritises private profits over the public interest. Our community deserves better!
Protect Our Environment: Demand urgent changes to the Western Harbour Tunnel project including undergrounding of the ventilation facilities, filtering the smoke stacks and reinstating public open space. Advocate for higher canopy targets, new green spaces, safe pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, and clean, thriving harbours. Champion sustainable practices like reuse, recycling, and community-sharing programs.
Stop Overdevelopment: Stand resolute against reckless State Government upzoning and unsustainable housing targets that drastically increase population density without adequate infrastructure or green spaces. Protect our local villages from inappropriate high-rise developments that flout local planning controls. Push for the government to fund and deliver more affordable housing. It’s also time for a heritage review—the last one was nearly 20 years ago!
Stop Corruption: Hold decision-makers accountable by demanding full transparency in how community concerns are factored into planning decisions. Reform biased rules and processes that disadvantage the community.
I have 20 years of professional experience working with governments and the private sector, with capabilities in policy, analysis, economics and stakeholder management. I’m ready to leverage my skills, passion, and determination to make a positive difference for our community in North Sydney.
MaryAnn Beregi
INDEPENDENT - CAMMERAYGAL
MaryAnn was first elected to North Sydney Council in 2012 and is committed to ensuring that the area is an inclusive, vibrant and accessible place for the large community that lives, works or visits the North Sydney LGA.
Over the past term, MaryAnn has worked to ensure Council employs a rigourous, evidence-based and sustainable framework for decision making and is fiscally responsible, sustainable and resilient.
In this term of Council, MaryAnn has served as Council’s delegate to ARIC (the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee) and the Chair of Council’s newly established Access and Inclusion Committee.
As a real independent, I always act in the best interests of North Sydney – I am only accountable to the community I represent, not a political party or vested interest. I have a proven track record of standing up and speaking out in support of North Sydney and making decisions to take North Sydney forward with integrity and fiscal responsibility.
I ask the electorate to vote for me so I can continue to represent their interests and be a strong independent voice on Council.
Now is the time to consolidate the work of the past two years and build an exciting future for North Sydney.
My priorities include securing Council’s financial sustainability; deliver and open the North Sydney Olympic Pool, protecting our community against the impacts of over-development; lobbying for improved public infrastructure – schools, hospitals, public transport, expand green space and new public open space; deliver more affordable housing in partnership with the State and Federal Governments; expand active transport opportunities; focus on expanding youth services and develop additional ways to increase connectivity.
Angus Hoy
THE GREENS
Hi there, my name is Angus Hoy and I’m your Greens candidate for Cammeraygal Ward on North Sydney Council.
Growing up on the Northern Beaches, I was always on and in the water, either kayaking, ski paddling, rowing surfboats or just down at the beach. It’s these experiences that gave me a deep love for nature, and particularly our coastal and marine environments. This evolved into a dedication and desire to protect animals and the world we live in.
I am motivated by a deep sense of solidarity and community and a desire for social, economic and ecological justice, the same core values that are at the heart of the Greens movement.
I believe that when we collectively organise, which starts with engaging in genuine good faith dialogue with those around us and building trust and ties of solidarity, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
But I also know that so many of us are doing it tough right now, and people barely have time to keep their head above water, let alone get involved in community politics.
That’s why I promise that a vote for me, and for the Greens, is a vote you can trust. You can trust that I will always put people and planet before corporate profits. I’ll advocate for renters, for people with disability, for animal welfare, for people struggling with bill shock, for people who want liveable healthy and clean communities. I believe in hard work for the responsibilities I take on, and in collaboration, consultation and compassion guiding every decision.
Shannon Welch
LABOR
I am a Labor councillor in North Sydney, Cammeraygal Ward, having been elected in 2021. Neutral Bay has been my home for over two decades, and it holds a special place in my heart. My children grew up here, attending Cammeraygal Montessori School at Forsyth Park and Neutral Bay Public.
My professional background as an ICU nurse for over 35 years has shaped my approach to public service. Just as I cared for my patients, I care deeply for our community.
My priorities are social justice: continuing to support Stanton Library and our community centres. Sustainability: particularly improving the walkability and rideability of our community. Good governance: poor governance by the previous Council resulted in the North Sydney Olympic Pool debacle.
The present Council resolved that all future major projects must go through a Governance Decision Making Framework to stop another Olympic Pool debacle from happening again. I hope to be reelected so I can continue my work for our wonderful North Sydney community.
Peter Noble
INDEPENDENT - CAMMERAYGAL
My name is Peter Noble and with my wife, we have lived in Milsons Point for 15 years.
I have been an active advocate in the local community, and I believe that, with the help of the constituents and my team, we can substantially improve the lives of the people of North Sydney.
I have significant experience in English and Australian law in Asia, Australia and United States. I am experienced in business, risk management and governance.
With sustainability as a particular interest, I was an inaugural director in a United Nations Environment Program initiative, establishing the Principles of Sustainable Insurance. I have also been a Director and Chairperson for two National Industry R&D corporations developing the technology for the future such as robotics and gene drives.
The CommUnity 1st team members are similarly experienced, bringing legal, landscape architectural, business and finance administration skills to the table.
The team has chosen six initiatives which, when implemented, will enhance the efficiency of Council and deliver the plans for which the constituents have advocated.
We will not ignore your wishes.
Competent management, governance and advocacy along with the experience and skills of the members of the team will bring North Sydney Area back to a greener, more vibrant and prosperous community, and eliminate the factional hostilities.
A vote for our team, CommUnity 1st, is a vote for you.
Jessica Keen
LIBERAL
Jess has been a proud resident of the North Sydney area for over 20 years, having raised her family here.
Deeply connected to the local area, Jess is actively involved in local schools, sporting clubs and charity organisations. She loves her neighbourhood, and can be spotted walking around Neutral Bay and surrounding areas on almost a daily basis with her two dogs.
Jess brings extensive experience, having served on North Sydney Council from 2017 to 2021. During her tenure, she chaired and cochaired several key committees, including Sport & Recreation, and was a member of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.
With nearly 30 years of professional experience in the tourism industry, Jess combines commercial acumen with a strong commitment to public service. If elected, Jess will prioritise the enhancement of community, sporting and social facilities, ensuring that North Sydney residents benefit from ongoing infrastructure and planning developments.
She is dedicated to ensuring the Council’s financial responsibility to help alleviate cost-of-living pressures by keeping rates low. Jess is also passionate about preserving North Sydney’s unique character while advocating for sustainable development and housing options that meet the needs of residents.
Jess is a member of the Liberal Party, and is committed to working collaboratively with all councillors to achieve the best outcomes for the community – keeping rates low, improving the Council’s service delivery and investing in local community and sporting infrastructure.
Pallavi Sinha
INDEPENDENT - CAMMERAYGAL
I’m Pallavi Sinha, Group G, Candidate for Cammeraygal Ward.
As a Lawyer, AFR & Westpac 100 Women of Influence, Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Former People of Australia Ambassador & Former Lifeline Counsellor, former Board member NSW Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity, I’m running to extend my community service to serving as a Councillor.
I’m actively involved with Rotary, local precincts & community groups & I want to provide new ideas & better representation proactively. Top priorities include:
• IMPROVE GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO OPEN NORTH SYDNEY POOL
The pool is about three years behind schedule and has doubled in projected costs.
• REDUCE COST OF LIVING by reducing unnecessary waste of ratepayers’ money.
• BROADEN CONSULTATION WITH RESIDENTS & SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS, enhance local villages’ sustainability, review the new parking metres + car parking policies & paperless facilities.
• PRIORITISE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY and traffic calming, especially with the upcoming bike ramp.
• PRESERVE GREEN & OPEN SPACES and improve playground & sporting facilities, strike the right balance between development and the preservation of heritage areas.
• SPEED UP the review of DAs and get the right balance of development, infrastructure & conservation. North Sydney Council is the second slowest Council to review DAs.
• TAKE ACTION to reduce the high rate of DV (North Sydney has the highest rate of DV) & mental health problems.
• LOBBY GOVERNMENT, e.g. oppose the possible introduction of two-way tolls to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Zoë Baker
INDEPENDENT - ST LEONARDS
Zoë was first elected to Council in 2008 and brings energy, intelligence and integrity to her role.
As Mayor, Zoë has worked diligently to build and strengthen community connections across the diverse groups that make North Sydney such a special place in which to live, study and work.
She has a passion for urban design and planning and a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in all aspects of Council decision making. As a true independent, I am not affiliated with any party or large donors, and operate free from vested interests.
This has been a short term – two years instead of four – and I want to continue the work, after a decade of chaos, of returning Council to a responsive, community-focused organisation committed to real public participation, transparency, sustainability and integrity.
There is a real risk that the good policies and projects of this Council may be abandoned without champions at the elected level who share the values of and commitment to the priorities of our community.
My priorities include delivering and opening the North Sydney Pool whilst ensuring the Council finances are strong, sustainable and resilient; addressing the devastating environmental impacts of State Government major road projects and the needs of an increasing population; securing the return of public open space at Cammeray, Anzac, St Leonards and Bradfield Parks; addressing social isolation and inclusion. And, the issues, priorities and expectations that have emerged from Council’s once-in-a generation community engagement on the next 10 years.
James Spenceley
INDEPENDENT - ST LEONARDS
I am an award-winning (2x Entrepreneur of the Year) businessperson and current Councillor who has lived in the LGA for 20 years across Crows Nest, North Sydney, and Cremorne.
As a councillor, I have no alliances and a transparent, truly independent voting record. As a result, I can operate with fierce independence on each item that affects our community.
Achievements in my first term include rescinding the Neutral Bay planning study that allowed for up to 12-storey redevelopments around the town centre. Protecting cottages around Cremorne Orpheum as well as approving sensible developments in the transport hub areas.
I believe in a balanced approach to development, respecting our area’s character but assisting in creating affordable housing for our essential workers and opening our area to the younger generation and downsizers.
My mantra is ‘commonsense over politics’, and my goal is to create an efficient and easy-to-deal with Council. North Sydney is at the bottom of DA response times and general service efficiency; these are areas where technology and business experience can add value.
With business operations, large-scale project management, governance, strong finance and technology background, I believe I can continue to add further value to our Council
We need to be proud of our Council, and a vote for me comes with a commitment that I’ll continue to do my absolute best for residents.
Michael Want
SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA PARTY
I live in Crows Nest and care deeply about our local environment and quality of life. I have a strong community focus, having been involved with kids’ basketball and rugby in North Sydney and Lane Cove. My three adult children all attended school in North Sydney.
I have a Degree in Building Science and am a self-employed consultant in the Project Management and Built Environment space, in which I have worked for over 40 years.
I also have a passion for sport and recreation, having played rugby for Queensland and also in France and the USA.
We need to ensure Council is as responsive to community needs as possible, whether it be in fixing local roads or addressing community concerns about overdevelopment. I would like to continue the strong work of current Sustainable Australia Party Councillor William Bourke.
Another area of significant interest in business is Economically Sustainable Development and environmental issues. I am passionate about climate change and ensuring this generation passes on a better planet to my children and grandchildren.
Godfrey Santer
LABOR
I have been a resident of North Sydney for 30 years, a registered member of the Labor Party for 11 years, a North Sydney Councillor since January 2022 and I am currently Deputy Mayor.
Prior to running for Council, I ran a successful business in North Sydney, after a career as a diplomat with overseas postings in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and then as Deputy Managing Director of the Australian Tourist Commission.
I am running for Council again because, given the short amount of time we have been given in the current Council term due to Covid, I want to continue the progress we have made in introducing needed social and economic reform in the LGA.
My motivations in running for Council include:
Ensuring that, while agreeing to contribute to solving the housing crisis, in any new property development, we fight for associated necessary infrastructure, especially the inclusion of a substantial, permanent affordable housing component, adequate utilities, recognition of heritage architecture and enhancement of parks and public spaces.
• Increasing North Sydney’s uptake of renewable energy and the environment.
• Promoting the establishment and maintenance of small business –especially a local tourism industry.
• Establishment of a better waste management system; overcoming the loss of open space and vegetation resulting from expansion of the Freeway.
• Recognition of the need to preserve our LGA’s architectural heritage.
• Developing relationships with my fellow Councillors based on negotiation towards an agreed outcome based on compromise, rather than conflict, a policy rather than personality-based approach.
