Candidates for Friberg ward and Dobson ward have sent us information. Results for the Knox Council elections will be finalised by 15th November.

For more information, visit vec.vic.gov.au or call 13 18 32.

Friberg Ward

Re-elect Susan Laukens for Friberg Ward

As your independent voice on Knox City Council, it has been an honour to serve as Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Friberg Ward Councillor over the past four years. I am not aligned with any political party—my commitment is to you, the residents of Friberg Ward.

Together, we have accomplished much, but there is still work to do. I am dedicated to ensuring your rates are spent wisely, delivering fair and equitable services, and maintaining a financially sustainable Knox. I will continue to focus on creating safe, vibrant neighbourhoods with infrastructure that supports local groups and enhances our community.

I’ll keep advocating for balanced planning, ensuring appropriate housing developments in the right areas while protecting the character of our neighbourhoods.

Vote 1 Susan Laukens to continue serving you and building a better Friberg. Follow me on Facebook for updates on my work for our community.

Parisa Considine

My name is Parisa Considine, a proud Friberg Ward resident dedicated to our community. I migrated to Australia over 18 years ago, and am committed to giving back to the community that welcomed me. With my background in social work and accounting, I am prepared to serve you effectively.

My simple message is ‘Back to Basics.’ My priorities include restoring regular yellow bin collection, repairing our roads and footpaths, no rate increases through better financial management, and enhancing transparency. I aim to support local businesses and ensure financial support for seniors, improving community security with more CCTV and public lighting in high-risk areas. Providing affordable services for our sporting clubs.

I value your feedback and aspire to work together to create a vibrant community. I would be honoured to have the opportunity to serve you. Please feel free to call me on 0425 152 245.

Dobson Ward

Meagan Baker: Four years of dedication

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be re-nominating as your Independent candidate for Dobson Ward. There’s still so much work to be done, and I’m ready to continue this journey with you.

I’ve grown from my background in nursing to become a dedicated politician and advocate for Dobson Ward. Serving you has been an honour. My commitment remains the same. I will keep advocating for what matters to you, ensuring your rates are used wisely, and working tirelessly to make positive changes.

I’m asking for your support once again. Vote 1 Meagan Baker for Dobson Ward Councillor. Contact mbaker4dobson2024@gmail.com or call 0478 701 811.

Emily Cox for Knox

Emily Cox is your local, independent candidate for Dobson (covering Upper Ferntree Gully, parts of Ferntree Gully and Lysterfield, and a corner of Boronia).

Having lived most of her life here, Emily has a strong connection to the Foothills and surrounds. She loves supporting locals, both volunteer organisations and small businesses; encouraging social, environmental and economic development. She wants everyone in Dobson to feel this is a home for life.

‘Being an engineer with a strong community focus, I have a well-suited skill set to be an effective councillor, looking to strengthen our community and protect our local spaces for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future. I am here to listen, and represent you.’

She would love to hear from you! Contact Emily on 0483 938 938, or email hello@emilycoxforknox.com.au. You can also follow her Facebook page.

Tony Holland

Tony Holland grew up in Knox, went to school in Knox, got married in Knox, and bought his home in Knox. His children were born at the Angliss, baptised at St John’s, and he opened his first business in Knox. Tony was also pleased to be a part of the Bendigo Bank that approved and funded the new Village tree lights.

If elected, Tony will focus on rates, roads and rubbish, and protecting our local environment.

For the past 12 years Tony has been actively involved with many community groups, clubs and charities. Tony was a director of the Ferntree Gully Bendigo Bank. During his 12 years he held many roles including deputy chair and marketing director. Most of the groups supported are serving the community of Dobson. Contact Tony on 0427 190 389.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Bendigo Bank Ferntree Gully have advised that they do not support any inference by candidate Tony Holland in relation to their organisation.

The Bank does not endorse this former director or any candidate in the council elections and we apologize to the community for any unintentional misrepresentation.

Joe Stroud: A real voice for Knox

I’m Joe Stroud, your candidate for Dobson. If elected, I’m committed to restoring vital council services, bringing back weekly rubbish collections, protecting and expanding our council-run childcare and kinder, providing in-home care options and committing absolutely to rate capping.

Cutting wasteful spending can provide these essential services. Our residents need genuine council services, not new coloured bin-lids and thought bubbles. As a local cricket club president/executive member of the FTGDCA, I know the invaluable contribution sport makes to our community.

Raising my family in Ferntree Gully, I understand the importance of a strong community; I am also Vice President of Kent Park Primary School Council. Professionally, I am Chief of Operations for a National Charity supporting victims of sexual abuse. I am also Chair/co-founder of National Survivors’ Day.

Together we can create the change we wish to see and the future our amazing community deserves. Ph 0493 194 518 or email Joestroudforknox@gmail.com

Save the date – Dobson Ward Meet the Candidates Community Event

The Village Township Group has arranged a ‘Meet the Candidates’ community event, to be held on Saturday 5 October commencing at 2pm at the Ferntree Gully CFA hall in The Avenue.

Candidates will each be given the opportunity for a three minute overview of their reasons for nominating and background. This will be followed by questions from the audience to ensure that candidates understand the issues important to the community. The event will have a mediator and will be conducted in a respectful, nonthreatening and fair manner.

A great opportunity to make an informed choice on who will represent you at Knox Council from 2024 to 2028. Enquiries: villagetownshipgroup.ftg@gmail.com