Ward 2 - Group A:
1. Leo Kelly, Labor
What qualifies you to represent the community?
- Long Term Resident 53 years
- over 30 years Local Government experience
- Vice President Local Government Superannuation Board
- Patron various Sporting & Community Groups
- Awarded OAM for services to Local Government and the Blacktown Community (2003)
What do you hope to achieve on council?
To continue the progress to ensure Blacktown continues to be a great place to live, work and play.
2. Julie Griffiths, Labor
What qualifies you to represent the community?
- Long Term Resident. I was raised in Seven Hills, went to school at Our Lady of Lourdes and Nagle Girls High School
- I have been involved in the local community through my commitment to sport, holding Australian and state coaching positions
- I was elected to the Local Government Association 2010-2011
- Currently the President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (NSW Branch)
- Patron of the Blacktown Districts Soccer Football Association
- At council level I sit on the Animal Advisory Committee, Youth Committee & Aboriginal Advisory Committee
What do you hope to achieve while on council?
- Continue a strong viable council with sound economic management
- Ensure the highest quality community services and facilities
- Improved infrastructure, local jobs and investment into our wonderful city
3. Nicole Scott, Labor
What qualifies you to represent the community?
I'm a sole parent and running for council as a resident for residents. I successfully ran Kings Langley Soccer Club as the club secretary for a few years.
What do you hope to achieve on council?
Sports need to be more affordable for our kids, especially families with two or more children. I'd like to the community shoulder a bit more responsibility for our seniors through community groups and have our youth engage in a program that encourages them to hear another side of life from their experiences and offer a helping hand to our seniors. I want to see an improvement to our parking in and around Blacktown especially to access our Health facilities.
Ward 2 - Group B:
1. Bernie Gesling, Christian Democratic Party
2. Kaia Thorpe, Christian Democratic Party
What qualifies you to represent the community?
- Lived in Hills District 40 years with 14 in Seven Hills.
- Grown-up family.
- Ex TAFE teacher at Baulkham Hills TAFE.
- Candidate for Baulkham Hills at last State Elections.
- Working for Rev Fred Nile in his office.
- Hon Secretary of Australian Christian Nation Association Inc.
What do you hope to achieve on council?
To uphold Australia’s Christian Constitution by applying the Ten Commandments. I would:
a) Oppose same-sex marriage and support traditional family values.
b) Reject any mosque application
c) Reject brothel applications - prostitution is unsuitable for student work experience.
d) Harness the energies of our youth to become socially active and helpful.
e) Reinstate the Police Station at Seven Hills, adding a drop-in-centre for new residents, young people and guidance, with a Chaplain available 24/7.
f) Help new arrivals to integrate, especially from overseas
g) Clamp down on all illegal drugs including marijuana.
3. Dave Vincent, Christian Democratic Party
Ward 2 - Group C:
1. Len Robinson, Liberal
2. Mark Holmes, Liberal
3. Chris Winslow, Liberal
What qualifies you to represent the community?
Chris is the public officer of the Glenwood Community Association (GCA) and a director of VandalTrak Ltd. He has lived in Glenwood for 14 years. Whether it was standing at the shops with a petition for a better bus service, campaigning for more cricket nets, rubbish bins and trees, suggesting changes to our local roads, or lobbying to have the Stanhope Leisure Centre open earlier, he has tried continuously to get improved delivery of council services and to maintain the amenity of Ward 2. He has organised the GCA’s Graffiti Action Day (2011) and its Clean Up Australia Day (2011 and 2012). Many people would know him as a regular contributor to the VandalTrak and GCA facebook pages and through the local eyewatch groups. On most Saturday and Sunday mornings, he can be found with a paintbrush in hand, busily removing graffiti.
What do you hope to achieve on council?
I want to transform Blacktown into a city known for its energy efficient buildings and sustainable developments. I will strive to make our city a magnet for investment in education, research and good jobs in growth industries. I want a council that provides more and better services by working more efficiently.
Ward 2 - Group D:
1. Colin Atwood, Independent
What qualifies you to represent the community?
An independent voice and a strong commitment to public service.
What do you hope to achieve on council?
- Initiate a review of the sports facilities with the intention to build more indoor basketball courts and tennis courts to address growing demand within Ward 2.
- Construct toilet facilities and allow budget for its ongoing maintenance at glenwood Park Reserve and other outdoor community recreational venues.
- Install lighting to walkways across reserves from M7 to Seven Hills railway station.
- Introduce zebra line marking at roundabouts with a proposed speed limit of 25 k/ph.
- Review the childcare program to make it more responsive, safe and cost effective for the community.
2. Rodolfo Limguangco, Independent
3. Celestino Velasco, Independent