2008 Northern California Graffiti Trade Show and Conference

Nominated-Australian of the Year 2003 in recognition of work in Graffiti Abatement

Current Elected Councillor –City of Casey, Victoria, Australia.

Director—Graffiti Hurts Australia

Founder—Residents Against Graffiti Everywhere.

Speaking on City of Casey’s zero graffiti policy incorporating- Eradication---Education---Enforcement.

I'm pleased to introduce myself, having served in 2003 before being re-elected in 2005.

I sit on a number of committees such as Casey Fields Steering Committee, Cranbourne Aquatic and Leisure Centre Committee, Cranbourne West Development Plan Steering Committee, Cranbourne Community Plan Steering Committee, as well as promoting outside interests such as the Residents Against Graffiti Everywhere educational resource guide, and Graffiti Hurts. My partner Julia and I also sit on the Cranbourne Blue Light Disco committee.

Previously I have served as president of the Cranbourne and Districts Residents Association and was a founding member of Victims of Crime Awareness Week Association and Cranbourne Focus Group Inc.

There are no qualifications needed to be a Councillor except to have a desire and willingness to do your best for your local area and wider municipality. I believe we all have talent and skills, and by working with residents we have the greatest opportunity to make change for the better.

One of the reasons I nominated for council was to ensure those most in need are not forgotten by Governments-hence my work to assist and advocate on behalf of special needs children, and for those who are vulnerable to falling through the cracks.

I am also affiliated with various car clubs (which is of benefit in supporting Cranbourne's GP wave-off), as well as the Save a Dog scheme. I have a great love for dogs and animals. I'm also a member of Sellen (South East Local Learning and Employment Network) as well as the Public Transport Users Association. Public transport is a major issue, and to assist with my lobbying, I helped launch Casey and Cardinia communities for public transport.

Locally I helped establish, and personally donated to Cranbourne's free community kitchen. The kitchen assists locals and families a little short on cash. The kitchens help bring the community together, and are also supported by various organisations and individuals - including council.

Other goals for my Ward and the municipality are to ensure residents have access to community buses and wider public transport, safe roads to drive on, recreational facilities, access to 24 hour pharmacies and medical centres and the opportunity to enjoy a safe clean environment. Jobs and industry down south are a major priority of mine, recognising that employment offers opportunity for the next generation to enjoy the benefits of a pay packet.
I have also advocated rate reform to offer savings to the community - without cutting services. Other goals are to deliver Cranbourne's new pool on time/on budget and to ensure southern Casey receives funding to maintain and deliver on our infrastructure needs.

As past president of the local residents association - I lobbied hard for this new pool, and it's great to see it underway.
One concern I do share with many, is the scourge of poker machines and I have been campaigning for their removal across Casey and Victoria.

It is important that elected representatives are self made, in touch, recognise the value of hard work, have an understanding of the community's needs, live locally and have experience in financial management.

Being an independent Councillor I am not saddled with any political membership, live locally, have been self-employed, owned a number of investment properties and am fortunate enough in my current employment (councillors are not full-time) to have the flexibility to serve my constituents