By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A MOTHER, a law student and a failed federal candidate have put up their hands for a vacancy on Geelong’s council after the resignation of Cr Stretch Kontelj.
The postal by-election for Kildare ward, taking in Newtown and Chilwell, part of South Geelong, Manifold Heights, Herne Hill, Fyansford and part of Stonehaven, will be on 17 October.
Nominations close at midday on 15 September, with ballot packs mailed out between 29 September and 1 October for return by 6pm on 16 October.
Newtown mother of two Ellen Csar, 35, said she would nominate to represent families and “what is needed in and around my electorate”.
Ms Csar, a Labor member, said she would be a “back to basics” councillor, with husband Fabio as campaign manager.
“Ridiculous” funding for city lighting and a floating Christmas tree should have gone toward council services and infrastructure improvements.
One of her main concerns was a roundabout at the intersection of Autumn St and Minerva Rd, Manifold Heights.
“Sometimes I feel lucky to be alive after I’ve crossed that. There are no lights and no lollipop person and it needs one of the two.”
Ms Csar suggested installing a bike share station at Western Beach to attract tourists and adding more cycling paths around Geelong.
She proposed a shuttle bus connecting both ends of Pakington St, installing street art to promote business precincts, upgrading public toilets and “sprucing up” playgrounds.
Newtown’s Trent Sullivan, 23, a Deakin University law students who works part-time in real estate, said he was inspired by Cr Kontelj’s “long history of community service and new Mayor Darryn Lyon’s energetic leadership”.
Mr Sullivan wanted to present himself as a candidate as part of “a new generation of community leaders”.
“I believe it’s time for change. This council needs new blood and a voice for the future.
“I believe I can provide fresh insight and perspective to the workings of council.”
Mr Sullivan wanted central Geelong rejuvenated with “changes to car parking and improvement to bus routes”.
He said a convention and exhibition centre was needed to enhance Geelong’s reputation as “an events and festival capital of Australia”.
“Geelong has incredible potential and some exciting changes have already begun to happen under this mayor’s leadership.“
Former Barrabool shire councillor Adrian Schoenfelder has confirmed he will also nominate.
Mr Schonfelder was a former Geelong Young Liberal but campaigned for Labor in the 2010 federal election for the seat of Flinders, on the Mornington Peninsula.
The Independent reported in 2010 that he resigned as a candidate days after accusing then-opposition leader Tony Abbott of “influencing people to take their own lives” with his opinions on sex and abortion.
