Nominations

I am Vaughan Williams, and I am standing again for Lockwood Ward because our rural and semi-rural communities deserve strong, practical representation. From 2020 to 2024, I served as your Councillor, fighting for transparency, accountability, and common sense at the City of Greater Bendigo. I pushed for better road maintenance on our neglected sealed and unsealed roads, addressed underfunding in rural infrastructure, supported local agriculture and business, and worked to resolve resident issues promptly. Lockwood Ward – covering areas like Maiden Gully, Marong, Lockwood, Myers Flat, Shelbourne, and parts of Long Gully and Ironbark – faces ongoing challenges: poor road conditions, flood risks, population growth pressures, and the need for fair resource allocation. I will prioritise fixing our dirt tracks and roads, improving drainage and flood mitigation, advocating for families and veterans, and ensuring council decisions reflect real community needs, not bureaucracy. With over 25 years as a local IT business owner and consultant, I bring independence, experience, and a commitment to getting things done without waste. I listen, act decisively, and deliver results. Vote for practical leadership and a return to common sense. Together, we can build a stronger Lockwood Ward. For more on my record and vision, visit www.vaughanwilliams.com.au

I’m a true blue Aussie, not from the ‘top end of town’. Prepared to roll my sleeves up getting a better deal for all ratepayers and residents from Council. Bendigo ratepayer for 33 years. Not happy. I’m fed up with Council ripping money off but giving little back. Too much raised from Long Gully, Marong, Maiden Gully, Ironbark and rural areas gets spent in the CBD. The $54 million Art Gallery redevelopment is ridiculous. Why must you and your kids pay to go swimming, yet other than for special exhibitions, entry to the Art Gallery is free? Council must get ‘back on track’. Providing better roads, more footpaths, drainage and street lighting. I served Australia in the Army Reserve for 16 years, rose through ranks to retire as Major. Now I’ll serve you. Current RSL Service member. I’ve strong leadership and communication skills. Also small business experience. To achieve results you need a Councillor who will listen to you. Being retired I’ve got the time to ‘do the job properly’. I’m not political, unlike some other candidates. I’m for all of you. Vote 1 Colin Carrington. Suggest you give genuine Independent Donna Nicholas your Number 2 vote. Number every box.

Hi, I’m Donna, your genuine local independent candidate. For the past 24 years I’ve had strong connections within our Ward, living and volunteering at Lockwood Primary School and Marong Football/Netball Club. I’ve raised a family and run an award winning business. I know how tough that is. I want a better deal for all ratepayers especially pensioners and low income earners. I want all ratepayers, residents, businesses and farmers to be better off by reducing, or at least putting a stop to the ever increasing rates and charges including animal registrations. It won’t be easy. But, if you elect me I’ll do my best for you, as I have no political party agendas. My priorities: 2 free rubbish tip vouchers. An annual household hard rubbish kerbside collection as many other councils have been providing for decades. Also Council roads need to be repaired. Councillor phone numbers to be reinstated. No changes to Australia Day/Anzac Day and Bike track extensions. I’ve time available to be a contactable, effective councillor who’ll work with all community groups, businesses and individuals seeking representation. Vote 1 Donna Nicholas. Your genuine ‘down to earth’ local candidate. Please number every box for your vote to count

My name is Mary-Ann Martinek and I am standing for Lockwood Ward. I am a veteran, community advocate and founder of a veteran-led support initiative in our region. Service, accountability and resilience have shaped my life, and I will bring those values to council. Lockwood Ward deserves practical leadership focused on outcomes, not politics. I will advocate for responsible financial management, transparent decision making and better communication between council and residents. Ratepayers expect essential services delivered efficiently and infrastructure planned with long term vision. As a veteran, I understand the pressures facing defence families, small business owners and rural households. I will work to strengthen community safety, improve local roads and transport access, and support mental health awareness and inclusive community programs. Growth must be balanced with protection of our rural character and lifestyle. Planning decisions should reflect the voices of residents and protect what makes Lockwood unique. I believe in listening first, acting decisively and working collaboratively. If elected, I will represent Lockwood Ward with integrity, independence and a clear commitment to serving veterans, families and the broader community.

I’m Robert Holian, a GP, parent, director of a local community health service, and proud Long Gully local. My career experience means I know first-hand the struggles facing people in our area, particularly the most vulnerable. We urgently need safe housing and roads, a healthy environment, and to bring down bills. I am running for Lockwood Ward to bring leadership with honesty and integrity, and to get the basics right in our area. My priorities are simple, but also cornerstones of a healthy community: (1) better footpath coverage and street lighting so everyone, regardless of mobility, can safely connect with the world around them; (2) safe streets and parking near our schools and childcare centres; (3) increased tree canopy to reduce power bills and protect us from extreme heat; and (4) a transparent council that leaves no one behind. I believe residents deserve a councillor who is easy to contact, so things can be sorted out, person to person – someone who speaks plainly and carefully listens to you, not vested interests. Together, we can build a healthier, fairer community. Reach out: 0493 529 254

I am a proud resident of Lockwood Ward and Vice President of a local community action group. I am standing because our rural and semi-rural communities deserve strong, consistent advocacy at council. I chose to raise my family in Lockwood Ward because I believe strongly in small communities and the way people support one another. Living rural and semi-rural has shaped my values, my commitment to volunteering and shown me how essential it is that our towns are listened to and protected as growth pressures increase. Lockwood Ward can feel unheard and forgotten as decisions are made for Greater Bendigo. With significant growth coming to our area, we must ensure development is well planned, supports infrastructure, protects our rural character, safety, and liveability. I grew up in small rural communities much like those across Lockwood Ward. My family were local dedicated volunteers, I grew up around farming, bush life, and living close to water taught me early about land, water, safety, and community. Those experiences shaped who I am, grounding my values in a deep respect for community, service, and the people who make them thrive. I am a strong advocate, I live here, I’m committed and understand our communities.

I am an independent candidate and proudly call Bendigo home, where I live with my wife and two children. I started my journey with Bendigo Bank working as an IT Solution Architect, with over 17 years of experience. I volunteer with various sporting and community organisations, including Bendigo Cricket Club, United Cricket Club, Marong Cricket Club, and AFL Bendigo Umpires Association. I am the current president of Y Service Club Bendigo and recently supported emergency services during Harcourt bushfires with food-relief. I am focused on responsible spending of rates and on supporting local businesses to drive economic growth. I will advocate for more events, festivals and sporting tournaments. I will work hard to improve integrated transport, recreation precincts, parks and public spaces with safer footpaths and bike paths, to meet our current and future needs. I will do everything possible to expand affordable housing, ease the cost-of-living, preserve natural reserves and cultural heritage. I listen and respond. I will lead with care, honesty, accountability and integrity. I will bring fresh energy and a strong community-focused vision into decision-making, with a clear focus on the needs of Lockwood ward residents. I am your trusted voice for Lockwood Ward. Details at www.ajay4lockwood.com.au

Hi, I'm Tayne. I’m a Maiden Gully local and I'm running as the Victorian Socialists candidate. I'm going to fight to reverse the decline of essential services across Greater Bendigo. As a road worker and former council maintenance worker, I've seen firsthand the time, money and effort it takes to keep our roads, parks and public facilities safe and well maintained. My priorities as a councillor will be to restore council run in-home aged care, prevent illegal rubbish dumping, fix our worsening potholes, and secure funding to address the lack of infrastructure in growth areas. As a blue collar worker that comes from a working class family, I’m committed to ensure proper representation of my community and help to create a council that puts people before profit. Thank you, for considering me as your new councillor. If you have any questions you can reach me at shalevskisocialist@gmail.com