RIVER GUM WARD
Suburbs: Lynbrook, Hampton Park
Candidates: Asher Coleman, Garry Page, Nazir Yousafi, Geoff Hansen, Damien Rosario, Lynette Pereira, Wayne Smith
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WAYNE SMITH
Suburb of residence:
Lynbrook.
How long have you lived in Casey?
Since mid-late 1980s.
Political party (past and present):
Proud ALP Member nearly 35 years, Elected State Branch Council member AEU (Australian Education Union) – proud union member since 1977.
Occupation, business/employer name:
Secondary School Teacher/Careers Practitioner – Monash Children’s Hospital School.
Property interests:
Owner occupier of my home in Lynbrook.
Business interests:
None.
Three most important issues for your ward:
After over 4 years of neglect by unelected Administrators we need to: 1. Getting Back To Basics – rates, roads & rubbish – the city is untidy and needs cleaning & maintaining 2. Responsible & open decision making – Council meetings at hours to allow residents to actually be able to attend & participate 3. Maintaining and improving Council facilities & programs – there have been no major infrastructure projects for the last four-to-five years.
Describe your involvement in the local community:
I am a very active volunteer in the local & wider community. I’m on the committee of the ’Lynbrook Residents Association’ and have volunteered at their events for many years, co-host of the’ Hampton Park Carols’ for over 20 years, a ’Justice of the Peace’ (since 1995) and a ’Bail Justice’ since 2005. During the pandemic era, I was part of the State-wide ’Remote Document Witnessing’ pilot program and now take weekly shifts since. I am also one of the State’s senior ’Bail Justices’ and have conducted almost 2500 out-of court sessions in-person at police stations and on-line. As a JP, I was one of the few local active JPs during the pandemic. I am very active in our local non-professional theatre scene with a number of local performing groups and I am a ’Youth Musical’ judge with the ’Lyrebird Youth Awards’. The establishment of ’Bunjil Place’ was my 20-plus year project as well as establishing the Cranbourne & Hallam Community theatres as well as the Hampton Park Library & Lynbrook Community Centre. Professionally, I sit on the Education Department’s ’Merit Protection Board’
Why are you standing for election?
After a long time as the Councillor for the area on both Cranbourne & Casey Councils, I still have lot to do to improve our community/city and feel I have much experience & passion to offer.
What is your campaign budget?
Unsure but suspect $1000 – $2000.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed?
No donations have been sought or received.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign?
No assistance or advice received from anyone in this category to date.
Who will you direct your preferences to?
Too early to know at this point of time.
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NAZIR YOUSAFI
Suburb of residence:
Lynbrook.
How long have you lived in Casey?
I am living in the City of Casey for the last 17 years.
Political party (past and present):
No.
Occupation, business/employer name:
Family Violence Practitioner/Case Manager.
Property interests:
Nil.
Business interests:
Nil.
Three most important issues for your ward:
Integrity and transparency, Cleaner and Safer Casey, Building a Community Hub and Youth Programs.
Describe your involvement in the local community:
I was former Board member of Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre, Organiser of Food and Essentials Hampers during lockdown, Head of Fundraising for Bushfire relief in 2020, Coordinator of Building Respectful Relationships Project 2021-Current (Primary Prevention of Family Violence project) Founder and three times Former President of Victorian Afghan Associations Network, Founder and Former President of Hazara Shamama Association and Winner of Bruce Volunteer Recognition Award in 2023.
Why are you standing for election?
I am running the council election for integrity, transparency, and addressing key issues that matter to residents. I am committed to ensuring that decisions are made openly, with full accountability, and that the concerns of the community—such as infrastructure, safety, and service quality—are addressed fairly and responsibly, to build a stronger, more responsive local government.
What is your campaign budget?
My campaign budget would be around $5000 or $6000.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed
My donors will be public and they will donate around $5000.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign?
Nobody helped me.
Who will you direct your preferences to?
I will direct my preferences to Asher Coleman and Lynette Pereira.
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LYNETTE PEREIRA
Suburb of residence:
Hampton Park.
How long have you lived in Casey?
38 years in Hampton Park.
Political party (past and present):
I was in the Greens until 2014. I am now completely Independent and not a member of any party.
Occupation, business/employer name:
Customer Support – Mountain Top (transitioning to RealTruck) in Dandenong South.
Property interests:
None
Business interests:
None
Three most important issues for your ward:
Getting decent councillors to represent us who understand and comply with Good Governance. The Hallam Rd Tip/proposed Waster Transfer Station, and Community Safety and Harmony.
Describe your involvement in the local community:
As a former River Gum Ward Councillor from 2008 to 2012 I have been very involved in the local community where I also raised my four children. I cofounded the WesternPort Action Group fighting the Port of Hastings expansion which impacted on our local area also particularly the inland ports. I have been a vocal opponent of the Hallam Rd Tip expansion. I was involved in the local HP Tennis Club many years ago, I was a Board member of the Hampton Park Community House. I was the Secretary of the Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre for several years.
Why are you standing for election?
Because I am experienced and qualified and understand Good Governance which was lacking in the last two councils. I am a GAICD – Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and I have a Grad. Dip in Management. My last two campaigns suffered enormously from the interference in council elections as mentioned in the IBAC investigations. This time I hope it is a fair election. I am very passionate about our community and I have many great ideas and initiatives which I would love to implement in Casey.
What is your campaign budget?
Around $2000. I am self-funded.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed?
None. Only me and my savings.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign?
None.
Who will you direct your preferences to?
I am directing my 2nd Preference to Nazir Yousafi, 3rd to Asher Coleman, 4th to Garry Page, 5th to Geoff Hansen, 6th to Damien Rosario and 7th to Wayne Smith.
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GEOFF HANSEN
Suburb of residence:
Narre Warren South.
How long have you lived in Casey?
8 years.
Political party (past and present):
Freedom Party.
Occupation, business/employer name:
Hansen Instrument Services; self-employed for the maintenance of electrical equipment.
Property interests:
Own our home in Narre Warren South
Three most important issues for your ward:
1/ Rates charges are too high 2/ Local roads are in poor condition and take too long to repair. 3/ Council accountability to residents.
Describe your involvement in the local community:
In the last state election I ran for the seat of Narre Warren South and I continue to be passionate about bringing improvements to this whole area.
Why are you standing for election?
1/ Rates are too high, this is a huge burden for the residents of River Gum and Casey. Our council must be accountable for how they spend our precious rates.
What is your campaign budget?
$1000 spent so far on signs and leaflets.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed?
I have no donors, this money is from my own pocket.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign?
I have had no advice from councillors or MPs. I have some experience in running my campaign from when I ran for the state seat of Narre Warren South for the Freedom Party.
Who will you direct your preferences to?
Damien Rosario.
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DAMIEN ROSARIO
Suburb of residence:
Hampton Park in the River Gum Ward.
How long have you lived in Casey?
16 years.
Political party (past and present):
While I am a member of the Liberal Party, I am running as an independent candidate, staying true to my independent-minded approach as I always have.
Occupation, business/employer name:
IT Educator.
Property interests:
None.
Business interests:
None personally, though I support business as a member of the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce.
Three most important issues for your ward:
– The Hallam tip which affects several surrounding suburbs – I have previously advocated against this tip.
– Crime and community safety – Tackling both the perceived and real issues.
– Community engagement – supporting and fostering connections between residents, businesses and organisations, and community events.
Describe your involvement in the local community:
River Gum Ward Councillor 2012-2020. Since leaving council 4.5 years ago, I have continued to serve in various volunteer roles across the River Gum Ward and City. 2014 – Current (10 years) – Supporter, Committee member and President of Neighbourhood Watch Casey working with Council, Police, SES and CFA and other groups on community safety initiatives. 2020 – 2023 (3 years) – Former Committee member and President and (Current) volunteer, Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre (Cranbourne North). 2014 – Current (10 years) – Committee member and Former President, Doveton Show. 2013 – Current (11 years) – Supporter and Committee member, Hampton Park Progress Association helping with planning and running community events (Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and other events). 2020 – Current (4 years) – Supporter and Secretary, Hampton Park Men’s Shed. 2013 – Current (11 years) Supporter of Scouting groups in Casey. Supporter and member of the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce. Support Christmas Carols events in Hampton Park and Clyde. Supporting various community events in the local area. Supporting Cultural events and groups across Casey. Supporter of the Hampton Park Community House and Lynbrook Community Centre. Currently an active volunteer at St Vinnies Op Shop. Supporting and promoting local businesses. Supporting community fundraisers for various organisations and services. Advocacy for the needs of our community.
Why are you standing for election?
I am deeply committed to fostering a connected community, not just through words, but through meaningful actions. With 7.5 years of service on the council and an additional 4.5 years as a dedicated community volunteer, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of Councillor. I have a clear vision for what our community can achieve and the ability to act swiftly, leveraging my understanding of how things work in council and community.
What is your campaign budget?
I haven’t made a final decision yet. I’ll take the time to consider my options carefully and will use my personal funds as needed.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed?
I am personally financing my campaign, ensuring that it remains entirely my own endeavour.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign?
No one has assisted me.
Who will you direct your preferences to?
I am currently running independently and have not yet formed any specific preferences.
