TOORADIN WARD
Suburbs: Cranbourne East, Clyde North, Clyde, Tooradin
Candidates: Jennifer Dizon, Kuldeep Kaur, Ravneet Singh, Andrew Gai, Brenton Kelly, Ali Yaghobi, Anthony Tassone
ANTHONY TASSONE
Suburb of residence: Botanic Ridge.
How long have you lived in Casey? 13 years.
Political party (past and present): Not currently a member or affiliated with any political party. I am a true independent candidate. Previously a member of the Liberal party (have not been a member since 2021).
Occupation, business/employer name: Pharmacist. Co-proprietor of TerryWhiteChemmart pharmacy Clyde. Also currently Victorian Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
Property interests: Residential home only (neither my wife nor I hold any other investment property interests).
Business interests: Co-proprietor of TerryWhiteChemmart pharmacy Clyde.
Three most important issues for your ward: Roads and public transport infrastructure, value for money with rates and council services delivered, mobile phone reception.
Describe your involvement in the local community: Previously volunteered at local sporting clubs like Langwarrin Junior Football Club (for 8 years until the end of 2023), mentor for pharmacy students and intern pharmacists in the City of Casey, delivering health promotion presentations to local community groups and aged care providers, member of Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce, philanthropist and fundraiser for charities like Ovarian Cancer Australia, sponsor and supporter of local sporting clubs and groups such as: Casey Crusaders Rugby club, Clyde Cricket club, Rotary Casey and Rotary Cranbourne.
Why are you standing for election? To help give Casey a fresh start after four years of administration and a dismissed Council. To help guide the Council to get back to doing the basics brilliantly for local residents: roads and public transport, value for money with rates, cleaner streets and parklands, greater accountability and transparency. I want to use the over decade of experience I have gained in: board directorships, public and government relations and business management to help write a new chapter for Casey in the interests of our local residents.
What is your campaign budget? Fully self-funded with a budget of up to $15K (the maximum amount of self-funding is subject to change).
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? No donors. It is a fully self-funded campaign. Not accepting donations.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? None. My campaign is truly independent and has not been influenced or advised by any political interests.
Who will you direct your preferences to? Yet to be determined.
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RAVNEET SINGH
Suburb of residence: Clyde.
How long have you lived in Casey? Three years or more.
Political party (past and present): Member of ALP not endorsed, standing independent.
Occupation, business/employer name: Rideshare Driver & ICT Professional.
Property interest: To have more sustainable planning keeping natural spaces protected too if it’s in reference to working as a councillor.
Business: To encourage more business programs, personal interest to grow my own business in ICT.
Three most important issues for your ward: Mobile towers, already spoken through Bass Coast meetings, 12 are approved and a few are installed and working in Ramlegh Estate as it is from the mouth of Jordan Crugnale, from speed up train stations, more sheds for bus stops, more business, safer footpaths, better council services…, protect natural spaces, youth rehab, more business programs, mindfulness centres with support of health professionals to support rising mental health issues and other community-related issues, homelessness is on the rise too.
Why are you standing for election? To give back to the society and serve the public interest.
Describe your involvement in the local community: Have been involved in raising funds related to mental health and other social organisations only providing support monetarily and helping the community through Bass Coast Labor party member and speaking on various issues related to climate control, community development and working for the interest of local people.
Why are you standing for election? To give back to the society
What is your campaign budget? Just by myself self, going really tight these days with high interest rates and low income on the rideshare platform and other job is commission-based only.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? No one yet.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? Dale Wilson ex MP, councillor Leticia Laing, Jordan Crugnale MP, and Graeme Dark and other Labor Party members.
Who will you direct your preferences to? As in, someone who is genuine and caring for the community and has the right intentions to serve or be a true public servant.
ANDREW GAI
Suburb of residence: Cranbourne East.
How long have you lived in Casey? Eight years.
Political party (past and present): ALP.
Occupation, business/employer name: Family Violence Practice Leader at VACCA.
Property interests: Homeowner.
Business interests: Interested in consulting and property business. I’m passionate about supporting local businesses to increase their capacity to employ more people locally. This leads to people spending less time in traffic jams and more time with family and friends.
Three most important issues for your ward: Mobile reception/network in Clyde and Clyde North. Safety. Public transport – some areas don’t have access to buses so we need more bus routes and working towards extending the railway line to Clyde.
Describe your involvement in the local community: I am a former member of the regional advisory council for the Victorian Multicultural Commission. I am a member of the Casey Action Group, Empowering Communities. I used to work in the Orange Door, serving the Casey. I am on the board of the Community Response Australia. My co-founded association, the South Sudanese-Australian Academic Society Inc. is running a homework club in the area which has over 60 children enrolled from Prep to Year 12.
Why are you standing for election? I love this community and I have observed some needs and issues that require a strong advocacy which I can bring to the role of a councillor. My vision is ’for a safer, empowered and thriving community’. We can achieve this vision by consulting with all communities in Casey and working together with service providers to ensure that every resident has access to essential services regardless of where or who they are. Casey residents felt let down by what happened four years ago so one of my priorities is to restore trust and confidence in the council and ensure that the best interest of all residents is taken into account when making big decisions such as approval of developments. I believe that Casey Council needs a diversity of ideas, a diversity of ’lived’ experiences and a diversity of approaches that I can bring.
What is your campaign budget? It is hard to tell at this stage but it will around $10K.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? My donors are everyday community members including my extended family members. Contributions range from $50 – $500.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? I have received advice from several MPs and ex-councillors including Dale Wilson.
Who will you direct your preferences to? I will direct my preferences to the candidates whose values and priorities align with my vision for my community of Tooradin Ward and Casey.
KULDEEP KAUR
Suburb of residence: Cranbourne East
How long have you lived in Casey? I have been living in Cranbourne East since 2014, almost 10 years.
Political party (past and present): I was with the Liberal Party from 2016 to 2021. At present, not member of any party, running independently.
Occupation, business/employer name:
I am a registered nurse working in Kooweerup Regional Health Services and Regis Age Care Services.
Property interests: Nil.
Business interests: Nil.
Three most important issues for your ward? The three most important issues for Tooradin Ward in the City of Casey are: 1. Infrastructure and Transportation: The rapid growth in population has increased the need for improved infrastructure, including better roads, public transport, and connectivity. Traffic congestion and road safety are common concerns, especially in suburban and rural areas like Tooradin. 2. Community Facilities and Services: As Tooradin Ward expands, there’s a need for enhanced community services such as healthcare, education, and recreational facilities. This includes the development of parks, sports facilities, and social spaces that can foster a sense of community and improve residents’ quality of life. 3. Environmental Sustainability and Protection: Tooradin is known for its natural beauty and environmental assets, including wetlands and coastal areas. Preserving these natural resources while managing urban development is a critical issue. Residents want sustainable planning that balances growth with environmental protection.
Describe your involvement in the local community: As a registered nurse, community event organiser, and activist in the City of Casey, my involvement in the local community spans over a decade. Since 2010, I’ve been dedicated to healthcare, serving as a registered nurse and working closely with the community. This has given me firsthand experience with the challenges and needs of individuals in diverse settings, enabling me to provide compassionate care and support. Since 2012, I have organised numerous events across Cranbourne and the surrounding areas, focusing on social, cultural, sports, religious, and health initiatives. I am passionate about fostering a sense of togetherness, promoting cultural diversity, and encouraging community participation. As the manager of Punjabi Virsa Incorp, a not-for-profit organisation, I’ve led efforts to promote cultural expression, provide platforms for diverse artists, and enhance social cohesion in the local community.
Why are you standing for election? I am running for council elections to represent the Tooradin Ward in the City of Casey. My campaign is driven by my commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents through better community services, infrastructure, and inclusivity. My experience in healthcare and community activism equips me with the skills and knowledge needed to address key issues affecting our community, and I am determined to make a meaningful difference as a councillor.
What is your campaign budget?
It’s around $15000, including expenses for promotion (media) including different radio, television, newspapers. Cost of printing, design, conflates designs, advertising boards, facebook advertising, videography, photography and marketing services.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? No one, I am managing by myself, I have saved and made my budget.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? No one involved and assisting me in my campaign.
Who will you direct your preferences to? I am working on it, will decide after meeting other candidates.
ALI YAGHOBI
Suburb of residence: Clyde.
How long have you lived in Casey? Three years.
Political party (past and present): ALP.
Occupation, business/employer name: Glen Eira City Council.
Property interests: None.
Business interests: None.
Three most important issues for your ward: 1. Mobile reception and internet service. 2. Traffic congestion and the status of our roads. 3. Community safety.
Describe your involvement in the local community: Recipient of the 2024 Holt Volunteer Award. Member of the City of Casey Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Member of the Regional Advisory Council of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
Why are you standing for election? I have a few reasons: 1. I worked with the City of Casey between 2021 and 2023 in a community role and spoke with many people both inside the Council and the general community members. People that I spoke to were very unhappy and upset about the previous Council who let the community down and wasted public money. It showed me the importance of having people with integrity at the decision-making positions such as local councils because you might have the best policies and procedures in place but people’s values play an important role when they make decisions and it guides them. 2. It is very disappointing to see poor quality of services by Council. This includes not planning ahead, and poor quality of road maintenance. You see the potholes on the roads which have been recently fixed. Council’s contractors need to be held accountable for the quality of services they deliver to the community. I want to see good quality and value for money services by the Council.
What is your campaign budget? Around $5000.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? My campaign is funded by me and a family friend Karim Khavari.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? Dale Wilson, an ex-Dandenong/Springvale Councillor provided assistance including door knocking with me and advice.
Who will you direct your preferences to? Andrew Gai.
JENNIFER DIZON
Suburb of residence: Cranbourne East.
How long have you lived in Casey? Around five years.
Political party (past and present): N/A.
Occupation, business/employer name: Associate Lawyer at Moray & Agnew Lawyers.
Property interests: I own more than one property in the City of Casey.
Business interests: N/A.
Three most important issues for your ward: In my view, the three most important issues to address for my ward are roads and infrastructures, mobile phone and internet connectivity, and public transport.
Describe your involvement in the local community: I have been a regular volunteer tutor for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. I also regularly assist in raising funds for a few charities and advocating for community development.
Why are you standing for election? I’m standing for election because I believe in strengthening our community by prioritising essential services like improving roads, infrastructure, and enhancing public safety. I want to be a voice for our residents, ensuring that parks and recreational spaces are well-maintained, and promoting public health initiatives that benefit everyone. I am committed to making decisions that reflect the needs of our community and create a better future for all.
What is your campaign budget? Not much.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? N/A.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? N/A.
Who will you direct your preferences to? Candidates who share the same/similar visions as me, those who I believe intend to serve our community rather than having their own self-interest. Further, though not necessary, it is my view that the ideal representative should reside in the same ward that they serve to have a first-hand understanding of the real issues impacting the ward.
