Nominations

I’m frustrated and I know many of you are too. We were misled. The independent councillor elected to represent Thomastown resigned, forcing a costly by election and leaving our community without a voice. No wonder we keep missing out. At a time when families are struggling with the rising cost of living, our community deserves better. Instead, rates have increased by 5.75% while we’re left dealing with ageing facilities, neglected streets and stalled progress. Council priorities are out of touch with what Thomastown truly needs. Don’t elect someone who tells you what you want to hear then walks away. I am Chaman Tiwari, your local candidate, a proud Labor member and a Thomastown resident of over 15 years. This is my home, where I’ve chosen to raise my family and build my business. I’m stepping up to fight for our community. I stand for cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods and fixing our roads and footpaths. Critical infrastructure like the Acacia and Waratah Street intersection must be addressed urgently. I will advocate for better services for seniors, families and local businesses, and ensure real value for our rates. No excuses No empty promises Just results Vote 1Chaman Tiwari,Number every box

Call me Eddy. A proud resident of Thomastown, Lalor and Epping for over 40 years. Let’s be real. Do we accept that we live in a depressing and unrefined place, which suffers from industrial noise, pollution and a lack of lifestyle hubs? Thomastown is a ‘working-class’ suburb, with a rough ‘old school’ reputation, characterised by hoon driving, pockets of crime and a lack of trendy amenities. This is my home and I want to make things better. I am a good listener, a fighter and I will transform our electorate. We are one community, we share our hopes and frustrations - we deserve better outcomes for everyone. As a family man, schoolteacher, sportsperson and mentor, I have gained insights into what is important for our community. I am passionate about giving people a ‘fair go’ and improving services for the marginalised, the elderly and the disabled. Social and economic prosperity are vital for a healthy community. Reducing obstacles to business prosperity is essential for the people of Thomastown. Why are we voting again? I acknowledge the failures of my predecessors and want integrity, stability, honour and transparency in local government. Vote 1 for Eddy.

My name is Joseph Paola, I have been a proud resident of Thomastown for over twelve years. Like many of you, I am passionate about the community in which we live, work and raise our families. If appointed, my focus will be on placing our residents voices at the fore regarding issues which affect our community as well as ensuring council continues and improves on delivering services that reflect of the needs of our families, friends, and neighbors. So if you see me around the neighborhood or at the local shops, please come say hello. I always enjoy a chat or hearing your thoughts on what matters most to you about our community. Together we can create a stronger, more connected place to call home.

Hi, I'm Sarah. I'm running for council because our community deserves better than lazy, self-serving politicians. My commitment is personal. I volunteer at the Thomastown library and serve on the board of my son's not-for-profit childcare centre. I see firsthand how essential services are being starved of funding while wages stagnate and our costs soar. Meanwhile big developers and corporations make record profits. We can't stand by while our community is run into the ground. If elected, I'll be a tireless advocate for better-funded schools, housing justice, and the healthcare we deserve, including expanding the Northern Hospital, reducing emergency wait times, and improving at-home care. I'll fight to bring aged care and childcare back into public hands and secure more funding for our library, neighbourhood house, local sports and migrant support services. I oppose the toxic incinerator planned for Wollert and will push for more green spaces. I'll campaign to upgrade public transport, extend the 559 bus hours, and remove pokies from our area. With 15 years experience campaigning for workers' rights and against racism and discrimination, I'm proud to stand with Victorian Socialists for a council that puts people before profit. Call me on 0423 742 453 to chat.

As an experienced Councillor and Mayor at the City of Whittlesea and proud Labor member Councillor for a period of 22 years, Stevan has delivered: Traffic Lights, extension of Childs Road, Cooper Street Employment Precinct, Melbourne Wholesale Market to Epping, Redeveloped Libraries, Pre-schools, Sporting Facilities, Thomastown Swimming Pool and Whittlesea Gardens. I will continue to work towards improving delivery of council services, support for Senior Citizens, better Youth Services, Parks and Playgrounds upgrade and more Preschools and Recreational Facilities. I aim to improve street safety and traffic management to reduce congestion, stop rubbish dumping and improve street beautification. I will lobby for improved public transport and was successful in getting State Labor Government committing $47 million towards the O'Herns and Edgars Road extension and the duplication of Childs Rd Bridge. I will work to deliver more local jobs and keep rates affordable. As a resident since 1968 as a little boy, I grew up in Thomastown and lived with my family in Lalor, I am aware and strongly focused on Community needs. With your support I will continue to deliver improved services to you. Councillor with integrity, experience, vision to plan for a better Thomastown Ward. Vote 1 Stevan KOZMEVSKI.

Thomastown, we’re fed up. Years of scandals and broken promises at Whittlesea Council have shaken our faith. Our hard-earned money should be fixing our streets and supporting our families, not disappearing into a black hole. I get it – I’m a local mum, born, raised and working right here in Thomastown. I have now raised my own family here with my loving husband. I see the same struggles, walk the same streets, drive the same school run and want better for our community. I’m not a career politician. I’m a member of our community who’s had enough. It’s time for common sense and transparency. We need clean streets, safe roads, better access to healthcare and real support for our elderly and our youth. These aren’t extras; they’re essentials for our working-class families and vibrant migrant community. Electing a local mum means electing someone who understands our daily grind. I’ll be your voice, fighting for every dollar to be spent wisely and for meaningful changes that directly benefit us. Let’s restore pride in Thomastown. It’s time to ditch the tired old politicians and elect someone who truly cares about getting things done for our community. Vote Belinda Stojcevski to deliver for Thomastown.

My vision for the local area is to support growth without losing what makes the area enjoyable to live in. I want to see better roads, safer streets, well planned development, and practical improvements that residents genuinely notice in everyday life. I believe a strong council should balance progress with livability and make decisions that reflect the needs of the community. I bring strong communication, leadership, and problem solving skills through my work and study. I am approachable, organized, and community minded, and I would work hard to listen to residents, represent them fairly, and contribute responsibly as a Councilor.

Vote for a fresh start in Thomastown, vote Independent. This by election is your chance to back a proven local who delivers real results. With a strong track record of putting the community first, I will bring energy, integrity, as a family man and with a clear plan for Thomastown. No party politics, no hidden agendas, just honest leadership focused on what matters most to residents. From fixing our roads to managing rates responsibly, I will vote against rate rises for at least 2 years to urgently address the cost of living crisis. We need to keep our streets clean and get the basics done brilliantly. It doesn’t stop there, this campaign is about positive action, safer streets, better local services and a renewed sense of pride in our neighbourhood. Every decision will be guided by one simple principle, putting Thomastown residents first, without fear or favour. Accessible, accountable, and deeply connected to the community. This is a representative who listens and acts. A standout local voice who will fight for better outcomes and deliver practical solutions. It’s time for renewal, for independence and for Thomastown to move forward with leadership you can count on.

Thomastown deserves better! As a proud husband, father and community Labor member living in Thomastown, I am committed to supporting all residents, therefore my promise, if elected, is to donate 100% of my council allowance right back into the Thomastown community. I will fight for targeted rates discounts and ensure hard-earned ratepayer money is spent wisely on services and infrastructure our community truly needs. I am a Financial Adviser and business owner, holding a Master’s Degree in Financial Planning. I bring strong financial expertise and a commitment to responsible budgeting. I grew up in the City of Whittlesea and now raise my family here. I attended St Monica’s College in Epping and spent much of my childhood playing basketball at TRAC. I want the same opportunities that I had, for my family and other families so I will fight for funding and use my council allowance for local sporting clubs, schools, neighbourhood house, seniors’ clubs and TRAC. Since 2021, I have served as President of RENW (Residents of Epping North and Wollert), organising multicultural and community events bringing people together and celebrating our area’s diversity. I will be equally dedicated to serving on council to deliver the outcomes you deserve.