Councillors and their role

The main role of a Councillor is to:

  • determine policy
  • set objectives and strategic directions
  • ensure that Council services meet community needs
  • monitor the performance of the Council organisation.

A councillor does this by:

  • talking to the community
  • advocating for the whole community
  • having a working knowledge of large budgets and a complex organisation
  • understanding a diverse range of social, environmental, management and development issues.

Before starting the job, people who are elected to be councillors must do 3 things:

  • take the oath of office
  • read the Council’s Councillor Code of Conduct, and
  • agree to abide by the Council’s Councillor Code of Conduct.

Explore the wards

The current councillors

Alison Champion

 Mayor: Hawdon ward

  • Telephone0466 486 593
  • Email Alison.Champion@banyule.vic.gov.au
  • ProfileMayor Alison Champion's immediate priorities are to: see the completion of a variety of projects in the pipeline, including improvements to Petrie Park and Banyule Flats; upgrade local playground upgrades in Viewbank; and address other issues that resonate strongly with the community such as traffic management and property development.

Wayne Phillips

 Councillor: Beale ward

  • Telephone0412 111 814
  • Email Wayne.Phillips@banyule.vic.gov.au
  • ProfileCr Wayne Phillips says the recent introduction of rate capping by the Victorian Government and continued reduced funding means councils have to be more prudent in managing finances to maintain and upgrade local infrastructure, and provide a wide range of services that the community depend on.

Peter Castaldo

 Councillor: Griffin ward

  • Telephone0466 502 698
  • Email Peter.Castaldo@banyule.vic.gov.au
  • ProfileWith a civil engineering and technology background, Cr Peter Castaldo enjoys tackling problems with new ideas. He believes the experience of running a business has taught him about efficiency and the need for an organisation to be proactive and plan for the future. These are some of the skills he hopes to bring to Council.

Rick Garotti

 Deputy Mayor: Grimshaw ward

  • Telephone0402 846 845
  • Email Rick.Garotti@banyule.vic.gov.au
  • ProfileDeputy Mayor Rick Garotti's vision for Banyule is that it continues to develop as one of the best places in Victoria to live, work, invest and raise a family.

Craig Langdon

 Councillor: Olympia ward

  • Telephone0401 097 032
  • Email Craig.Langdon@banyule.vic.gov.au
  • ProfileCr Craig Langdon knows the City well. He is a lifelong resident of Banyule - born in Ivanhoe, raised in Macleod, and has lived in many of its suburbs. He is committed to represent residents and the community to make a difference, improve the area and assist people, especially those that struggle. These are some of the key motivations that continue to see him run for Council.

Tom Melican

 Councillor: Ibbott ward

  • Telephone0413 043 015
  • Email Tom.Melican@banyule.vic.gov.au
  • ProfileCr Tom Melican is married and has lived in Banyule for 35 years, raising four adult children in East Rosanna, while being involved in several local sporting clubs and community organisations. This local involvement has enabled him to understand the many issues facing families and Council's role in developing services that assist residents of all ages.

Mark Di Pasquale

 Councillor: Bakewell ward

  • Telephone0481 002 299
  • Email Mark.DiPasquale@banyule.vic.gov.au
  • ProfileCr Di Pasquale is looking forward to keeping Banyule moving forward during his second term and ensuring that every Banyule resident enjoys equal opportunities in all areas of their life.

Councillor Code of Conduct

The Councillor Code of Conduct outlines what our mayor and councillors may and may not do as a Council representative. It covers various areas of professional conduct and details the standards of behaviour expected of councillors in their interactions with other councillors, Council staff and the public. It also explains procedures for dealing with conflicts that may occur.

Read the Banyule Councillor Code of Conduct or ask to see it at a Banyule Customer Service Centre.

Councillor Expense and Resource Policy

This policy guides how we reimburse out-of-pocket expenses for councillors and members of Council committees.

It sets out to:

  • resources available to councillors to help them to do their job; and
  • reporting requirements: councillors must report on their attendance at any interstate or overseas conferences or visits.

Read the Banyule Councillor Expense and Resource Policy.

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