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
- agree to abide by the Council’s Councillor Code of Conduct.
Explore the wards
The current councillors
- Telephone0435243598
- Email
elizabeth.nealy@banyule.vic.gov.au
- ProfileSeeing students thrive socially and emotionally (as well as academically) is a rewarding experience, much like working with the community. I enjoy working with the broader community, helping others succeed through advocacy, good decision making and planning.
- Telephone0466502698
- Email
peter.castaldo@banyule.vic.gov.au
- ProfileI am keenly interested in creating a beautiful place for everyone to live within, that is connected with the environment and looking after it for our benefit and future generations and all the other little creatures and ecosystems.
- Telephone0435316318
- Email
alida.mckern@banyule.vic.gov.au
- ProfileMy vision is for a leafy, locally connected, safe and prosperous Banyule: led with competency and care for its community, environment and local businesses. It is a beautiful city protective of its abundant parks, heritage buildings and green streets, where our people feel a sense of pride and belonging.
- Telephone0481002299
- Email
mark.dipasquale@banyule.vic.gov.au
- ProfileI stand for sustainability, liveability and opportunity for everyone. Every decision must be made looking towards the future and not looking back. My top priority is that ratepayers get the maximum value for their rate dollar.
- Telephone0490014965
- Email
rick.garotti@banyule.vic.gov.au
- ProfileThis is my fourth consecutive term as councillor and, as a Finance Director for a large health service, I use my financial experience to ensure sound management of Council's services and infrastructure while minimising rate increases.
- Telephone0403705289
- Email
matt.wood@banyule.vic.gov.au
- ProfileI dedicate my business management expertise to helping small and medium construction businesses navigate the challenges of growth. Empowering other entrepreneurs and fostering their success is central to my current professional focus.
- Telephone0403736326
- Email
alicia.curry@banyule.vic.gov.au
- ProfileI have been a proud Ibbott local for 17 years, and I have worked and volunteered locally for much of that time. I love spending my time walking my dogs in Rosanna Parklands or at the cafés in Macleod and Rosanna.
- Telephone0403748092
- Email
mary.okane@banyule.vic.gov.au
- ProfileWith a background in advocacy, research and human rights, I excel in collaborating with diverse stakeholders towards common goals. My skills in analysis, big-picture thinking and active listening enable me to address complex issues empathetically and pragmatically.
- Telephone0466486593
- Email
alison.champion@banyule.vic.gov.au
- ProfileI will continue to encourage ideas, conversation, connection, collaboration and action, as well as advocate for the variety of issues which are important in our community: safety, health, accessibility, sustainability and functionality.
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, our staff and the public. It also explains procedures for dealing with conflicts that may occur.
Read our Councillor Code of Conduct or ask to see it at one of our customer service centres.
Councillor Expense Policy
This policy guides how we reimburse out-of-pocket expenses for councillors and members of our delegates committees.
It sets out:
- resources available to councillors to help them to do their job
- reporting requirements: councillors must report on their attendance at any interstate or overseas conferences or visits.
Read our Councillor Expense Policy.
Councillor Gift Policy
This policy sets out our standards and procedures for responding to gift and hospitality offers. It applies to all Banyule City Council councillors. Councillors will, on occasion, be offered gifts, benefits and hospitality.
The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidance to councillors on their approach to the acceptance (or otherwise) of gifts, benefits or hospitality from individuals or other entities external to Council.
Read our Councillor Gift Policy.