Aristea Havelas

Are you a member of a political party, political group, or community advocacy group? (eg; Labor, Liberal, Greens, Socialist, My Place, Angry Victorians, Better West, environment groups, etc)

I, Miss Aristea Havelas, am not politically affiliated, or sponsored by a political party, or by any member of a political party. I am an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE.

I am / have been closely affiliated with two community advocacy groups; at a local level in Brimbank, Autism Angels, and at a state level in Victoria, Little Dreamers Australia.

What is the most important issue facing your electorate?

In Copernicus Ward, Brimbank City Council, we have a range of areas which need advocating for; to name a few; introducing Local Disability Workshops / Mentor Programs for Carers and Young Carers, in the Carer’s Space, located at Keilor Downs Community Centre, adding more Street Lighting / Safety Measures, for example adequate path lighting at Packard Street Reserve, and another is for the Duplication of Taylors Road, which will alleviate traffic congestion during busy periods.

Should/how can Council support local businesses?

Brimbank City Council should seek to establish a Local Small Business Directory. This would enable our residents to conveniently locate, and support small businesses.

Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?

Brimbank City Council should promote upcoming local artists by hosting Local Creative Art and Digital Media Community Exhibitions, and Local Street / Multicultural Food Festivals. We should also collaborate with our local artists, and have them create street murals which depict our Brimbank community. These street murals will visually attract our residents, and newcomers to Brimbank.    

Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?

Brimbank City Council can help alleviate climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems by continuing to plant more trees, and tree canopies, in our local parks and gardens.

Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?

Brimbank City Council can implement better access to housing and information sessions, and continue to promote local charities / food banks. In Brimbank, we should introduce ‘Coats for Winter’, as a way to help those who are homeless, and struggling in the cold winter months.

What should Council stop spending money on?

Brimbank City Council should cease overspending on campaigns, and projects that are not yielding results within a timely frame of 12 – 24 months.

Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?

To some extent, the public should be allowed to ask live questions to Councillors at a council meeting, however, the public should respect and be mindful of the time it takes to ask and answer a question. If a question is unable to be answered (at the time) due to requiring additional research / further investigation, then the public should be understanding of that, and allow the Councillor to take the question on notice.

Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.

My vision for Copernicus Ward is for our residents to feel less isolated, and more connected. To bring that vision to light, I will advocate for, and implement additional community initiatives, programs, services, and resources. If elected, I will advocate for in Brimbank;