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Janet de Silva

Elwood Ward

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Local knowlege, local solutions.

For over 32 years, Janet has called the Elwood Ward home, building deep connections within the community alongside her family.

From her 14-year involvement with Elwood Primary School, where she helped establish the now-vibrant school market, her close ties with local sports clubs, and, more recently, volunteering at the Family Life op shop, Janet has a strong understanding of what it takes to build a liveable and connected neighbourhood.

With a background as a journalist, media adviser in the profit-to-member superannuation sector, author of a book on Melbourne artisans and board director, Janet brings a wealth of experience to her role as councillor. She recognises Elwood Ward’s unique challenges such as flood mitigation and balancing high density living with preserving community character. Janet believes that these local issues - along with broader concerns like greening, public safety and effective use of open space across Port Phillip, require the dedication of a truly independent and committed local resident.

Your Ward, your City, Vote for:

  • Leafy, Green streets: More thoughtful planning and landscaping to enhance our streetscapes.

  • Flood prevention: A more comprehensive strategy, including upstream measures, to protect Elwood and the bay.

  • Clean environment: Better resourcing to keep our canal and drains clear of debris.

  • Village vibe:  Revitalise key commercial zones to sustain a vibrant community atmosphere.

  • Elwood foreshore redevelopment: Ensure strong oversight, transparency and continual community involvement in this major project.

  • Inclusive and caring: Support community services like childcare and aged care.

  • Public Safety: Advocate for increased police patrols to enhance safety and address local concerns.

Janet de Silva
0448 000 499
janet.elwoodward@gmail.com

CONNECT WITH ME

PEPP POLICIES

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A safer city involves collaboration and commitment from everyone in the community. It starts with effective law enforcement, community policing and communication between residents, business owners and all relevant authorities. Drugs issues, homelessness, antisocial behaviour and mental health issues contribute to crime in our city. 

Council relies on the State Government and Victoria Police as well as community and service providers.. By working together and more effectively, we can create a city where everyone feels secure, valued and empowered. 

A SAFER CITY

A fairer city ensures equal opportunities for all its residents. It prioritises accessible services, for all abilities, the young and the old. It encourages affordable housing. Diversity and inclusion are celebrated. Public spaces are safe and welcoming, fostering community connections, including for people with dogs. Economic policies support small businesses. Public transportation connects all neighbourhoods. Residents have a voice in local governance, with a transparent decision-making processes. 

 

A fairer city thrives on togetherness, liveability, solidarity and empathy.

A FAIRER CITY

A better managed city optimises its financial resources to foster growth and enhance services. Residents must have confidence that their rates are well spent and as low as possible. An independent audit should be conducted by Council at the beginning of the term to set benchmarks  against which to demonstrate accountability and prevent future mismanagement. 

Transparent budgeting and effective financial planning are crucial especially for allocating funds to essential areas like infrastructure, public safety and social services.  Prioritising investments in key projects and balancing expenditures with long-term goals supports economic stability. 

Through strict financial management, our city can improve its services, drive development and create a thriving environment for its residents.

A BETTER MANAGED CITY

A cleaner city is achieved through consistent efforts to reduce litter, manage waste effectively, and promote cleanliness in public spaces.

 

The City of Port Phillip might not be large but it has  many cleaning challenges - streets, waterways, beach cleaning, bin collections, hard rubbish left on streets, commercial centres requiring attention, extensive graffiti, noise pollution and more.

 

A cleaner city is one of our number priorities. By working together, we can ensure a healthier, more attractive city for everyone to enjoy.

A CLEANER CITY

A more engaged city starts with a shared vision where Council is respected and valued. We know people love their villages and so residents will be consulted with  genuine intent. Imagine a place where everyone feels connected and can get involved. 

We have developed a 4 point plan to make sure there is synergy between the city and its residents, including an innovative “My ideas for my hood” program. Small local events and festivals are bustling with enthusiasm, and citizens actively participate in decision-making processes. Public spaces are vibrant with art, music, and culture, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the community. Local initiatives thrive with the support of passionate residents.

Together, we want to build a brighter, more engaged city, inspired by civic pride, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility.

A MORE ENGAGED CITY

A greener city has policies that offer practical and visible solutions. Environmental issues can often bring a lot of negativity in people. We defend a positive ecology that offers practical solutions and builds compromise, an ecology of government, and an approach useful for making the ecological transition a reality. 

We will be planting more trees and create green spaces to enhance air quality and provide recreational areas. Urban greening and the building of heat islands through the city, providing more urban shade.  We support all Council buildings implementing energy-efficient technologies, local recycling programs and Council offering programs to the public to help them reduce their carbon emissions, fostering community engagement through environmental education and green initiatives. We support a cleaner bay and beaches and recognise our place by the sea. We recognise that biodiversity is an important part of tackling climate change and many easy projects can be developed.

Let’s build together a greener future and a more sustainable city and transform urban areas into vibrant, eco-friendly communities, contributing to a healthier planet and a better quality of life for all residents.

A GREENER CITY

A city thrives on its artistic spirit, where creativity and culture flourish. Albert Camus once said, “Without culture and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future.”

The City of Port Phillip has long been a beacon of creativity, and it’s vital we continue to nurture this and keep our dynamic community alive. By investing in arts and culture—whether through music, theatre, public art, galleries, or performance spaces—we not only celebrate local talent but also draw visitors from near and far.

Council will encourage collaboration and partnerships among artists, businesses, and the community, we aim to create a cultural hub that thrives on diversity and inspiration. We want to be innovative and extend support to a diverse range of creative industries, from design and high tech to cinema, video games, and beyond. 

Together, we’ll build a city where creativity enriches lives and where every artistic endeavour is a gift to our city and its future. 

A MORE CREATIVE CITY

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live; the Bunurong and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to our traditional elders, past, present and future.

Authorised by Serge Thomann, PO Box 117, Port Melbourne Vic 3207

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