Serge Thomann
St Kilda Ward
Serge makes it happen!
Serge has been a St Kilda resident for almost 30 years and his knowledge of our local area is second to none. He previously represented City of Port Phillip from 2008 until 2016 as Councillor and Deputy Mayor, where he was instrumental in stopping the commercial centre proposed for the Triangle site, building the skate park (one of the best in the country), refurbishing the Palais and conceiving the Victorian Pride Centre in Fitzroy Street.
Serge is a board member of The Pride Fund, Christ Church Community Centre and the St Kilda Tourism Association. He is also president of unChain and French Assist, and co-owner of i Carusi II restaurant in St Kilda. He believes that all residents should be engaged, included and be an integral part of the city and he wants to work towards more genuine citizen participation.
Serge loves St Kilda and has developed a strategy for St Kilda to thrive again. This includes a new way forward for the future of the St Kilda Triangle - he believes we can do much better than the 5,000 head Festival Hall style venue currently proposed.
Vote for Serge because he makes it happen.
"As a community Elder, I am writing to offer my full support for Serge Thomann as he seeks role of Councillor in the City of Port Phillip, having known Serge for over twenty years. I have witnessed his unwavering commitment to our community. He has continuously advocated for the First Nations community, not only by attending significant events such as Sorry Day but also by actively engaging with Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation (PPCIR), Mourn Of Mornings and numerous other events.
Serge’s consistent presence, support and advocacy reflect his genuine care for our people and our shared future. I strongly believe that his leadership will continue to foster unity, inclusivity, and respect within our diverse community."
Respected indigenous elder and a proud Gunggari woman from Sth west QLD, St Kilda resident Judith Jackson, known as Aunty Jacko
Serge Thomann
0423 615 607
sergeyourvoice@gmail.com
CONNECT WITH ME
PEPP POLICIES
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
Let's think big for St Kilda!
St Kilda stands at a pivotal moment, and a vibrant future hinges on the actions we take now. We need to embrace a bold, collective vision. Our once-thriving village requires significant care and attention. It faces numerous challenges, including antisocial behaviour, crime, safety concerns, homelessness, and vacant shops. We need to think on a grand scale, drawing inspiration from other cities around the world.
Revitalising St Kilda's commercial precinct, particularly along its key streets, Acland and Fitzroy streets, demands a comprehensive strategy that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.
Community Engagement and Support
Engage local residents, businesses, and community groups by forming a proactive task force. This team should facilitate workshops and forums to gather input and develop a revitalisation strategy. Include experts in these discussions to generate innovative ideas.
Enhance Public Safety
Collaborate closely with Victoria Police to enhance safety. Engage a multidisciplinary team, including local experts and representatives, to address urban design, CCTV, lighting, and other security measures. By incorporating local knowledge and expertise, we can better address specific issues and improve the overall sense of safety in the area.
Address Homelessness
Tackle homelessness as a priority by collaborating with the State Government to provide adequate support services and programs for those in crisis. Partner with NGOs specialising in this area to develop affordable housing initiatives to address the root causes of homelessness.
Support for Local Businesses
Local businesses are facing significant challenges and require support through grants, interest-free loans, and financial incentives to help them thrive and attract new enterprises to the area. Establish a Port Phillip Chamber of Commerce, strengthen the St Kilda Tourism Association and collaborate with the two street business associations to maximise benefits and foster a unified business community. To help traders, car park fees should be considered as part of a global strategy.
Beautification of the Precinct
Our streets, parks, beaches, and public spaces should be clean and well-maintained. A beautiful neighbourhood is a liveable neighbourhood. Our public parks and gardens and streetscapes are critical to this. Inclusive access, accessible playgrounds, areas for dogs, investment in public art projects, street furniture, green spaces, improved lighting all to enhance the area’s appeal. Beautification of the Triangle car park will also make a big difference, without losing car spaces.
Promote Local Culture and Tourism
Tap into our DNA. Organise and promote festivals, cultural events, markets, and food fairs to attract visitors. Collaborate with existing businesses to prevent disruption such as carefully managing street closures and parking arrangements.
Long-Term Planning
St Kilda encompasses several distinct areas: Acland and Fitzroy streets, the Esplanade, the foreshore, the beach, and the St Kilda Triangle car park. We need a grand vision, inspired by places like Barcelona's La Rambla, to revitalise these areas. Imagine vibrant streets with diverse shops, markets, cultural institutions, and street performers. Let’s bring back energy and life back to our streets.
Collaboration with Other Entities
To achieve this big agenda in one of Australia's biggest tourist destinations, we must collaborate with all stakeholders including State and Federal governments. Investments will be required. Appropriate Public-private partnerships will need to be encouraged and considered.
The St Kilda Triangle
The redevelopment of the St Kilda Triangle is an essential part of the revitalisation of St Kilda. The Port Phillip Council does not have the capacity to achieve a successful development on its own. It has tried and failed three times and so it remains under-utilised. Since 2018 the State and Federal governments have offered to work with the Council on ‘the best use of this iconic site’. But the Council has declined. The Council should accept this partnership offer and focus on creating a cultural and entertainment precinct with ample public open space. It should aim to be a place that attracts both locals and visitors seven days a week.
