by Sahar Foladi
A councillor for over 20 years, Jim Memeti has declared himself a winner in the Greater Dandenong council elections ahead of an official announcement from the Victorian Electoral Commission.
While counting may not have finished, the Dandenong Ward incumbent says he is nearly 1300 votes in front of his only rival Rahima Rizai.
He was woken by the good news in the early hours of London’s morning, 11 hours behind Melbourne’s AEDT time.
“She ran a good campaign, doorknocked every house which is the first time I’ve seen it in a long time.
“I congratulate her for working so hard. If she ran for another ward she would’ve won, unfortunately she picked the wrong ward,” Memeti said.
According to him, he sits on 2934 while Rizai is behind on 1668 – with only 500 votes left to count.
“I’m close to the community I think the community supported me because of my last 20 years of service.
“Being re-elected I’m very proud and humbled. I will continue to work for each and every one resident of the Dandenong Ward and the municipality overall.
“I’m proud to deliver so many facilities – over $100 million spent (in the ward), more than any other wards – and I will continue to do my best.”
Dandenong Ward covers the largest area in the municipality, including commercial industrial areas mainly in its south as well as Dandenong CBD with the Little India precinct and Afghan Bazar, Hemmings Park and Dandenong Park.
“It’s a great ward to represent with so many happening and the diversity of it.
“It’s a dream job and that’s why I keep nominating. I want to ensure we keep improving and have the best facilities not in Dandenong but in Victoria.”
Memeti will be back next week to celebrate the win “officially” meanwhile he’ll thoroughly enjoys his vacation which is 100 per cent paid by himself, he says.
He is known for his five-time mayoral positions and serving as a long-term councillor in Dandenong Ward since 2005.
Councillor Sophie Tan was also re-elected unopposed in Noble Park Ward, with counting continuing in the other 10 wards.
The VEC is expected to announce the results for Greater Dandenong on Monday 11 November, 2pm.
