Walsh on jobs boost ticket

By Nicole Williams
ON A platform of manufacturing and job security, a local businesswoman launched her council campaign in Dandenong’s industrial region on Tuesday.
Jill Walsh, group general manager of ARM Group, announced her candidacy for Red Gum ward in the City of Greater Dandenong and will engage her extensive Dandenong business network to help her get elected.
Business heavyweight, and Jayco founder, Gerry Ryan officially opened Ms Walsh’s campaign at her launch on Tuesday.
“Manufacturing is very important to the City of Greater Dandenong, to Melbourne’s wider south eastern region, to the state of Victoria and the nation,” Mr Ryan said.
“That’s why manufacturing firms – big, small or medium – need to work together more effectively to get our collective voice heard on local council and on state and national bodies.
“To achieve this end, we also need people who are effective advocates – people such as Jill.”
Ms Walsh said, if elected, she would advocate on behalf of manufacturing, independent of a political party.
“No one doubts council’s support for manufacturing, but we need to do more,” she said.
“This city is big business and we are making decisions which impact the ratepayers.”
The Star is also aware of two other candidates running for Red Gum Ward, Keysborough resident Matthew Kirwan and businessman, John Gulzari.
Noble Park resident Brad Woodford is running for Paperbark Ward.
Current Red Gum Ward councillor Paul Donovan has confirmed he will not renominate for his position.
“I no longer have the drive and motivation to commit to the role of councillor,” he said.
“I am more focused on my creative writing, my work as an educator and my online multiplayer gaming. I thought I would allow someone else the chance to serve their community as a councillor rather than taking on the task in a half-hearted fashion.”
Former Paperbark Ward councillor Pinar Yesil will also not be renominating after she was ousted from her position earlier this month.
Lightwood Ward councillors Loi Truong and Yvonne Herring have not confirmed their intentions, but all other councillors have indicated that they will be renominating for their current wards.
Councill elections will be held on Saturday 27 October.