The election on 14 September for the Hornsby Council will feature the following candidates: Olivia Simons, Sallianne McClelland, Clr Monika Ball, Dr Verity Greenwood, and Benjamin Caswell.
Olivia Simons
Hornsby Shire Council Ward A Greens Candidate
Living by the Hawkesbury River, I am in awe of the majestic beauty and cultural significance of Hornsby’s environment. As a former horse and pony club enthusiast, I cherish the rural and agricultural areas of our Shire. Providing much needed green space and a tranquil lifestyle, these lands must be preserved for future generations to enjoy. My goal is to care for country, as those before us have.
Development in the Bushland Shire must be appropriate and well-placed to infrastructure and essential services. It must meet our community needs for affordable housing and enhanced open spaces for recreation.
I believe community-led initiatives such as resident associations, cultural organisations, land care groups, and community gardens are the back bone of our Shire. They build social connections, strengthen our neighbourhoods and deserve strong support from Council.
With the cost-of-living crisis hitting hard, families need more help with flexible before and after school care, and vacation care. I will advocate for safe footpaths & cycleways, recreational spaces for all abilities and facilities for older children.
My background in senior management in Information Technology, gives me a deep understanding of the need for due diligence and evidence-based decision making. I am committed to ensuring Council operations are well-planned and governed; and understand the importance of all levels of government working together to address issues with roads, transport and utilities.
As a councillor, I will listen to you and advocate for you and your community.
Please reach out to me on 0490 349 860 or [email protected] FB: @OliviaSimonsHornsby
Sallianne McClelland
Hornsby Shire Council Ward B Liberal Candidate
Since joining the Council in 2021, my vision has been to support the development and growth of our Bushland Shire. I’ve represented the community on the Arts and Culture Committee, PCYC Committee and the Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee (HATSICC), and collaborated with groups like Northern Districts Cricket Club, Westleigh Waterboard Alliance, Women’s Shed and Hornsby Lions.
I’ve championed community initiatives like World Pride, park rejuvenations, new Pickleball courts, and Wallarobba revitalization, while addressing individual concerns such as traffic and tree issues, DA compliance, signage, street lights, food scarcity and homelessness.
Our delivery program must include a dedicated performance space and address the growing need for housing. I’ll advocate for State Government to deliver 10% affordable housing on their lands and fund essential infrastructure, including a Hornsby-based Co-Ed High School. I’ll continue to support our unique community, local businesses, and strive to protect our bushland and area history.
Clr Monika Ball
Hornsby shire Ward B Greens Candidate
Throughout my first term, I most often heard concerns about tree loss, negative impacts of private certified developments, and poorly placed (but state-approved) childcare centres.
In this time, I’ve stood up to vested interests, advocated for environmental protections, opposed inappropriate development, increased affordable housing targets and pushed to improve sustainable development.
If re-elected in September, I will advocate for more affordable housing and adaptable housing for the varying degrees of ability in our growing community. Housing is a human need and our nursers, teachers, and critical workers need to live close to where they work. Families want to reside near each other and mature residents need to be able to downsize locally.
My priorities will be a focus on policy that promotes health and wellbeing, including walking & cycling, and spaces where people can gather under the shade of trees. This ultimately builds strong and resilient communities.
It’s more important than ever that we put nature first to ensure we improve our environmental sustainability and urban development practices. In a warming climate, we need more trees in public spaces to protect us from heat waves, and bus stops need seating and shelter from the elements.
You can contact me at [email protected] FB: @MonikaBallGreensHornsby
Dr Verity Greenwood
Hornsby Shire Council Ward C Liberal Candidate
With a strong focus on community resilience and wellbeing, I am standing again as an endorsed Liberal candidate for Hornsby Ward C in the upcoming council election. I moved to this region 39 years ago and it was the perfect place to raise my family. I appreciate our local businesses, environment, amenities and importantly, the community within it.
Formerly a NSW Police Detective Sergeant, I am a legal academic and small business owner. My PhD research in community health and resilience and previous career as health geographer/resource and environmental manager in Hornsby Shire, underpins my deep interest, engagement and active participation with our community and organisations.
Previous volunteer roles include Fagan Park Eco-Garden Committee, Galston Open Gardens Convener and environmental projects. I am Chairperson, RFPA (Hornsby) and a volunteer Councillor on the Hornsby Dementia Alliance, Arts and Culture, Heritage and Conservation and Local Traffic committees.
To reduce the impact of State housing policy changes, I will strongly support initiatives to deliver environmental, economic and community benefits to ensure our local Ward C community thrives as a resilient and sustainable community.
Benjamin Caswell
Hornsby Shire Council Ward C Independent Candidate
I’m standing as your true independent community voice in Ward C for the upcoming local council elections. Ward C deserves hardworking representatives to fight for items for the community. It is telling that the forward budget for Hornsby Shire Council has almost no Ward C projects! How can this be possible? Ward C residents deserve answers.
My recent experience of being treasurer of a local community group for 2 years aids me in understanding the importance of strong fiscal management. I’ve also been a part of committee with various other groups that has helped projects come to fruition. I believe this important experience will assist me in my role as councillor. Being an independent also ensure you know that I am putting you first and no party politics. It is telling to see that recent council meetings have had more motions voted along party lines. Each motion should have your best interests at heart and not a party!
I am looking forward to working with all in our diverse community to foster open and respectful relationships that promote the best solutions at council. I would be honoured if you consider to vote for me as your representative to council in Ward C.
Please reach out to me on 0401-542-328.
