Swearing in of the new Councillors

Melton, Australia—In a historic outcome, Ashleigh Vandenberg has been re-elected to the Melton City Council, representing the newly established Jackwood Ward and becoming the first Indigenous woman to be re-elected a councillor in the state of Victoria. Her victory is a significant milestone for all Victorian's as it has seen increased diversity in its council under a new ward structure. But it was delivered by the local community proving race is no barrier as long as your focus is on local matters that serve the people.

The 2024 Melton City Council election brought transformative changes to local government representation shifting from three wards each with three councillors, to a new model of ten single-councillor wards. This structural change, aimed at increasing localised representation, marked a substantial shift for Melton’s residents and it opened the door for a wider range of candidates to connect with their communities on a more personal level.

A Hard Fought Win in the Jackwood Ward

Ashleigh Vandenberg’s win was particularly notable given the competitive nature of the Jackwood Ward race, which saw her face a strong challenge from fellow incumbent councillor Goran Kesic. With only one seat available per ward under the new electoral structure, Vandenberg and Kesic were pitted directly against one another. This race was especially tense as both councillors have been prominent figures in the local community, with each making significant contributions over their previous terms.

Vandenberg's re-election campaign focused on pressing issues like illegal rubbish dumping, youth engagement and public safety initiatives. She vowed to expand CCTV coverage in known dumping areas and to focus on local roads and infrastructure showcasing her commitment to tackling important local issues.

Her campaign also emphasized a community focused youth outreach bus aimed at supporting young residents and fostering a safer, more inclusive environment for young people.

Vandenberg was not alone in securing re-election; six other incumbents also retained their positions, including Steve Abboushi (Bullum Bullum Ward), Bob Turner (Cambrian Ward), Kathy Majdlik (Lake Caroline Ward), Julie Shannon (Stringybark Ward), Lara Carli (Sugar Gum Ward), and Sophie Ramsey (Watts Ward). The re-election of familiar faces was a reflection of voters’ confidence in these councillors' abilities to serve their wards despite a reshaped electoral landscape.

“I’m incredibly honoured to continue serving the people of Melton,” Vandenberg shared in a post-election statement.

The three new councillors joining Melton’s council include Brandi Morris (Coolibah Ward), John Verdon (Hilltop Ward), and Phillip Zada (Mount Atkinson Ward). Each newcomer has expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to serve and bring fresh perspectives to council discussions.

John Verdon, for example, has been an active advocate for the Hilltop Ward community, emphasizing his dedication to making a “meaningful difference” in the lives of residents and a known community advocate who has worked long before his intention to run for local government.

A New Era of Representation for Melton

Melton’s new ward structure aimed to provide a more direct and accessible form of representation and it has resulted in a more diverse council bringing together incumbents, community leaders and fresh voices. The shift from larger wards with multiple councillors to smaller, single councillor wards allows representatives like Vandenberg to focus more intensely on the specific needs and challenges of their localized areas.

The City of Melton’s growing population has amplified the importance of this restructuring, with community members expressing a desire for focused representation that can address the unique needs of each neighbourhood. The change also encourages councillors to build stronger relationships with their constituents something Vandenberg highlighted as integral to her approach.

Re-Election A Historic win

Vandenberg’s re-election marks a ground breaking moment as she becomes the first Indigenous woman to be re-elected to sit on the Melton City Council. This achievement is a powerful symbol for First Nations people within the community and beyond fostering a sense of inclusion and inspiring future generations to take up leadership roles. Her presence on the council is a reminder of the importance of representation at all levels of government and how communities come together to tackle unified problems and issues.

As the daughter of a proud Indigenous family, Vandenberg has often spoken about her passion for bridging cultural divides and amplifying Indigenous voices in local policy discussions. Her re-election reflects her constituents' trust and the resonance of her message of inclusivity and progress for all Melton residents.

With the election concluded, Melton City Council is set to reconvene on November 21 to elect its mayor and deputy mayor. The council will face both familiar and new challenges, from managing urban development pressures to addressing the critical need for more public infrastructure. For her part, Vandenberg is expected to continue advocating for her core issues—public safety, waste management and youth outreach.

The revised council structure, with ten single-councillor wards, provides each councillor with a unique opportunity to address their ward’s specific needs. This reorganization aligns with Melton's growing needs as a fast-developing city and demonstrates a commitment to proactive and inclusive governance.

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