By Callum Ludwig
Local small business owner Gareth Ward is running to become the new Chandler Ward Councillor.
Mr Ward has lived in Chandler Ward for the last 15 years, running landscaping and car detailing businesses, general contracting work for outdoor construction and consulting work helping small business startups.
Mr Ward said his inspiration to run for council stems from his love of his community, which previously motivated him to stand as a candidate in the 2022 state election.
“My values are rooted in common sense, financial responsibility, and easing the cost of living burden for our residents and as a family man, I am dedicated to ensuring that Chandler Ward remains a great place to live for all families,” he said.
“I believe I’m well suited to the role of Councillor based on my experience in finance, small business and politics at state and federal levels as well as raising a young family in the Yarra Ranges,”
“Above all else, as with any role I undertake, I bring a common sense, hassle-free and hard-working approach.”
Mr Ward ran as the Liberal candidate for Monbulk in the 2022 state election but was unsuccessful, receiving 12,327 first preference votes (29.49 per cent) and 17741 votes (42.45 per cent) after the distribution of preferences.
Mr Ward said a key issue for him is what appears to be overspending on certain budget allocations, in particular infrastructure and maintenance.
“I believe with responsible financial planning and budgeting the Yarra Ranges can have more funds available for the community and work on improvements, I only have one wish if elected, that’s for my community to look back at the prior four years come the next election and be happy with what work has been done to support, maintain and grow Chandler Ward,” he said.
“I’m a simple family man with simple values; work hard, look after your family, friends and community, respect and maintain the environment around you and spend wisely,”
“Sticking to those values is a surefire way to live happily and comfortably.”
