The Victorian Electoral Commission has begun distributing ballot packs to all enrolled voters starting Monday, 7 October. To ensure your voice is heard, make sure to send in your vote by post or drop it off at an election office before 6 pm on Friday, 25 October. For more information, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission’s website.
Get to know the eight Filipino-Australians running as Councilors and their areas.
Melba Waugh
Grange Ward, Wyndham City Council
I have lived and raised my family in Hoppers Crossing for the last 32 years. I have been actively involved in various community volunteering initiatives and several awards, the most recent of which are the 2024 Wyndham Citizen of the Year and the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever of the Year. I have a master’s degree in public administration and agricultural economics and am an award-winning entrepreneur.
I am deeply committed to making Hoppers Crossing an even better place to live, work and raise a family. My priorities are:
1. Revitalise sports/recreational facilities, parks and community hubs
2. Empower entrepreneurs – support local businesses and create jobs
3. Sustainable growth – advocate for smart urban planning and green initiatives
4. Inclusive community – support diverse cultural events and initiatives
5. Safer and welcoming community- increase police presence, more lighting on streets and parks
6. Advocate for senior citizens – support more programs to keep our aging residents mentally and physically active, socially connected and safe online
7. Fair and affordable council rates
For more information visit Melba Waugh’s campaign Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melbawaughgrangeward/
Rufo Paredes
Bemin Ward, Wyndham City Council
I am a Migration Consultant by profession, director and social entrepreneur, Victorian Multicultural Commission awardee, grandpa and friend.
I have a BSC in Accounting and Law degree from the University of Mindanao Davao City, Philippines and Refugee Immigration Legal Centre.
For the past 28 years, I have been a local Filipino volunteer. Sincerity and competence are my virtues.
My duties to serve my ward come first after my God and family. I leave you with the best of myself.
My modest contributions to the Filipino Australian community, meager or vast, will mean the world to at least one. I’m proud of every step I take toward fulfilling my goals and dreams in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Service to the community is a privilege I will never regret and take lightly. Rest assured that I view your interests as inseparable from my own. Such is the nature of my engagement if elected local councillor and for these duties I am bound by the most sacred ties to observe.
Cesar ‘Sonny’ De Castro
Bemin Ward, Wyndham City Council
In September 1982, my wife and I migrated to Australia and began my career in Sydney with World Aviation, and after two years, I transitioned to UTA French Airlines, where I managed operations across Australia, New Caledonia, Tahiti, New Zealand, Hawaii and Los Angeles for four years. In 1987, I moved to Melbourne and joined Australia Post, where I spent 20 years before retiring in 2009. Today, I am actively involved in my church, leading the Goldies Connect Group, where we gather to learn and share the Word of God.
I believe my experience in management, project oversight and commitment to Christian values will resonate well with the community as I run for the Wyndham Council in Bemin Ward.
When elected, I will advocate for:
- Upholding Christian values
- Expanding youth programs
- Supporting victims of domestic violence
- Improving local infrastructure
- Reducing unnecessary council spending
- Freezing rates to ease the financial burden on residents
Joe Aguilus
Merlynston Creek Ward, Hume City Council
Hume City is facing growing challenges—rising costs, aging infrastructure and leadership that feels out of touch with the community’s needs. Year after year, we see the same officials elected, but real change never comes. I’m running for Hume City Council to bring fresh ideas, action and true representation.
As a community advocate with a background in business and law, I’ve seen firsthand how corruption and neglect can erode trust. I’m dedicated to restoring that trust by supporting diverse leadership that ensures fair representation for all. I actively support the cause of a FREE PALESTINE and believe in global justice as well as local action.
My priorities are improving childcare services, increasing disability support and strengthening community care. I stand for accountability, transparency and environmental sustainability. Public safety, better infrastructure and community wellbeing are at the heart of my campaign.
Local government drives change. As an independent candidate, I’m committed to fair governance. Together, we can break the cycle and build a safer, stronger Hume City.
Fred Jover
Kalora Ward, Casey City Council
I am a 34-year resident of Casey with over 40 years of international and local experience in public and private sectors. I understand our unique challenges and am committed to addressing the issues that matter most.
My priorities for Casey are:
- Upgrading infrastructure, focusing on improving our roads and parks, tackling traffic congestion and ensuring the quality of our roadways
- Enhancing community access to essential amenities and support for all residents
- Promoting economic growth through advocacy for local businesses, driving innovation and encouraging sustainable development for a thriving economy
- Ensuring health, safety and wellbeing on issues like peak hour “rat runs” on our local roads and a 24-hour/7 day-week police station to safeguard community safety
- Managing rates responsibly through efficient revenue management, ensuring that every dollar provides value
- Keeping our city clean and maintaining safe neighbourhoods for all residents
- Building an inclusive and diverse community and fostering a strong sense of belonging and harmony
Jennifer Dizon
Tooradin Ward, Casey City Council
I’m running as an independent candidate for the Tooradin ward in the Casey City Council elections. As a lawyer, I bring extensive experience in handling legal matters and navigating government processes. My background allows me to approach complex issues to make informed, fair and effective decision-making for our community. One of my key priorities is improving our roads and infrastructures in the Tooradin ward. As one of the fastest-growing areas in Victoria, it is essential that we have safe, accessible and sustainable roads and infrastructures.
I also care about enhancing our parks and gardens, improving public transport and fostering a safer, more peaceful community. I will advocate for public health initiatives, responsible management of council resources and policies that protect our environment.
If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our area remains vibrant, safe and inclusive. I am committed to building a community where every resident feels valued and supported. Let’s work together and give the City of Casey a transparent, trustworthy and accountable leadership.
Julien Macandili
Wattle Ward, Maribyrnong City Council
I’m a Kingsville local running in this year’s council election with the Victorian Socialists because I believe our community’s wellbeing should come before profit.
In the west, we have the worst air pollution in the city. Freight trucks on Sommerville and Williamstown roads contaminate the air of homes, schools and childcare centres. Worse, there have been repeated industrial fires in nearby suburbs.
Maribyrnong council, especially Yaraville, has the worst hospital admission rates for breathing problems. Young people are being admitted at almost triple the Australian average. We have to do something about this!
If elected, I’ll prioritise preserving green spaces, like Mclvor Reserve, and tackle air pollution by supporting community campaigns and advocating for low-emission zones, as per the Grattan Truck plan.
Councils should fight for social and economic justice. If elected, I’ll fight for our community and the healthy environment we need and deserve.
Joh Bauch
Mt Derrimut Ward, Brimbank
Candidate information was requested but not yet provided.
