By Ruza Zivkusic and ALLON LEE
SEVENnew councillors swept into Brimbank City Council, each expressing joy and revealing plans of action for their wards.
Horseshoe Bend Ward councillor-elect Anthony Abate, 35 and a father of two, believed he won because he delivered fresh policies and focused on the individual needs of residents.
Mr Abate works with the Police Multicultural Affairs Advisory Unit and has lived in Brimbank all his life.
“For a start, I think we need to ensure that the services that Brimbank delivers are reflective of the cultural diversity,” he said.
The first-time candidate said he door-knocked 4000 homes and ran a tight campaign.
“We spoke about policies, not personalities, and that’s what I will be focusing on for the next three years,” he said.
Successful Taylors Ward candidate Marilyn Zukalski, a mother of two who has worked at the Sydenham Community Centre for 10 years, said she could not believe her success.
“I am a community person and I feel that I’ve represented the community to the best of my ability,” she said.
Ms Zukalski said: “I dedicate myself to serve for Taylors Ward.”
Despite doubting his chances, Harvester Ward councillor-elect Costas Socratous, 53, said hearing the result was a “very exciting moment”.
The father of four said he is ready for the busy lifestyle of a councillor.
“I haven’t promised anything. The only thing is that I will work hard for the people,” he said.
Successful Horseshoe Bend Ward candidate Kathryn Eriksson, 44, was humbled by her victory.
The mother of one said she was thankful voters had read about her and the visions she had for Brimbank.
The archaeologist thanked outgoing councillor Dorothy Costa for endorsing her, saying it “very important to me”.
Miles Dymott, 31, ran for the Greens to represent Harvester Ward.
Mr Dymott, a software developer, told Star he was looking forward to meeting the challenge of representing his residents and increasing transparency in how the council works.
“We have an alternative voice now. And I will vote ethically and according to my conscience,” Mr Dymott said.
Successful Harvester Ward candidate Ken Capar, 34, was proud to be elected in his second run for council.
He said he ran a positive campaign about Brimbank being “on track”.
Mr Capar nominated the Deer Park shopping centre as his first priority.
“They need a public toilet and the traffic is dangerous. A petition was signed by 200 people. That’s a start,” he said.
Star could not contact successful Grasslands Ward candidate Jenny Barboza at the time of going to press.
