Hi, i'm John Friend-Pereira
I’m John Friend-Pereira, your local candidate for Solway Ward. I live in Ashburton with my wife and two young children. I’m their primary carer and work part-time as a director of an International NGO.
I am an active Rotarian having just finished two years as Director of Community Services at Rotary Club Box Hill-Burwood, I also volunteer locally on the Rowen Street Kindergarten Committee and as a Justice of the Peace at Ashburton Community Center. I have a Masters of Law and recently completed a Diploma in Governance. Living in Ashburton/Glen Iris is great but it can always be better. I want to ensure the council provides services that make your life easier.
What I have heard when taking to people in Ashburton/Glen Iris:
● Make the old Ashburton Police Station site available for community use
● Support local groups to pilot innovative recycling projects
● Improve the safety of trail/road crossings
● Ensure heritage overlays don’t prevent energy efficient and livable homes
● Tackle vacant properties - there are more than 400 unoccupied properties in Solway Ward
Top Priorities
- Responsible spending: We need to maintain and renew facilities, we don’t need to spend $34m demolishing/rebuilding two libraries. Council’s annual budget process should be fully transparent and participatory.
- Action on Climate: Increase funding (from .2% to 1% of the budget) to make cycling safer and more popular for all. More Council support for low-income residents to make their homes energy efficient. Oppose the use of gas at Kew Recreation Centre.
- Public Housing: Council should become a housing partner. It’s been successful in other areas and the redevelopment of public housing at Alamein Av, Benghazi Av, Gloucester Rd and Sunderland Ave would be a good start.
- Sustainable building design: We need a ‘traffic light’ system to grade new projects and fast track those that exceed the 7 star Environmental Sustainable Design rating and address housing affordability.
- Vibrant local shops: Council must support local festivals, ‘shop local’ campaigns and encourage owners of empty premises to participate in renewal programs.
- Community Strengthening Grants: Establish Community Strengthening Fund with $100,000 for every ward. Through this fund local clubs, associations and not-for-organizations could propose activities or projects that will be decided on by the community. This will empower communities to address their specific needs and foster a sense of ownership.
