Rose Hill Ward
Portfolio: Sports and Recreation
Phone: 0423 776 740
Email: jsipek@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Tell us about yourself
I am 47 years of age and live in East Keilor, married with one adult son and teenager. I am an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer by profession and also a professional Company Director. Currently, I am a Director of the Qantas Superannuation Fund, a Justice of the Peace; and a long time member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I enjoy all forms of sporting activities and support many local clubs.
What five words best describe you?
Patient, a listener, realist, persistent, dedicated.
What do you hope to achieve in your term as Councillor?
I was honoured to be Mayor for the 2010-2011 period, and over the past three years Council continues to be a leader in Local Government. I have introduced a tradition of fiscal responsibility aligned with the Council Plan and strategies. The Council's strong financial management focus is evident in its early and active response to the global economic decline.
We recognised the signs of an economic slowdown early on, and I started a long term strategy to keep rates at record lows and be in a continuous period of intense budgetary review ever since. Improving and streamlining services, consolidating administrative functions, renegotiating contracts - just doing things smarter not harder. We have proposed real, long-term savings instead of relying solely on short-term or one-time actions, and this has enable us to plan well for the future.
Major projects that these savings have contributed to are the Afton Street water recycle park, sporting fields and pavilion upgrades throughout the city, the Milleara Community and Family Wellbeing Centre and the new Avondale Heights Library. I have strongly advocated for the redevelopment of the East Keilor Leisure Centre and we are now close to completion with the added bonus of the artifical sports field. These and many more master plans and projects will ensure our children and future generations will enjoy our wonderful city.
What do you think are Moonee Valley’s greatest strengths?
Moonee Valley is a wonderful boutique city. It is located close to the Melbourne CBD, Melbourne Airport, major arterial roads and diverse environmentally significant open space and waterways. It is a well known fact that Victoria is the place to be, and I say "Moonee Valley is the place to live in Victoria." Our greatest strength is you, our residents who live, work or contribute to our city.