When you have lived in the Blacktown area for as long as I have, it's hard not to notice that Blacktown Council doesn't seem to treat Ward 5 fairly compared with other wards. You would also find it hard not to wonder about Council's commitment to residents' well-being in its allocation of funds. Issues of concern to Ward 5 residents include access to amenities and facilities and the state of our local parks, playing fields and children's playgrounds.

I am running as your Greens lead candidate for Ward 5 because I want to bring about positive change, with rules based on common sense and innovative ideas that could help improve our ward. I'm the father of two kids, so you can trust me when I say that kids' safety is my top priority. I understand what parents go through when the areas that should be safe for our children are neglected. As an elected Ward 5 councillor, I shall be committed to ensuring that the playgrounds our kids use are well managed and maintained.

Another priority of mine will be to focus on roads and signage. Improvements in this area are desperately needed. We can all see that Council has not adequately prioritised the safety of Ward 5 residents. I will work to keep everyone safe by pushing for proper footpaths and pedestrian crossings. I will treat the prevention of accidents and safety for all road users as the urgent priorities they should be.

There are many more issues that affect our community. I look forward to discussing them with you to get a deeper understanding of what's not working and what change you'd like to see. Let's work together to build a better ward. Your support will make all the difference.