During her term on Council, she aims to be the voice of the people in the Wollondilly community, ensuring issues are heard with an open mind and understanding. She believes lifestyle and environment are very important considerations for Wollondilly, so they are preserved for future generations, and is committed to being open and transparent with the community, especially about planning and development within the Shire.

After volunteering within her community for many years Jacqueline sees that stepping up and fulfilling the role of Councillor will enable her to be part of real change in shaping the future of our Shire.

She is particularly passionate about ensuring local youth have access to improved community facilities. She is committed to retaining the history of the Shire and the character of our villages.

Jacqueline was employed by NAB for 12 years with roles including Customer Service Supervisor, Consumer Business Lending Officer and Regional Training Officer. Since 1998, she and her husband have been self-employed running a Finance Broking Business and she has been the Practice Manager for the past 15 years for a local Occupational Therapy Practice.

Due to her various roles she has developed strong communication skills, and her organisational skills allow her to remain focused while executing different tasks. Her strengths are in her interpersonal skills – she is an active listener and values the thoughts and opinions of others. She is readily recognised in her town due to her two cream Golden Retrievers, Kira and Kali, whom she walks daily.

Jacqueline feels very strongly about retaining the character of Wollondilly’s existing villages. She wants to ensure that future development is controlled with appropriate block sizes and the required infrastructure, as well as taking into consideration the effect on native wildlife. Jacqueline believes that she has a good grasp on understanding the challenges faced by local families and what is important to them.

He is passionate about making meaningful changes in how the Council engages with the community, ensuring greater involvement in the decision-making process. He is also committed to advocating for the strategic maintenance of community infrastructure to meet the community’s expectations during his term.

Benn’s family have lived in the Wollondilly Shire since 1988. With grandparents migrating to Australia following the Second World War, he was instilled with a philosophy of action and speaking for those who need a voice. His father Michael Banasik recently completed 29 years’ service on Wollondilly Shire Council.

Benn is a lecturer of Philosophy and Theology at Newcastle University where he mixes religion, politics and taboo topics for students that work in conflict areas and with diverse groups. He is a musician and an avid retro video gamer, competing in game competitions and organising classic video game and pinball tournaments in Australia. Locally, Benn has volunteered for groups such as the Chamber of Commerce. He is a current active member of Tahmoor Lions and enjoys flipping the eggs on the BBQ for the monthly Picton Cars and Coffee.

Benn ran for Council because he wants the community have a say in the outcomes which are most important to them. He believes in the traditional role of Council, focused on Roads, Rates and Rubbish. He believes the community should be told things openly so that decisions can be made publicly. Benn is also passionate about the way roads are fixed and is advocating to increase services, to provide for the population we have today and the community that will be moving in tomorrow.

In this term of Council, Benn hopes to see further reforms of the way roads are maintained and is looking for opportunities to increase these services to be provided internally. Benn hopes to see hot mix, hot tar and road verge maintenance increased to match the population growth that is expected for Wollondilly.

Benn is also looking to increase community and youth services in Wollondilly’s towns and villages, including providing music equipment for open mic nights for young people. Benn wants to see disaster mitigation taken seriously by Council. He is also looking to bring together the advocacy platform of Council so Council can negotiate with any political party for the services Wollondilly needs.

Ally believes in fostering a collaborative, community-focused approach to governance. Her goal is to be part of a Council that truly listens to residents, encourages innovative ideas, supports our dedicated staff, and operates with transparency and accessibility.

She wants to address local issues, influence urban planning and environmental sustainability, and advocate for marginalised groups, promoting social justice and inclusivity. She believes collaboration with all levels of government, local officials and community organisations will help strengthen Wollondilly.

Ally has actively participated in numerous community organisations, including: serving as Board Secretary of the Picton Community Bank; Board member for Carrington Aged Care Services; Charter member of Wollondilly North Rotary Club; Previous Board Member and President of  Macarthur Disability Services; School Council & P&C and Past President of Beverley Park Special School;  Cobbitty Public School P&C Past President, Vice President and Secretary;  Inaugural founding member & Previous Vice President of National Carers Association; Previous Board Member & Vice President of Carers Association of NSW Inc.

Ally has been been involved in projects such as the Sydney Food Futures initiative and was an original founder and first Vice President of the Carers Association of Australia, where she was instrumental in the development of Carer support programs and founded care provision for people to be partners in their family’s care, not mere recipients of services. Her involvement reflects her enthusiasm for grassroots advocacy and vision to be a transformative force for the community. As an artisan and the owner of The Werombee Hive, she aims to educate and engage visitors while promoting sustainable practices and a love for the environment.

A former Local Government Executive Director, Ally is committed to ensuring Wollondilly remains a great place to live, work, and visit, including improving our roads, public services, enhancing community safety, encouraging tourism and attracting investment. Ally wants to help build the resilience of local communities to withstand natural events such as bushfires, drought, heatwaves and severe weather. She envisions a Council that listens and works actively for its residents, and that truly puts people first.