1/ financial experience
With experience in financial management, not for profit enterprise and small business operations, I served as Business Manager for Finance & Insurance at The Alto Group and Brian Hilton MG, ensuring compliance and managing financial reporting.
As a small business owner, I honed my expertise in financial management and strategic planning. My Diploma in
Community Services deepened my understanding of creating effective, community-focused programs. By leveraging my background in both finance and community services, I can ensure Council operations align with community needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility within our council budget.
2/ work experience
I am a seasoned professional with a diverse background in community services, disability employment, and business management. As Central Coast Manager at LEAD Disability Services, I have excelled in managing DES and NDIS services, growing caseloads, and fostering partnerships with local employers. My previous roles include Account Manager at The ORS Group, where I consistently exceeded KPIs, and Business Manager for Finance & Insurance at The Alto Group and Brian Hilton MG, where I handled financial products and compliance. Additionally, I have successfully managed my own small business, bringing a hands-on approach to strategic planning and operations.
3/ community activism or involvement
I am committed to community involvement and activism, particularly in advocating for the disability community. As
Secretary of the Disability Employment Advisory Group (DEAG) for the Central Coast and Newcastle NSW Regions, I actively promote the needs of individuals with disabilities. I have previously contributed to the Disability Access and Inclusion consulting group, providing recommendations to improve community accessibility. Additionally, I have operated an outreach service through Coast Shelter, where I helped homeless individuals access employment services and support, demonstrating my dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable populations and fostering inclusivity within the community.
4/ What current public causes/issues do you agree with?
Central Coast Australian Conservation Foundation – Save Gosford Library: I support saving the Gosford Library building as it holds cultural significance, offers adaptive re-use potential, and is vital to preserving our community’s heritage.
(Expanded Response: I support saving the Gosford Library building because it is a vital part of our community’s heritage and identity. The library is more than just a structure; it holds cultural significance and offers immense potential for adaptive re-use.
Proposals such as transforming it into a heritage museum, tourism office, or a community space like a kids’ creche demonstrate its continued relevance. Preserving this iconic building aligns with the Central Coast’s commitment to conserving heritage and repurposing it could create a new civic heart for Gosford. It’s crucial to embrace forward-thinking approaches that honour our past while serving future generations.)
Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) – Central Coast Branch: I support UDIA for its commitment to affordable housing, infrastructure, and job creation, which aligns with our region’s needs and offers a blueprint for a sustainable future.
(Expanded Response: I support the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) because its commitment to affordable
housing, infrastructure, and job creation aligns with the needs of our growing region. The Central Coast is at a pivotal moment, and UDIA’s vision for a thriving, sustainable community is essential for our future. By fostering collaboration between the development industry and an elected council, we can ensure that the Central Coast meets its housing targets and supports local economic opportunities. UDIA’s Central Coast 2024 Local Election Platform offers a strategic blueprint that will help us build a prosperous and inclusive future for all residents.)
Vision Australia – Gosford Bowling Club: I strongly support saving Gosford Bowling Club, a vital community asset offering inclusive programs for all, especially those with disabilities and vision impairments. It must remain protected.
(Expanded Response: I strongly support saving the Gosford Bowling Club because it plays a vital role in our community, offering inclusive programs that benefit people of all ages and abilities. The club is not just a recreational space; it’s a lifeline for many, including those with disabilities and vision impairments, who find a welcoming environment there. The fact that the club has the largest participation of blind and low-vision bowlers in Australia is a testament to its importance.
Preserving this club ensures that these essential services and community connections continue, rather than being sacrificed for commercial development. This land should remain a community asset, supporting inclusion and social cohesion.
5/ Why should I vote for you?
As an independent candidate for the Wyong Ward on the Central Coast Council, my focus is on fixing and improving our roads, maintaining and upgrading community facilities, and cutting costs through increased efficiency in Council operations.
With a strong background in community services and small business, I understand the challenges our community faces. My goal is to stimulate local business growth, create more jobs, and ensure that our communities voice is heard. Together, we can build a stronger, more united Central Coast. Let’s work towards One Coast, One Community, One Future. Vote for me Jara Millward
Q1/ What’s important to you from the Operational plan’s vision and framework?
Choose three.
G2: Engage and communicate openly and honestly with the community to build a relationship based on trust,
transparency, respect, and use community participation and feedback to inform decision making.
Endorse: I would prioritise effective and transparent communication to ensure that our community’s needs and concerns are properly addressed. This approach is crucial for building trust and facilitating informed decision-making that genuinely reflects the community’s interests.
H1: Solve road and drainage problem areas and partner with the State Government to improve road conditions
across the region.
Endorse with modification: While addressing road and drainage issues is essential, I recommend incorporating a focus on sustainability in road improvements. This approach will ensure long-term durability and the ability to manage increasing traffic volumes effectively.
L4: Provide equitable, affordable, flexible and co-located community facilities based on community needs.
Endorse with modification: While this point is crucial for ensuring our community facilities meet diverse needs, I would suggest enhancing the focus on accessibility, ensuring that all facilities are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.
This modification aligns with the goals of inclusivity and equality within our community.
Q2/ Which upcoming plans already in the pipeline do you support?
Endorse
- Public Amenities Renewal Program – Various Locations
Endorse: I believe this program is crucial for maintaining and upgrading public facilities, ensuring they meet modern standards of hygiene, accessibility, and usability across various locations. This aligns with my goal of providing equitable community services - Cultural Plan for the Central Coast – Listening+ Labs
Endorse: My aim with this initiative is to engage the community in cultural development, ensuring that the cultural needs and aspirations of Central Coast residents are reflected in future planning, while promoting inclusivity and diversity. - Leisure and Aquatic Strategy
Endorse: I believe that developing a comprehensive strategy for leisure and aquatic facilities will help meet the growing demand for recreational activities, enhance community well-being, and support healthier lifestyles.
Delete
- Gosford Town Centre – Kibble Park Upgrade Stage 1
Delete: I suggest deleting the Kibble Park Upgrade project and reallocating resources to preserve and repurpose the Gosford Library as a heritage site. This approach honours our history and provides lasting community benefits, offering greater impact and support than the park upgrade. - Leagues Club Park Tidal Terrace Renewal
Delete: I believe this project, while beneficial, should be considered a lower priority compared to other essential infrastructure needs, especially given the current financial constraints and the pressing requirements for broader community facilities.
Q3/ Do you support keeping the 2021 ten year special rate variation (rate increase) beyond 2031?
No, I do not support keeping the 2021 ten-year special rate variation beyond 2031. While the rate increase was initially intended to address urgent financial needs, I believe that continuing this increased rate beyond its intended period would place an excessive and prolonged burden on our residents. The long-term financial plan’s reliance on this continued rate increase is not sustainable, and I am committed to finding more equitable ways to maintain financial stability without extending this rate variation.
Q4/ How would you increase revenue
(Use the operational plan to give three examples)
Action ID: 23510 – Review of Commercial Property Portfolio (KPI 3.2)
Increase Revenue: Conducting a review of the Council’s commercial property portfolio to identify opportunities for leasing or selling underutilised properties can provide a significant revenue boost. Proceeds from these actions can be reinvested in essential community services or used to pay down debt.
Action ID: 100486 – Renewable Energy Program – Various Buildings (KPI 4.2)
Increase Revenue: Expanding the renewable energy program to include solar installations on more Council-owned buildings can reduce energy costs and generate revenue through feed-in tariffs or energy sales back to the grid.
Q5/ How would you reduce expenditure
(Using the same operational plan for examples)
- KPI ID: 4.1 – Optimise the Use of Council Buildings and Facilities
Reduce Expenditure: Implement a space utilisation review of all Council-owned buildings and facilities to ensure they are being used efficiently. Consolidating operations or renting out underutilised spaces would reduce operating costs and generate additional revenue. This approach maximises the value of existing assets and avoids unnecessary spending on new facilities. - Action ID: 100478 – Review of Council-Owned Vehicle Fleet
Reduce Expenditure: Conduct a review of the Council-owned vehicle fleet to assess the necessity of each vehicle. By reducing the number of vehicles, switching to more fuel-efficient models and introducing shared vehicle usage among departments, our Council can cut fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs. It also reduces our Council’s carbon footprint. - Project ID: 100356 – Street Lighting Upgrades
Reduce Expenditure: Transition to energy-efficient LED lighting for streetlights across the Central Coast. This not only reduces energy consumption and costs but also aligns with our community preferences for more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. The long-term savings on electricity bills will be significant and be more sustainable.
