Photo: At back: Levi Silcox and Chris Schwarze. Front: Michelle Di Donna, Serge Thomann, Sabina Sablock, Janet Di Silva, Beverley Pinder.

A high profile team, dubbing themselves as ‘People Empowering Port Phillip’ have their sights set on taking control of the St Kilda-based muncipality at this month’s Council elections/
The ‘PEPP’ team has seven independent nominees for the a group of independents with a genuine community focus and deep long standing connections to Port Phillip.
“By bringing independent voices together, we can foster collaboration, respect and a shared commitment to our city’s future – without the divisiveness and agendas along political lines that can hinder a council’s ability to effectively address and act on the needs of our local community,” a PEPP representative said.
“It’s time for a council that prioritises collaboration and mutual respect for our community to bring about real positive change to Port Phillip.
“We’re a diverse group with a wide range of expertise in business, council and community who are passionate about our community.
“We can represent each individual ward with its unique issues but with an overall vision for Port Phillip.
“As individual councillors, we may not agree on every issue, but we can benefit from each of our lived experiences to form an independent, informed view, without having to conform to party lines or idealist agendas.”
Beverley Pinder is standing for Albert Park Ward. A City of Port Phillip resident for more than 30 years, Beverley is a former City of Melbourne councillor (2012-20) where her work focused on greater community consultation and consideration of place, culture and purpose.
“She brings commitment, highly developed skills in collaboration, empathy and smarts to a precinct she loves,” says the PEPP wensite.
Serge Thomann represented City of Port Phillip from 2008 until 2016 as Councillor and Deputy Mayor, where he was instrumental in stopping the commercial centre proposed for the Triangle site