Victorian State Election 2026 | Legislative Assembly (Lower House)
Independent candidate
Bulleen
Legislative Assembly
Photo: Helen Paliouras
1. Tell us about yourself.
I am first generation of migrant parents from Greece. My grandfather was a Greek Orthodox priest. My qualifications are Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology, a Master of Public Health, and a Master of Health Administration. My employment history includes a 40-year career in finance, specializing in debt recovery and in Credit Control employed in both the government and in the private sector. I have also trained for two years as a registered nurse but have since changed to Public Health research.
2. What is your connection to the local community?
I am a ratepayer and resident in Bulleen in the same street where my parents first bought a house in Bulleen in the beginning of the 1980s. I have worked, studied, and volunteered in the Manningham area most of my life. I am a trained and qualified swimming instructor of all ages and abilities. I was teaching at Westerforlds Sports Centre in Templestowe, but now teach privately. I also mentor high school students including students of Chinese heritage and provide in-class support at Warrandyte High School and within the Manningham area as needed. I do this on a volunteer basis. It is my way of giving back to my own community.
3. Why are you standing for election?
I am an advocate for senior Australians, a member of the Council of the Ageing (COTA) and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV). There is a complete lack of trust, accountability, and transparency in our local councils and government bureaucracies. Too many people are left behind. There is an increasing issue of homelessness in Manningham, that is not being adequately addressed by governments.
4. What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing the communities you hope to represent? How would you address these issues if elected?
1. Cost of living measures
The biggest debt for homes and local businesses is council rates.
I will never support any council with forced acquisitions of homes for pocket parks - under no circumstances. I will fight to ensure that no homeowner is displaced. I will vote to change the existing Local Government Act, to protect all homeowners and businesses, and to help us build more homes by releasing existing public land for affordable housing and public housing.
2. Community Safety
I support the policies of Castle Law and access to pepper spray for elderly residents and for anyone who lives alone. Castle Law gives owners the right to defend themselves without having a criminal charge for defending their properties and themselves in their homes or businesses from any invasion of violent offenders. I also support the rights of children to be free from being educated about ideologies, and to be in safe spaces, away from sex work and registered sex offenders. Furthermore, tougher sentences, less bail.
3. Public Health
I support strategic health services. More dental health clinics, specializing in the prevention of oral disease which leads to complicated illnesses, e.g. Affordable access to more dental hygienists, and more allied health services for senior residents. We need specialist clinics for all areas of healthcare in Gerontology. If we want to live longer and healthier, we need to focus on the health of our senior residents to enable us to better structure and design future health services for younger populations to prepare an ageing society. Public health is a long-term strategy. One in four residents is over the age of 60 in the Manningham area, and we need to prepare for it.
5. What specific actions would you take to improve the everyday lives of residents, particularly those in Manningham?
- I will support for Daniel’s Law to support a public sex –offender registry. People have a right to know if child sex offenders are working or living near their schools and homes near children.
- I will support the right to carry capsicum/pepper spray for residents to protect themselves and will support Castle Law, the right to defend yourself in your place of business or home, without facing criminal charges for injuring the violent intruder.
- I support the right for senior Australians to be provided the care and respect and dignity that is needed through our health system. If elected, I will initiate a private member's bill, to give patients and their families the right to legally challenge a medical team's decision not to resuscitate (DNR order).
6. Why should voters elect you?
My main goal would be to improve the lives of our local residents. One in four residents is over the age of 60 in the Manningham area. I would love to see a specialized hospital dedicated to Gerontology. We have Children's hospitals, but nothing dedicated to our Seniors.
I am a trained researcher in public health, and this puts me in a very strong position to examine public health policies, hospitals, aged care, and design in consultation with residents on their needs and where there are gaps in healthcare. My criminology and psychology background helps examine and design policy on safety, law and order. I am a local woman in my 60s from the suburb of Bulleen who brings personal and professional lived experience and a level of maturity to be a representative for my community who deserve a true local on their side.
Editor's note
The responses are provided by the candidates and reflect their own views. Publication does not constitute an endorsement by Manningham Life.
