Resident message
Dear Resident,
I am writing to you for a dual purpose, to thank you for your support and to let you know that I will be standing for re-election at the Merri-bek City Council elections next month Pentridge Ward, I am seeking your continued support because of my ongoing and genuine desire to work hard for our community.
People have been asking me when I will begin my campaign. My answer is that I have never stopped. I am always campaigning for improvements to our local area and have been doing so for decades.
Our residents deserve a Councillor who has proven to be accessible and responsive to residents needs. The last thing we need is someone who appears on the streets only in the two months leading up to an election.
Some people give up too easily. When I’m told a problem is impossible to solve, I see it as a challenge: that’s the difference I bring.
I want to continue to work for you and your family. Together, we can make a difference.
Yours sincerely,
Anthony Helou
Candidate for Pentridge Ward
Let's Get Merri-bek Moving again
Your candidate Anthony can't win this election without your help. Voting is a continuity of policies founded on sound Merri-bek values and building on the success and learning from mistakes of the past. And while he would be delighted to receive your full support through a
No. 1 vote,
He would point out that even your preferences are important
A Strong people Voice
Support Anthony Helou your Local candidate with the experience and proven track record in community development
Together, we have had and will continue to make a difference.
You need a councillor who demonstrates leadership on important issues and has a long history in Local Government and Community Services
Anthony Helou
Candidate for Pentridge Ward - Merri-bek City
Mob : 0415 577 790
Email : aheloujp@gmail.com
www.anthonyhelou.com.au
Face Book Page : www.facebook.com/heloucandidate/
Summary
Born in Lebanon, came to Australia in the early 1970’s and settled in Brunswick. I managed to get work in a Brunswick Textile factory as a machine operator. The work involved was to spin yarn which was hard work for someone like me as I didn’t speak any English nor did I have any family member or relative here to help me. I didn’t expect to start work immediately.
Shortly after helping myself with English classes and lots of reading I started to help others. I have held several positions in the private and public sectors.
In March, 1998, I became the Third Mayor of the Local Government of Moreland and was re-elected Mayor for the second term in 2004 and for a Third term in 2006 and a Councillor since 1996 to 2012.
Prior to local government, I had extensive experience with various community groups, spanning the 50 years in which I lived, worked and raised my family in the City of Moreland. One of my enduring areas of interest and involvement has been working with various non-English background communities.
This in part arises out of my own experience arriving in Australia as a migrant. This personal insight has enabled me to assist others to understand the system of the Australian society. My expertise in these areas grew out of my personal role with the Commonwealth Employment Service. This has been built upon my capacity as a Councillor, Mayor, Board Member, and Chairman of various boards and as a Public Office Holder. I have developed, addressed and negotiated with groups representing industry, residents, various professionals, bureaucrats, politicians and ministers.
I have completed nearly 25 years of involvement in a Local Community Health Centre and many other groups and associations in Victoria. This has involved frequent analysis of situations through research, reading reports, discussion, consultations and the analysis of statistical data across a diverse range of disciplines such as Immigration, Human Services, Centrelink, Local Government, State and Federal, Newspapers, Television and many other agencies.
I am able to set goals and priorities, have a good capacity to organise my workload and work well under pressure. I also have been active in policy development and implementation at all levels on a variety of issues.
In conclusion, I am from Non-English speaking country and I have faced the barriers that most of the migrants have faced and what I have learned is based on my ability and desire to learn.
