Nicola Rooks
A local, independent
voice for our community
My name is Nicola Rooks and I’m running as your local independent candidate in the Beale Ward by-election for Banyule Council.
In the coming weeks you’ll receive a postal ballot in the mail – and I’m asking you to vote for me to serve as our community’s new local councillor.
Together with my husband Craig I’ve lived in Briar Hill for the past 24 years, and before that in Montmorency. My now adult kids have grown up here – over the years I’ve seen firsthand in so many ways how special a place our community is.
I love the unique character of our area: from our quiet local streets and beautiful trees, to our wonderful parks and playgrounds, our local shops and our many community groups and sporting clubs.
We live in a special part of Melbourne – and that’s worth protecting.
I want to ensure that every resident and family in our community can have the same experience that my family has had – and that locals can continue to enjoy this area as they grow older.
That’s why I’m running to serve as our councillor – as a strong, local, and proudly independent voice to make sure our community gets our fair share.
The Beale Ward by-election will be held by postal ballot
Ballot packs will be posted from Monday 14 September and must be returned before 6 pm on Friday 2 October 2026
For more information visit the Victorian Electoral Commission website
"I’m committed to making our community an even better place to live."
What I stand for
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Community comes first – making every decision with community benefit as the priority
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Planning for the future as well as today – to help create a better place for the next generation
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Responsible economic management – getting the best value out of every ratepayer dollar
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Ensuring all voices are heard – the quiet voices as well as the loud
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Integrity, good governance and transparent decision making – putting residents first, not special interests
My commitments
ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING
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Continue investment to protect our parklands and open spaces, and backing urban greening. It’s these green places, the trees and wildlife that help make Banyule special – let’s keep it that way.
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Promote local action on protecting our environment and delivering sustainability and climate action such as solar on roofs, provision of electric car charging stations and use of recycled water for gardens.
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Supporting recycling initiatives that divert recycling from landfill.
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Back appropriate, well-designed development that provides housing and preserves the character of our area. Housing should not be at the expense of trees and gardens, we need to balance both to ensure our neighbourhoods remain liveable and the next generation can raise their families here too.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
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Listen! Put residents first, and stand up for our community in the decisions that Council makes.
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Ensure transparency and integrity is reflected in the decisions Council makes.
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Open door – be a local independent voice that is approachable, consultative and available to local residents.
OUR COMMUNITY AND LOCAL SERVICES
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Ensure Beale Ward receives its fair share of funding for local infrastructure, such as footpaths, local roads, pedestrian crossings and sporting and community facilities.
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Support our local community groups and sporting clubs to bring locals together and keep people active and engaged at all ages.
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Support Greenhills Neighbourhood House and Diamond Valley Learning Centre to continue to provide valuable community services and serve as a local community hub, including for those in need.
LOCAL ECONOMY AND BUDGET
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Ensure responsible Council budgets where ratepayers get the best value for their rate dollars without wasteful spending.
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Champion local and home businesses – encourage and support small businesses in our community to grow.
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Invest in local – wherever possible ensure that Council is backing local Banyule businesses, building our local economy and supporting local jobs.
About me
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Briar Hill resident of 24 years, and before that Montmorency
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Married to Craig, with three (now grown up) children
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Working as a strategic urban planner in local government
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I worked for Banyule Council for many years – I’ve seen how Council works from the inside and I know how to get things done
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Previously served on Briar Hill Preschool Committee, Sherbourne Primary and Montmorency Secondary School Councils
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Have fundraised for Red Cross and for local sporting clubs including Karingal Drive Tennis Club – you may have seen me at a Bunnings BBQ!
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With qualifications in Economics, Urban Planning & Environment, I believe I’m well equipped to make sound decisions on financial and planning matters for the community
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Independent: I have never been a member of a political party and I’m not taking any donations or endorsements in this election, because the only interests I’m answerable to is our community – the local residents I would serve if elected as your local councillor
Beale Ward
Beale Ward brings together
St Helena with parts of Briar Hill, Eltham North, Greensborough and Montmorency. We’re home to many local parks, great schools, sporting grounds and local shops at St Helena and Greenhills.
Beale Ward is located on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways of the area and I acknowledge their enduring connection to Country