TWO candidates have nominated for the Briars Ward postal by-election following Anthony Marsh’s resignation after he was elected as Member for Nepean.
Mt Martha-based Christine Leahy and Sue Ellison-Whyte will both be running as independent candidates.
Leahy is currently an executive director who has leadership experience across family businesses, charities, and health services.
She has lived in Mt Martha for nearly ten years alongside her husband and their two daughters.
Leahy said she is incredibly grateful to be raising her family on the peninsula.
“I decided to run for council as I love our community and I want to ensure we are well represented, so we can get the best possible outcomes for the residents of the Briars Ward and across the Mornington Peninsula,” said Leahy.
Leahy said she believes the biggest issue Briars Ward residents are currently facing is cost-of-living pressures.
“Cost of living pressures are making life challenging for many people, which is why I am committed to ensuring every dollar of ratepayers’ money is well spent,” said Leahy.
Leahy said she is committed to the shire’s long-standing commitment to protect the green wedge and natural character of the peninsula.
“Our beaches and green spaces are what makes living here so special; we need to keep that front of mind when making decisions as a council,” said Leahy.
“They are also what attracts millions of visitors to our area every year; done well, we can protect what makes the Mornington Peninsula special whilst also having a thriving economy.”
Leahy said maintaining and repairing roads and amenities should be a priority.
“Whilst talking to our community, the main concerns raised have been potholes and the length of time it has taken to repair amenities such as the Birdrock Stairs and the Balcombe Estuary,” said Leahy.
Leahy said she will take time to listen to residents and advocate for what matters to the community.
“It is always a fine balance to represent the needs of your own ward as well as the needs of the whole shire,” said Leahy.
“I am confident I have the skills to do this well, and I will also strongly advocate to the state and federal government for the funding we need.”
Leahy said she has been seeking feedback from the community for weeks and is grateful for the support she has received so far.
Sue Ellison-Whyte is a solicitor who has worked at a number of law firms on the peninsula, including Lardners Solicitors in Mt Eliza and BSA Legal in Balnarring.
Ellison-Whyte relocated to the peninsula when her now 16-year-old son was two and settled in Mt Martha in 2023.
She said she decided to run for council because of her involvement and investment in the local community.
“I own a business on the peninsula; I’ve invested and brought up my family here on the Mornington Peninsula,” said Ellison-Whyte.
“Basically, I live, work, and play on the peninsula, and I’m 100 per cent invested in the local community.”
Ellison-Whyte said she thinks local consultation is one of the most important roles of council.
“I think consulting with locals and being engaged with what locals have to say is a really important issue and part of being a candidate and a local councillor,” said Ellison-Whyte.
Ellison-Whyte said as a local resident, she believes pedestrian infrastructure, parking, and potholes are all priorities.
“One of the big changes for me personally has just been pedestrian infrastructure in the community, parking at the foreshore, potholes on my local roads,” said Ellison-Whyte.
“They’re all tangible issues. There are concerns around all the different roadworks that are going on and accessibility and access ways.”
She said the natural environment is one of the main reasons people enjoy living and visiting the peninsula and she wants to ensure its protection.
“It’s a high priority to not only preserve that, but protect it by putting good infrastructure around it, so that people can safely visit those areas without creating damage,” said Ellison-Whyte.
Ellison-Whyte said if elected, another priority would be helping create safer communities.
“The more connected we are as a neighbourhood, the safer people feel within that neighbourhood, because they feel like they can call out to a neighbour if they need help,” said Ellison-Whyte.
Ellison-Whyte said she is invested and passionate about the community and has the skill set to do the job.
“There are two candidates, so we’ll see how it goes,” said Ellison-Whyte.
“Best of luck to both players on the field.”
The Victorian Electoral Commission will send ballot packs to all currently enrolled voters for Briars Ward.
Election Manager Robyn Farmer has advised residents to vote as soon as possible.
“Post or hand deliver your completed ballot pack by the deadline to make your vote count,” said Farmer.
“Voting closes at 6 pm on Friday 2 October, but our advice is to not leave it to the last minute.”
First published in the Mornington News – 1 September 2026
