Lockwood Ward #2026

Mary-Ann Martinek

Listening. Accountability. Community care.

I’m Mary-Ann Martinek, a long-time Lockwood Ward resident, veteran, and community advocate.

Like many people across Maiden Gully, Marong, Long Gully, Golden Square and our surrounding rural communities, I care deeply about safety at home, fairness in local decision-making, and a council that genuinely listens.

I’m putting my hand up for Lockwood Ward because I believe local government works best when it is practical, transparent, and grounded in lived experience — not politics for its own sake.

A practical, community-first approach

Lockwood Ward is diverse. We’re semi-rural, fast-growing, and deeply connected to our neighbourhoods. What we need from council is not noise, but follow-through.

If elected, I will focus on:

🏡 Safe homes and neighbourhoods

Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live. I will advocate for:

Better coordination between council, police and residents on antisocial behaviour and neighbourhood safety Clear, accessible reporting pathways for issues like vandalism, harassment, and unsafe infrastructure Practical use of tools such as Snap Send Solve and community-based problem solving — not finger-pointing

🚧 Local infrastructure that keeps pace

Growth must be matched with services. I will push for:

Roads, drainage and footpaths that are maintained before they fail Safer intersections and access points in growth areas Infrastructure planning that reflects actual use by residents, not just paper strategies

🌱 Respect for rural and semi-rural living

Lockwood Ward is not one-size-fits-all. I will stand for:

Sensible planning decisions that respect rural character Protection of productive land, waterways, and green buffers Clear communication with residents affected by rezoning or development proposals

🤝 Fairness, transparency and accountability

Council decisions affect people’s daily lives. I bring:

A strong understanding of governance, process and accountability A commitment to clear explanations, not bureaucratic language Respectful advocacy — asking hard questions without personal attacks

🎖 Community care and inclusion

I’ve spent years working alongside veterans, carers, and community volunteers. That experience has taught me that:

Strong communities are built on care, dignity and inclusion Volunteers and grassroots groups deserve practical support, not red tape Council should be a partner — not a barrier — to community initiatives

What I bring to Lockwood Ward

Lived experience navigating complex systems Calm, steady advocacy — especially when issues are difficult A record of standing up when something isn’t right A willingness to listen first, act second, and report back honestly

I don’t believe councillors should be distant or inaccessible. If elected, I will be visible, responsive, and accountable to the people of Lockwood Ward.

Let’s talk

Good representation starts with conversation.

If you live in Lockwood Ward and want to share an issue, an idea, or a concern — I want to hear from you.

Together, we can keep Lockwood Ward safe, connected, and fair.