A huge congratulations to the 54 staunch unionists who made up our Candidate School cohort for 2024, and the 35 who ran for their local council elections at the conclusion of the training program.

After months of tireless campaigning – doorknocking, street stalling, and countless community engagement appearances  – a whopping 11 candidates were successfully elected to their local councils.

Among those elected, 2 of our candidates have now also been elected as the Mayor of their council!

This is what Candidate School is all about – training up rank-and-file union members who truly understand the needs of ordinary workers in the campaigning skills it takes to get elected. Because if we want governments that address the needs of ordinary people, we need more ordinary people to win elections at all levels of government. 

From nurses to train station assistants, IT managers to disability support workers, and union delegates from the shop-floor. We know that communities are better off with councillors who genuinely represent their values and will always put people before profits.

Join us in congratulating the following Candidate School graduates, who we know will make fantastic Councillors:

Jay Morrison, elected to Ballarat
Owen Cosgriff, elected to Greater Bendigo
Damien Hurrell, elected to Greater Bendigo
Stefan Koomen, elected Mayor of Casey
Kristine Olaris, elected Mayor of Darebin
Vasilios Tsalkos, elected to Darebin
Matthew Arturi, elected to Darebin
Connie Boglis, elected to Darebin
Ruth Jelley, elected to Darebin
Paula Theocharides, elected to Moonee Valley
and Jarrod Lappin, elected to Whittlesea