Natalie French
Candidate for the Bayside City Council ward of Dendy
Candidate for the Bayside City Council ward of Dendy
I believe that Bayside’s finances should work for the people. With $123 million in cash reserves, we have the resources to benefit our community without increasing rates. My experience in financial management gives me the skills to ensure these funds are managed prudently, maintaining high-quality services while making our council more efficient. I will make sure that every dollar spent by the council contributes to a stronger, more vibrant community for all residents. I will firmly vote NO to rate increases.
The wellbeing of our community is my top priority. Bayside is more than just a place to live – it’s where we build our lives, raise our families, and connect with our neighbours. As a council member, I will focus on policies that promote safety, support mental and physical health, and foster a welcoming environment for people of all ages. From ensuring well-maintained public spaces to advocating for community programs, I am committed to making Bayside a place where everyone feels secure and supported.
Everyone in Bayside deserves to have their voice heard, and inclusivity is at the heart of my platform. I am passionate about ensuring that all residents, regardless of background or circumstance, are represented in council decisions. Whether it’s through improved community outreach or fostering greater diversity in council-led initiatives, I will work to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging and has equal access to the services and opportunities Bayside offers.
Local businesses are the backbone of our community, and I am committed to helping them thrive. Bayside's small businesses contribute to the vibrancy and uniqueness of our area, and their success benefits us all. I will work to create an environment where businesses can grow, with policies that reduce red tape, encourage innovation, and attract new opportunities. Supporting local businesses means boosting our local economy and creating more jobs for Bayside residents.
Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. As a member of the Bayside Council, I will ensure that decisions are made openly and with community input. You deserve to know how your council is managing public funds and what steps are being taken to address your concerns. I will be your voice at the table, and I promise to advocate for transparent processes and clear communication so that you can trust that your best interests are always at the forefront.
As a mum of a young daughter, I understand firsthand the importance of creating a family-friendly community. I will advocate for better facilities and programs that cater to the needs of all families, from accessible parks and recreation spaces to girl-friendly sporting facilities. Families are the heart of our community, and I am committed to ensuring that Bayside is a place where every family can thrive, grow, and feel supported.
With rising crime rates, the safety of our community has become a growing concern, and it’s something I am deeply committed to addressing. Ensuring the security of Bayside’s residents requires a proactive approach. I will work closely with local law enforcement, neighbourhood watch groups, and community leaders to strengthen safety initiatives and crime prevention programs. Together, we can create safer streets, parks, and public spaces where everyone feels secure. My goal is to foster a community where residents can live, work, and play without fear, while also providing support services for those in need.
I have spent my career working in Human Resources and Financial Management, where I’ve developed a passion for helping people and businesses succeed. My professional experience has taught me the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and strategic planning—values I believe are critical for Bayside’s future. As a mum to a young daughter, I care deeply about the community we live in and want to ensure it’s a safe, welcoming place for all families. Like many residents, I’m tired of the internal politics that seem to dominate council discussions, often at the expense of the issues that matter most to our community. I believe it’s time for a fresh approach, one focused on listening to residents and making decisions that benefit the entire community, not just a select few. While I strongly support diversity and inclusion, I also believe that council must focus on the needs of all Bayside residents, ensuring fairness in the way services and resources are delivered.
I’m running for Bayside City Council because I’m tired of the political manoeuvring that prioritizes individual agendas over the best interests of our community. Too often, important decisions are delayed or derailed by internal council politics, and I believe residents deserve better. I want to focus on real issues like community safety, responsible fiscal management, and making sure every resident feels supported—not just select minority groups. My goal is to bring a practical, results-driven approach to council, ensuring that Bayside’s future is shaped by what’s best for all of us, not by politics or favouritism. I’m committed to fostering an inclusive, vibrant community where everyone’s voice is heard and where every decision is made with fairness and transparency.