

Caring about my community for 40 years
Born in Melbourne and with nearly two centuries of family history in Australia comprising English, Irish and Italian heritage, I am an ardent advocate of multiculturalism. Growing up in South Yarra, surrounded by most of my working-class family who had lived there since 1916, I attended South Yarra Primary School.
For the past 37 years I have been living in Balaclava and became a qualified Architectural Draftsman so I could indulge in renovation of my home. I continue to have an interest in architecture and town planning.
I was a songstress of the 80s and 90s singing with live bands which left me with a strong desire to revive and promote the live music industry in Port Phillip.
For the past 13 years, with much love and respect for my wonderful community, I have worked at the St Kilda South Post Office and been quite a voice. The post-Covid decline in business and maintenance of the precinct, and the increased homelessness and anti-social behaviour, are my triggers in the Balaclava ward.
Some of my priorities include:
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Balaclava to be restored to its former glory, with cleaner streets and wider promotion of the variety and convenience on offer
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security cameras being a useful addition, along with occasional patrols by Police
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drainage and flooding, with the main drain for Balaclava/St Kilda in very poor condition, and back-flow valves to be installed in some streets to prevent flooding.
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more appropriate trees chosen for the streetscape
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car parking should be removed from the narrow Woodstock Street, between Nightingale Street and Carlisle Street, so that cars can pass safely - and the footpaths widened so that people can walk down the street with an umbrella, without hitting poles and trees or having to walk on the road.
I am keen to assist residents and shopkeepers with any of their concerns and aspirations for the area.
Michelle Di Donna
michelledidonna@yahoo.com.au
CONNECT WITH ME
PEPP POLICIES

A safer city involves collaboration and commitment from everyone in the community. It starts with effective law enforcement, community policing and communication between residents, business owners and all relevant authorities. Drugs issues, homelessness, antisocial behaviour and mental health issues contribute to crime in our city.
Council relies on the State Government and Victoria Police as well as community and service providers.. By working together and more effectively, we can create a city where everyone feels secure, valued and empowered.
A SAFER CITY
A fairer city ensures equal opportunities for all its residents. It prioritises accessible services, for all abilities, the young and the old. It encourages affordable housing. Diversity and inclusion are celebrated. Public spaces are safe and welcoming, fostering community connections, including for people with dogs. Economic policies support small businesses. Public transportation connects all neighbourhoods. Residents have a voice in local governance, with a transparent decision-making processes.
A fairer city thrives on togetherness, liveability, solidarity and empathy.
A FAIRER CITY
A better managed city optimises its financial resources to foster growth and enhance services. Residents must have confidence that their rates are well spent and as low as possible. An independent audit should be conducted by Council at the beginning of the term to set benchmarks against which to demonstrate accountability and prevent future mismanagement.
Transparent budgeting and effective financial planning are crucial especially for allocating funds to essential areas like infrastructure, public safety and social services. Prioritising investments in key projects and balancing expenditures with long-term goals supports economic stability.
Through strict financial management, our city can improve its services, drive development and create a thriving environment for its residents.
A BETTER MANAGED CITY
A cleaner city is achieved through consistent efforts to reduce litter, manage waste effectively, and promote cleanliness in public spaces.
The City of Port Phillip might not be large but it has many cleaning challenges - streets, waterways, beach cleaning, bin collections, hard rubbish left on streets, commercial centres requiring attention, extensive graffiti, noise pollution and more.
A cleaner city is one of our number priorities. By working together, we can ensure a healthier, more attractive city for everyone to enjoy.
A CLEANER CITY
A more engaged city starts with a shared vision where Council is respected and valued. We know people love their villages and so residents will be consulted with genuine intent. Imagine a place where everyone feels connected and can get involved.
We have developed a 4 point plan to make sure there is synergy between the city and its residents, including an innovative “My ideas for my hood” program. Small local events and festivals are bustling with enthusiasm, and citizens actively participate in decision-making processes. Public spaces are vibrant with art, music, and culture, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the community. Local initiatives thrive with the support of passionate residents.
Together, we want to build a brighter, more engaged city, inspired by civic pride, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility.
A MORE ENGAGED CITY
A greener city has policies that offer practical and visible solutions. Environmental issues can often bring a lot of negativity in people. We defend a positive ecology that offers practical solutions and builds compromise, an ecology of government, and an approach useful for making the ecological transition a reality.
We will be planting more trees and create green spaces to enhance air quality and provide recreational areas. Urban greening and the building of heat islands through the city, providing more urban shade. We support all Council buildings implementing energy-efficient technologies, local recycling programs and Council offering programs to the public to help them reduce their carbon emissions, fostering community engagement through environmental education and green initiatives. We support a cleaner bay and beaches and recognise our place by the sea.
Let’s build together a greener future and a more sustainable city and transform urban areas into vibrant, eco-friendly communities, contributing to a healthier planet and a better quality of life for all residents.
A GREENER CITY
A city thrives on its artistic spirit, where creativity and culture flourish. Albert Camus once said, “Without culture and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future.”
The City of Port Phillip has long been a beacon of creativity, and it’s vital we continue to nurture this and keep our dynamic community alive. By investing in arts and culture—whether through music, theatre, public art, galleries, or performance spaces—we not only celebrate local talent but also draw visitors from near and far.
Council will encourage collaboration and partnerships among artists, businesses, and the community, we aim to create a cultural hub that thrives on diversity and inspiration. We want to be innovative and extend support to a diverse range of creative industries, from design and high tech to cinema, video games, and beyond.
Together, we’ll build a city where creativity enriches lives and where every artistic endeavour is a gift to our city and its future.
A MORE CREATIVE CITY
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live; the Bunurong and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to our traditional elders, past, present and future.
Authorised by Serge Thomann, PO Box 117, Port Melbourne Vic 3207