• Matt Buckels—now one of Vincent’s longest serving members—with sons Jack and Charlie. Photo by David Bell

Matt Buckels is hoping for another term at Vincent, warning voters the council’s experience pool is endangered.

With senior-most councillor Dudley Maier standing down and four-year veteran Warren McGrath calling it a day, he and Cr Josh Topelberg are the two longest-serving councillors (with each having just four years under their belts).

Their seats will be hotly contested in October, with 16 candidates vying for four spots.

Cr Buckels says with so many new faces, Vincent’s in danger of losing its experience and continuity.

“There is a risk that there’s a lot of unknown entities running.”

He’s asking voters for a second go, saying locals should keep long-termers on council if they’re happy with what’s been done recently with town centre upgrades, Hyde Park restoration, Beatty Park upgrade and movement on the big picture masterplans and planning scheme.

“We’ve cleaned out the old stagnant regime and embraced progressive change,” the urban planner says.

“I want to stay a part of that and get things done.

“I think council has done some really good things and it would be a shame to lose that continuity.”

The outgoing Cr Maier says continuity is good, but what’s more important is having councillors who are enthusiastic, interested, and available.

“I think the most important thing is that people are connected with the community and prepared to work hard,” Cr Maier says.

He says in his eight years, “I’ve seen councillors who’ve been there for a long time who haven’t contributed a great deal”.

by DAVID BELL