FAQs
What are you running for?
I am delighted to be running for re-election as Mayor of Willoughby City.
I am running as an independent candidate for Willougbby Council in the Sailors Harbour Ward, with a team consisting of Sarah Royds, Ello Megeurditchian and Matthew Caruana. I am also supporting two other Ward teams and their lead candidates - Robert Samuel in Middle Harbour Ward and Michael Chen in Naremburn Ward.
To find out about the key areas we are focusing on, please click here.
Who is on your team?
I am running with a passionate team of dedicated independent locals - Sarah Royds, Ello Meguerditchian and Matthew Caruana.
How is Willoughby City Council made up?
Willoughby Council consists of four separate wards - Middle Harbour, Sailors Bay, Naremburn and West Ward. The Council is made up of 13 Councillors, including the Mayor, who is popularly elected for a 4-year term. The Deputy Mayor role is elected by Councillors on an annual basis.
What do you offer as a Mayoral candidate?
Having held the position of Mayor for almost three years, I have valuable experience and a clear understanding of the role and an exciting vision for Willoughby. Previous to becoming Mayor, I worked for the City of Sydney for six years in major events, procurement, grants and corporate partnerships and have a thorough understanding of the operations of local government. As former P&C Co-President at Willoughby Public School and current Assistant Group Leader of 1st Sailors Bay Sea Scouts, as well as many other volunteer roles, I have solid leadership skills and the ability to build teams that are cohesive and productive. I am passionate about community service and recently completed a Bachelor of Community Development, building on my practical experience. As Willoughby City’s Citizen of the Year in 2020, I was delighted to be recognised for my dedication to the community. I have lived in Willoughby for 25 years and have raised my three children in the area. I am passionate about Willoughby and continuing on the great foundations I have laid during my first term as Mayor.
Do I need to vote for you for Mayor AND as a Councillor?
The Mayoral role is a publicly voted position, separate to voting for councillors in each ward so yes, you’ll be required to vote #1 for Tanya Taylor in the Sailors Bay Ward AND also vote #1 on the Mayoral election ballot. A ‘how to vote’ card will be prepared in the weeks prior to 14 September and available to view.
Why are you running for a Sailors Bay Ward Councillor position as well as Mayor?
I am running for Councillor in the Sailors Bay Ward, as this is the area in which I live. I am passionate about continuing to contribute to Council, and if I am unsuccessful in being re-elected as Mayor it is important to me to have a seat in the Chamber, and to continue representing the community. If I am elected as Mayor, the second person on my group ticket, Sarah Royds - an excellent candidate in her own right, would be elected as a Sailors Bay Ward Councillor.
What have you actually achieved in your volunteer roles?
I am delighted to have made a difference in the community over the past years in my various volunteer roles, including:
managing the entire program of events around Willoughby Public School’s 150 year anniversary in 2013.
establishment of a walking bus to improve student safety and traffic movement around Willoughby Public.
leading 1st Sailors Bay Sea Scouts to significantly increase its membership.
raising significant funds for cancer while competing in Dancing with the Stars in 2019, and hosting Girls NIght In for Cancer events for 10 years.
How can I help the campaign?
We would love your assistance in any way you feel you can - this could be distributing flyers, displaying a campaign sign in your front yard, helping on a stall or on election day. You can sign up here.
If you would like to donate, your funds will help us cover campaign costs such as printing, website and other materials to communicate with the electorate. If you are not a prohibited donor under NSW election laws, we would really appreciate your support. Donations can be made here.
How do I know which ward I’m in?
You can check which ward you are in by visiting the Willoughby Council website and entering your address at the following link:
When are the elections?
Local Council elections are being held on Saturday 14 September 2024. Postal and pre-poll voting is available in the lead-up to the election. More information can be found at www.elections.nsw.gov.au.
Is voting compulsory?
Yes, voting in local government elections is compulsory and allows you to ensure you choose a candidate in your area that will be an active advocate for your community.
Ask a question
Do you have a question you’d like to ask Tanya or her team? Feel free to submit is here.