Cr Anthony Helou JP - North-East Ward
Contacts
Phone: 9384 3147
Fax: 9384 1328
Mobile: 0419 515 593
Email: ahelou@moreland.vic.gov.au
Elected to Council
March 1996
Councillor Responsible For
Social diversity and reconciliation
Mayor of Moreland
December 2005 - December 2006
April 2004 - November 2004
April 1998 - March 1999
Committees
Member of the Urban Planning Committee
Full list of Councillors on advisory, external and special committees
Interview with Cr Helou JP
Why did you run for Council?
I have a strong background in community service, spanning the 38 years in which I have lived and worked within the City of Moreland. I have excellent understanding of the wide range of issues and have extensive networks in the community.
The love of my city and its people encourage me to run for Council, in short - to put my skills into practice and to be part of a team working towards making our city a good city to work, live and raise a family.
What do you see as the top five issues facing Council cover the next four years?
- Climate change, drought, keeping Moreland green and saving out trees
- Keeping employment and jobs
- Providing more services to the elderly and young people
- Sound financial management
- Keeping rates as low as possible
Name three things you want this Council to achieve in the next four years
- The Coburg Initiative, the development of the Kodak site and Coburg High School.
- Reduce Council's greenhouse emissions.
- Maintain sports grounds by planting drough-tolerant grasses at our reserves.
What is your vision for Moreland?
When the people of Australia and the world look at Moreland, I want them to see highly educated, skilled, tolerant and confident people making their own way in a modern Moreland. I want them to see a city where everyone shares in the rewards. I want them to see what a strong community can bring to one community, proudly diverse.
A city where fairness and opportunity really means something. I want them to think and say, "I wish I could have a home, a job or a business in the City of Moreland."
What are your main interests outside Council?
Having been a Councillor, there is always ongoing dialogue between what I do and the citizens. I have been a community volunteer and community activitist for a long time.
What community activities in Moreland have you been involved in?
I have been a Council representative on many Council Committees, including the Urban Planning Committee, Communications Task Group, Moreland Friendship Relationship Group and Kodak Steering Group. I am also a local Justice of the Peace.
I have been the Chairman of Dal-Awada 'Wendel Street' Community Centre and Board Member for more than 20 years. I am currently a Board Member and have been twice the Chairman of the Australian Lebanese Council and a Board Member of the Victorian Arabic Festival.
I have thirty-eight years experience in politics and most of this has been working with the local community and in local government.
What are some of your favourite things about Moreland?
- Always finding people in the street that speak your language
- Different types of food and restaurants
- So many countries in one small city
- Its location, being not far from the airport, close to everything and between two creeks
I think it's very important that we have a very clean environment because having clean streets makes a big difference in the lives of residents and it's what leaves an impression on visitors.
Work experience, career, job?
- 1970 - 72: Machine operator, Robal Textiles Brunswick
- 1973: Quality Assurance Inspector: B.F. Good Rich
- 1973 - 1976: Pharmacy Assistant: Royal Children's Hospital
- 1977: Self-employed Owner-Manager, mixed business in Reservoir
- 1977 - 1998: Senior Employment Officer, Department of Employment, Education and Training
- 1996 - present: Councillor and Mayor 1998, 2004 and 2006.
Qualifications
- 1968: BacaLaureate, Second Division, in Lebanon, equivalent to HSC in Victoria
- 1982: Associate Diploma in Ethnic Studies at Phillips Institute of Technology
- 1987: One year Academic Translator Course at RMIT
- 2007: Certificate IV in Building from Business Professionals Group
- 2008: Diploma in Health Counselling, University of Sydney, conducted by the Medical Register of Australia.
- Since my election to Council and as a Mayor, I have been active in policy development and implementation at the local government level on a variety of issues including the promotion of access and equity, local community health issues and the provision of accommodation, employment and other services.
Family, children, dogs, cats?
I have four adult children: Peter, Jason, Feris and Chadie. I also have a German Shepherd dog.
What's the best time of day and method for residents and community groups to contact you?
Since I am always on the move, I prefer people to contact me by phone - it's quicker and easier. If I'm not available, please leave a message. You can also contact me by email or fax.
Sum up Moreland in five words.
A good city to live and work.
Who are you role models and people that you admire?
Gough Whitlam and Steve Bracks.
