As elected representatives, Casey's councillors are committed to supporting local initiatives, addressing community needs, and ensuring effective governance as outlined in the Local Government Act 2020.
They will work collaboratively to enhance services, infrastructure, and community programs that benefit all residents, fostering a connected and thriving city.
Mayor
Cr Stefan Koomen (Waratah Ward)
Councillor Stefan Koomen has lived in the City of Casey for 14 years. Married with two daughters, he has worked locally for much of his professional career. Cr Koomen cares deeply about his local area, and in recent times led the successful Save Doveton Pool campaign on behalf of his community. Cr Koomen volunteers his time as a Justice of the Peace at Doveton Library. He has also served as the Chair of his local resident group and Treasurer of the Doveton Show Committee. Cr Koomen is committed to being a Councillor who is transparent, listens and represents everyone in the Casey community.
His vision is for Casey to be a better connected, accessible, and liveable city. He will work hard to support community groups, volunteers and sporting clubs, and is committed to helping improve local services and maintain community assets.
Deputy Mayor
Cr Melinda Ambros (Kalora Ward)
Councillor Melinda Ambros is a proud resident of Casey who is deeply connected to her community. Married with a family, the HR system specialist has lived in Casey for 36 years. Cr Ambros vision for Casey is to strengthen our community, where every resident feels valued, connected, and empowered. She is passionate about the opportunity to work closely with her community to make a meaningful difference and to collaborate with committed individuals and groups to help shape the future of Casey. Cr Ambros has spent over two decades giving back to her community, from mentoring young athletes to organising youth tournaments and leading fundraising events. Cr Ambros is a football (soccer) fanatic. She also enjoys exploring new places and cooking traditional dishes that have been passed down through her family.
Cr Scott Dowling (Akoonah Ward)
Councillor Scott Dowling has called Casey home for 20 years. His working career has mainly been with large corporate companies, with roles ranging from a sales rep to national general manager and sales manager. Cr Dowling runs a real estate business in Berwick, as well as a coffee stall at Akoonah Park market on Sundays with his wife and daughter. During his four-year term, he is looking forward to getting involved with decisions that make Casey a better place, and advocating for the people that need to be heard. Cr Dowling is a Hawthorn supporter, and enjoys playing music, performing in musical theatre, going to the gym and walking his dog, Bear.
Cr Kim Ross (Casuarina Ward)
For more than 25 years, Councillor Kim Ross has been a resident of Casey. She has three adult children and for 17 years has worked as a Child and Adolescent Psychologist. During her Council term, Cr Ross will work on supporting youth mental health and the provision of local educational, employment, recreation and social opportunities. Other priorities include community connection and belonging; improved communication to help residents access the information, opportunities and support they need; and mitigating the impact of climate change. She is looking forward to working with her fellow councillor's, community leaders and residents on the challenges faced by the community. Cr Ross enjoys daily walks, loves AFL and is a passionate Collingwood supporter.
Cr Gary Rowe (Correa Ward)
Married with two adult children, Councillor Gary Rowe has lived in the City of Casey for 30 years. During this time, Cr Rowe has watched the area grow from a rural shire to a City with great opportunities. During his Council term, Cr Rowe would like to see Casey reach its potential to be the best city in Victoria to live, work and raise a family. Cr Rowe is a former councillor and was also a Member of the Victorian Parliament between 1992 and 2002.
Cr Michelle Crowther (Cranbourne Gardens Ward)
Councillor Michelle Crowther is a lifelong resident of Casey. Married with two girls, she is a Women's health physiotherapist and has operated her own clinic in Cranbourne for the last 20 years. Cr Crowther is excited to have the opportunity to help shape her local community into a safe and prosperous place to live, work and raise a family. Enhancing community unity, improving safety and health outcomes for her community, and supporting local businesses are key priorities for Cr Crowther. When she is not working, Cr Crowther enjoys hiking, camping and going to the beach. She has also volunteered with the Australian Physiotherapy Association for more than a decade, where she has gained valuable advocacy experience.
Cr Dave Perry (Grevillea Ward)
Councillor Dave Perry has lived in Casey for more than 40 years. Married with two children, he runs a small advertising business with his wife. Cr Perry is excited to have the opportunity to be an active voice representing his local community. Over the next four years, he will have the community's best interests front of mind as he works alongside his fellow councillors to support Casey’s vibrant neighbourhoods, and make the city an even better place for us all to live. Outside of councillor duties and running his business, Cr Perry spends time involved in his children’s basketball and other activities. If he can ever find the time, he also likes to go for a surf down on Phillip Island.
Cr Shane Taylor (Kowan Ward)
Councillor Shane Taylor is a proud family man and has lived in the City of Casey for over 12 years. Cr Taylor’s career as an Investigator has provided him with the opportunity to work in many different environments where he has been able to develop his leadership and problem-solving skills. Cr Taylor vision for the City of Casey is to be a thriving, connected community, where residents are heard and valued. He would like to see improved infrastructure to address traffic congestion and public transport gaps. A strong supporter of local business, Cr Taylor is also committed to fostering opportunities for young people. Transparency and good governance are paramount to Cr Taylor. When he’s not working, Cr Taylor enjoys spending time with his family, exploring Casey’s beautiful parks and attending local events.
Cr Carolyn Eaves (Quarters Ward)
Cr Lynette Pereira (River Gum Ward)
Councillor Lynette Pereira has lived in the City of Casey for 38 years. The former Casey councillor is the co-founder of the Westernport Action Group and Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association. She has also held many volunteer roles, including Secretary of Hampton Park Tennis Club and Board Secretary of the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre. Cr Pereira is excited to be able to help shape the municipality into a safe place to live, with well-kept parks, shopping centres and community assets, as well as sensible planning that prioritises the wellbeing of residents. Cr Pereira has four adult children and one granddaughter. She enjoys live concerts, gardening and catching up with family and friends.
Cr Jennifer Dizon (Tooradin Ward)
Councillor Jennifer Dizon has lived in the City of Casey for more than six years. She is a practising lawyer and regularly volunteers as a tutor for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Cr Dizon is passionate about working with residents to address their concerns and is looking forward to making a tangible difference in the lives of community members. Cr Dizon’s vision is for Casey to be a vibrant, thriving, inclusive community with sustainable growth, improved infrastructure and safer roads. She is committed to improving public health and community safety, while ensuring Council listens to residents and makes decisions that reflect their needs. In her spare time, Cr Dizon enjoys catching up with friends and family.
Cr Anthony Walter (Dillwynia Ward)
Originally from Washington DC, Councillor Anthony Walter moved to Australia in 2017. Cr Walter has lived in the City of Casey for eight years. His vision is for Casey to be a happy and inclusive place where everyone can live safely, raise a family, and enjoy all the spaces the city has to offer. Cr Walter is excited to be part of a council that listens and makes good decisions on behalf of the whole community. Cr Walter and his partner enjoy taking their dog for walks around their neighbourhood and to local parks. He also enjoys checking out local wineries and gardens.