Mayor and councillors

Key points

The Victorian Electoral Commission has declared Cardinia Shire’s newly elected Councillors for the next council term 2024-2028.
Cr Jack Kowarzik and Cr Alanna Pomeroy were elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor at the Statutory Council Meeting on Monday 25 November 2024.
To view the full results of the Cardinia Shire Council election please visit Results | Victorian Electoral Commission

Your councillors

Beacon Hills Ward: Cr Brett Owen
Bunyip Ward: Deputy Mayor Cr Alanna Pomeroy
Central Ward: Cr Collin Ross
Henty Ward: Cr Liz Roberts
Officer Ward: Cr Samantha-Jane Potter
Pakenham Hills Ward: Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik
Ranges Ward: Cr David Nickell
Toomuc Ward: Cr Casey Thomsen
Westernport Ward: Cr Trudi Paton

Group of the elected Councillors for 2024

Beacon Hills Ward: Cr Brett Owen

Phone: 0418 993 370
Email: b.owen@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Bunyip Ward: Deputy Mayor Cr Alanna Pomeroy

I’m proud to call Cardinia Shire home, where I’ve built strong connections through community involvement and raising my family. I love the unique character of our region and am passionate about preserving it while embracing the growth and opportunities ahead.

As a Councillor, I’m focused on advocating for safer roads, better infrastructure, and sustainable development that enhances liveability and respects our heritage. I believe in fostering a connected, inclusive community with accessible services and opportunities for everyone.

Becoming a Councillor was a way for me to amplify the voices of our residents and ensure their priorities guide our decisions. I’m committed to working collaboratively, promoting transparency, and delivering real outcomes that make a difference.

When I’m not working for our community, I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling and exploring Australia’s tracks and trails on bike or by foot.

Phone: 0436 353 194
Email: alanna.pomeroy@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Central Ward: Cr Collin Ross

Phone: 0428 598 491
Email: c.ross@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Henty Ward: Cr Liz Roberts

I live in Pakenham with my husband Dave and our young family. I moved to Cardinia Shire from country Western Australia in 2005. I have lived in three different locations in the Pakenham township over that period. Being involved of the local community has always been part of my life.

Henty Ward is the heart of the municipality, and I want it to encourage Council to work constructively with the community to ensure Pakenham is economically and socially vibrant. I will champion Council to complete the Youth Hub, McGregor Road duplication, and Pakenham Town centre revitalisation.

I enjoy working with the community and have been volunteering in Pakenham over the last 19 years. My professional work has been in the fields of journalism, communications, social planning and research. Much of that work has focused on local communities. I felt it was time to step up and advocate for locals.

Our family enjoy visiting local parks and going to the AFL footy. I enjoy reading and going to local cultural events particularly those close to home at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.

Phone: 0428 436 326
Email: liz.roberts@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Officer Ward: Cr Samantha-Jane Potter

I live in Officer with my family and have made Cardinia Shire my home and built our family home here. My daughter goes to a local school here. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in the community through my professional work in youth support and community services, as well as volunteering.

I founded the Cardinia Creative Community Open Mic, host youth programs for local children with autism, and have been part of multiple local community groups, networks, events, and local festival committees. I have a passion for creating inclusive, vibrant spaces for all. My work, family life, and volunteering reflect my deep commitment to our local shire.

My priority is ensuring Officer Ward and Cardinia thrive! I’m interested in safe and relevant infrastructure, I hope to upgrade our facilities, and see a vibrant Officer town centre grow. I advocate for supporting inclusive community groups, small businesses, and spaces that foster inclusive growth, safety, and opportunity for residents of all ages and backgrounds. I'm passionate about supporting our community with social programs, and keeping humanity in all our council decisions. I want to be a role model for my daughter and other young people.

I’m passionate about building a strong, inclusive, and supportive community. With experience in community services and youth programs, I wanted to contribute to making Cardinia Shire a place where people feel valued, connected, and inspired to create their best future.

I enjoy spending time with my family, managing youth programs, and running creative community events.

I also love the arts-music-singing, swimming, bike rides, celebrating cultural events, and connecting with friends and neighbours.

Phone: 0429 077 510
Email: s.potter@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Pakenham Hills Ward: Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik

Mayor Cr Kowarzik 2024 — Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik

As a proud resident of Pakenham for two decades, I've observed and been a part of Cardinia Shire's strong community. Married with three young children, I also run my own small business as a plumber. My priorities include supporting local residents and families, increasing services and amenity, improving access to jobs, reducing cost pressures, and tackling the issues that matter most to residents.

Participation in the Financial Wellbeing Action Team and Together We Can Initiative underscores my dedication to improving financial literacy and vulnerability support services, recognising their impact on people’s lives. Beyond official duties, my advocacy for local history, community safety, environmental conservation, and better local infrastructure planning highlights my commitment to shaping Cardinia Shire for future generations.

In 2023/24 and 2024/25, I took on the role of Mayor of Cardinia Shire Council, embracing the responsibility with both appreciation and a sense of duty. I firmly believe that involvement, investment, and a strong work ethic are the foundation of a resilient community. As Mayor, I am dedicated to representing and strongly advocating on behalf of residents, inviting you to connect, share thoughts, and join in building a thriving, inclusive, and well-prepared Cardinia Shire for the future – a legacy we can all be proud of.

Phone: 0439 620 809
Email: j.kowarzik@cardinia.vic.gov.au