Hi, I’m Christine Leahy
Like you, I love living in Mount Martha on The Mornington Peninsula.
I am standing as a candidate for the Briars ward because I care about this community.
If elected, I will stand up for what matters most to us all.
I have spent many weeks listening to our community. You have told me you love living here, in a place with great beaches and bushland with a great sense of community. But, there are opportunities for council to make Mount Martha an even better place to live.
I am committed to ensuring every dollar is well spent, to get the best outcomes for our community.
I support the Shire's long-standing commitment to protecting the green wedge and the unique character of the Mornington Peninsula. I am also committed to protecting our bushland, beaches and wildlife.
I believe council should focus on its core deliverables - rates, roads and rubbish - but also provide ways to enable our residents to live healthy, connected lives with a true sense of community. For example, supporting sporting and recreational clubs with good facilities, improving pathways so people can get around on foot or by bike, providing opportunities for the community to connect with one another, and ensuring our amenities are well maintained and quickly repaired when needed.
I will strongly advocate for:
Responsible spending of rates
Every dollar of ratepayers’ money must be spent wisely to get the best outcomes for our community.
Well maintained roads
No more roads riddled with potholes.
Safe intersections
I will advocate to the State government to have dangerous intersections like Uralla Road/Nepean Highway and Craigie Road/Moorooduc fixed, we shouldn’t be risking our lives on our roads.
Faster repairs to local amenities
Our pathways, such as the Balcombe Estuary and Birdrock Beach should be fixed quickly so we can enjoy our local area.
Community Safety
I will partner with community organisations and the police to ensure we are safe in our homes and on our streets.
Supporting local businesses
Small businesses are at the heart of the Peninsula. We need to help them thrive, not tie them up in unnecessary red tape.
Better sports and recreational facilities
Our sports facilities are falling behind in the Briars ward and across the Peninsula. Sport plays a major role in our community, and we need to make sure these facilities are properly maintained and supported. Ferrero Reserve is in need of investment for example
Dunns Road Reserve would benefit from a safe, fenced off area for small dogs as local residents do not use the park as they are very worried for the safety of their beloved pets.
About Me
I am grateful to call Mount Martha and the Mornington Peninsula home. Our beaches, our bushland, and our strong sense of community make this such a great place to live and raise a family.
This is what motivates me to step forward — to listen, to represent, and to work hard for our community so we can all live our best lives.
I have lived in Mt Martha for about ten years. My eldest daughter attended Mt Martha Primary School, we have made many wonderful friends and connections from our many years there. My youngest daughter goes to Balcombe Grammar Primary School, another great local school that we appreciate immensely. Over the years we have enjoyed many of the great activities for kids in the area such as Mt Martha tennis club, Mt Martha School of Dance, Mt Martha Golf Club and Balcombe Grammar Basketball.
I bring leadership experience across family businesses, charities, multinationals and health services, combining practical business insight with community‑minded decision making. This is strengthened by a Commerce degree and as a Fellow of Leadership Victoria’s Williamson Community Leadership Program. I was awarded a scholarship for this program, which is an extensive program for purpose-driven leaders, where we learnt from the best community leaders across the state.
I am currently an Executive Director for a business that supports leaders across health and human services in Australia and New Zealand. My earlier career includes roles with Deloitte, GlaxoSmithKline, the Corval Group and Treasury Wine Estates. I also founded and led a charity and served as a Board Director at Barwon Health.
My favourite pastime is walking, you’ll often find me walking along South beach, by the Estuary or through Sunshine Reserve. I also love zumba, especially with the wonderful women at my local zumba class.
Please note: voting in the Briars Ward by-election will be conducted by postal vote. Ballot packs will be mailed by the VEC to enrolled voters from 14 September 2026. Completed ballot papers must be returned to the VEC by 6pm on Friday 2 October 2026. Voting is compulsory for enrolled voters.