Focus on what matters
Tony Phelps
Winchelsea Ward Councillor
Join me, Tony Phelps, to build thriving communities across Winchelsea ward and Surf Coast Shire where everyone prospers. Let's focus on what collectively matters.
Councillor Update, 20 Sep 2026
Winch House AGM, and the good things ALL community houses do.
Councillor Update, 2 Sep 2026
Modewarre Memorial Hall Community Asset Committee (CAC), Winchelsea Shire hall future, town signage, Mayoral role.
Councillor Update, 31 Jul 2026
Winchelsea Place Plan, new Winchelsea Lions Club team, Good Friday Appeal Thankyou event, updated libraries structure, Councillor Code of Conduct.
I'm thrilled to announce that I have been elected as your Councillor for Winchelsea Ward. In this role, I'm dedicated to addressing the balanced needs and aspirations of our communities, across the Shire.
What are YOU looking for from your local government?
Controlled Development and Growth:
The hinterland areas of our shire have tremendous potential. Development and growth in these regions should be planned and controlled to alleviate population pressure on our coastal communities. A balanced approach ensures sustainable growth while preserving the unique character of our towns, including planning for community assets like parks, playgrounds, and footpaths.
Timely Community Assets Maintenance and Renewal:
Our community assets, such as parks, halls, playgrounds, and pathways, require timely renewal and regular maintenance. They should have sustained attention and resources allocated to these essential tasks to keep our valued facilities in good condition now and for future generations.
Improved Road Maintenance:
Our gravel roads are subject to both weather and increasing traffic wear and tear. Safer and smoother travel for all residents is a core service and a priority - what can be improved without blowing the budget?
Activities, Programs, and Resources to Improve Community Mental Health:
Fostering community interaction through events, enjoying nature, and combating isolation is crucial. Let's enhance these opportunities to create friendships and bring more enjoyment to life.
A Balanced and Sustainable Budget:
As ratepayers, we want good value for every dollar. Public funds are tight, making it ever-more important to focus on prioritised expenditures that matter most to our communities. A fair and long-term sustainable budget that meets our community needs is difficult - but essential!
Vision for the Future
Our communities continue to thrive, there is always room for improvement. As your Councillor, I aim to address key strategic and policy issues that matter to you.
Council significantly impacts our daily lives. Here in Surf Coast Shire, I look for respectful debate, open minds, and a commitment to representing the community instead of personal agendas.
I am passionate about making Surf Coast Shire an even better place to live, work, and play. I am eager to hear from you—the ratepayers and stakeholders—on how we can shape our future for the benefit of all, following fair democratic processes.
Thank you for your support. Working together is how we'll get where we want to be - not by demanding, but by intelligently collaborating, discussing, reviewing, suggesting, assessing and engaging. Get in touch 😀
My Top Issues
RESPONSIVE ROAD FIXING
Maintenance of gravel (unsealed) roads is crucial for ensuring safe travel, preventing costly repairs, reducing dust and erosion, and maintaining accessibility for residents and emergency services.
PROACTIVE ASSET MAINTENANCE
Maintenance of community assets like playgrounds and halls before there are significant issues ensures safety, enhances usability, prolongs their lifespan, and fosters a vibrant, well-maintained environment for all residents to enjoy and benefit from.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Connection is vital for communities as it promotes mental & emotional well-being, fosters socialisation, and provides support, leading to a healthier, more resilient and enjoyable community.
Tony Phelps
I have spent the last 20 years in Winchelsea, while my partner’s family has been in this community for over 50 years. Our three boys attended school in Winchelsea. My deep connection to this community drives my dedication to making it better.
As a 19-year volunteer firefighter with the Wurdale CFA Brigade, I have fought fires locally, around the state, and interstate. I am also a volunteer committee-member for Winchelsea Community House and active in the production of the weekly Winchelsea Star community newspaper.
Running a small home-based business gives me firsthand insight into the challenges faced by local businesses. I have regularly worked for the state and federal electoral commissions at manager level which provides experience and insight into large bureaucratic organisations too, plus have past work history managing teams in both private and government entities - including budgets, incident response and scheduling.
I believe human-induced climate change is a genuine threat that we (all) need to address through practical, realistic, and achievable measures at all levels of government and society. This needs to be done without crippling ourselves economically or technically. There are some very smart people coming up with solutions to it all - win-win-win is genuinely available (environment, economy, community).
Overlaying all of this, I believe our society in general has some huge issues to address, and we all need to play a part -from individual & family/work/leisure, through private businesses, to local/State/Federal government. Social media, AI, isolation, climate events and a way of living we can no longer afford give us serious challenges.