Macedon Ranges councillor Dominic Bonnano has launched his campaign as the Liberal candidate for Macedon to contest the November state election.
Mr Bonnano has represented the South Ward of the municipality since November 2020 and said it was his passion for the community, environment and people which made him want to stand.
At a council meeting on Wednesday, September 28, Mr Bonnano was granted leave from council while he campaigned for the seat which is held by sitting Labor MP Mary-Anne Thomas.
Mr Bonnano told Star Weekly his priorities were health, emergency services, regional roads and sporting infrastructure.
“I hope to bring the commitment to transparency and honesty that I’ve brought to my role as
councillor to the job of being an MP, while encouraging a sense of togetherness and community,” he said.
“[I believe in] honesty and transparency, small government not big government, individual freedom, preserving our natural beauty and environment and strong community connections.”
With Ms Thomas’ appointment to the health portfolio in June, and lingering concern about pandemic lockdowns during 2020 and 2021, Mr Bonnano’s stance on health will be in the spotlight.
The candidate has lived in the Macedon Ranges for 16 years, in Gisborne South with his wife and three children. For the last decade he has been volunteering with the Gisborne State Emergency Service.
“I love the Macedon Ranges and surrounds; that’s why my wife and I made the decision to move here,” he said.
“That decision was based on family connections in Gisborne, the beautiful surrounds, unique environment, and the strong sense of community that you get from the villages and towns in the Macedon electorate.”
Born and raised in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne to Italian migrant parents, Mr Bonnano said they taught him the value of education, respect, compassion, hard work and food.
He has worked in the technology industry for more than 25 years across different sectors and is currently head of operations at a Directions Australia, a leading technology provider.
Mr Bonnano joined Liberal Opposition Leader Matthew Guy on the campaign trail last month to announce a $75 million pledge to redevelop Daylesford Hospital.
