Alex Makin, Councillor for Montague Ward and newly appointed Mayor, discusses his background and priorities in his first interview in the role.
He has lived in the City of Port Phillip since 2013, residing in South Melbourne and then Port Melbourne, and is currently a renter. His professional background includes consulting in marketing and business strategy, advisory roles for the Australian Association of Practice Management, and business development for the Centre for Multicultural Youth.
Makin’s interest in local government began with transport advocacy in Maroondah in 2005, and later in Port Phillip, driven by a focus on dog parks and sustainable transport. He highlights the current Port Phillip Council’s cohesive working relationship as a pleasant surprise, contrasting it with previous experiences.
His key mayoral theme is “being bold,” particularly in urban renewal for Fisherman’s Bend, including public transport improvements and embedding arts and culture. He also aims to reduce hierarchy and maintain accessibility and openness to diverse opinions.
Regarding community safety, Makin acknowledges the limited tools available to local councils and emphasizes the need for open conversations to find workable solutions.
Questioned about project delivery, he points to improved accountability and oversight mechanisms implemented over the past year, citing waste management as an example. He confirms that work is underway to get childcare centres ‘back on track’.
👉 Tune in to hear how Alex plans to move ahead with innovation and teamwork.
