Serving as a local councillor for Hurstville Ward in Georges River Council since December 2021 has been a privilege. As an independent councillor, I have prioritised residents interests and remained a steadfast, independent voice for our community, especially during challenging times. When our community faced an inappropriate development, I stood up for residents by advocating at the Land and Environment Court and on Channel Nine. This reflects my decade-long commitment to fairness and building a thriving community.

Together, we’ve achieved a lot. My motion for the night market has been launch in Hurstville on October 2024; the Hurstville Public School sports ground is now completed; and the parking situation at Tooronga TCE of Beverly Hills has improved. But our work is far from finished.

We need to continue revitalising the economy, enhancing safety and education, and ensuring responsive governance. I was honoured to become a Multicultural Ambassador for the Salvation Army in 2021. I feel strongly about fostering a truly multicultural community where everyone feels valued and included.

My vision and efforts are strongly backed by a team of community leaders who share our passion for maintaining an independent voice for Hurstville.

If I can assist with any Council or community matters, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Priorities

Achievements

About Ben Wang

What is an Independent Councillor?

News

Click to sign the petition to request three hour FREE parking for the new Beverly Hills Community Car Parking, as it WAS FREE. Thanks a lot to Leon Pun for driving the outcome.

Ten Priorities

The residents care alot about the economy, education, safety, services, traffic and parking, and green communities. These are the ten priorities I have been diligently working on:

Working for the community

Support local businesses, and establish weekly night markets at Hurstville, expanding to Beverly Hills and Kingsgrove later.
Enhance community cohesion and strengthen police-community relationships.
Improve traffic conditions and enhance community safety.

Bring back the warmth

Assist local schools with infrastructure improvements and enhance surrounding traffic safety.
Create job opportunities by building a professional network for locals.
Improve council service levels, including increased language assistance for non-English speakers.
Foster a multicultural hub by celebrating cultural festivals to enhance community harmony.
Promote charitable initiatives.
Increase green spaces and support eco-friendly living.

Champion local issues

Uphold residents' interests and oppose any non-compliant construction of Botany Street Mosque.

Night market

My goal is to support local businesses, and establish night market ecomony at Hurstville, expanding to Beverly Hills and Kingsgrove later. I raised a major motion at the Georges River Council in March 2024 to establish night markets at Hurstville and enhance the area's street appeal, street lighting, and sunshades, support local businesses, hold information sessions, and simplify council procedures, and reduce council approving times.

I'm working on the implementation with the local business community. The first night market was held sucessfully on October 5th 2024 and monthly night market since Feb 2025.

School

Assist local schools with infrastructure improvements, enhance surrounding road safety, and raise funds for crucial school projects -

Since 2023, I have actively coordinated with Georges River Association to cooperate with the school raising approximately $30,000 for a multifunctional sports ground and enhancing road safety for school children by installing multilingual driver awareness banners.

My goal is to raise funds for important school projects and implement them to protect and benefit our children, improve school infrastructure and safety, and enhance the educational environment.

Job

Create job opportunities by building a strong professional network for locals, particularly graduates and young talents to alleviate the cost of living crisis - My goal is to create job opportunities for locals, particularly graduates and young talents, by building a strong local professional network within the community. By connecting individuals with businesses, industry leaders, and potential employers, I aim to facilitate career growth, provide access to valuable resources, and enhance the economic well-being of our residents. Through workshops, networking events, and collaborative partnerships, I strive to empower local talent and foster a thriving job market, ensuring that the next generation has the support and opportunities they need to alleviate the cost of living crisis.

Residents rights Oppose any non-compliant construction and operations of the Botany Street Mosque to protect community interests

As the chairman of the residents' organization, I successfully opposed several DAs, including the temple on Wright Street near Hurstville Public School, and the mosque in South Hurstville. This series of actions to fight for the interests of residents directly contributed to the legislation of the Georges River Council in 2020, which prohibits any future development of public worship venues in low-density residential areas.

After I became a councillor, I still went to the Land and Environment Court and Channel 9 to speak for the residents and questioned the Botany Street Mosque in the council meeting about its non-compliant construction, urging strict supervision.

I will continue to oppose the non-compliant construction and operations of the Botany Street Mosque for the benefit of the community, ensuring residents' interests are upheld.

Safety

Enhance community safety through increased CCTV cameras and security measures in public areas and strengthen police-community relationships -

I proposed a motion to improve security at the Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre to reduce theft and it was approved.

I will supervise the implementation of these measures to enhance personal safety around Hurstville including confirming the strategic positioning of cameras within the centre; increasing the number of CCTV cameras in the parking lot; and assessing security measures for similar public facilities as needed.

I will continue to improve community language services, both at the council and with the police to ensure all residents can access information and services in their preferred languages.

Services: Improve Council service levels, including increased language assistance for non-English speakers

At the New South Wales 2023 Local Government Conference, I successfully proposed a motion promoting multicultural development across all councils.

My goal is to ensure that the George River Council enhances language assistance for non-English speakers by establishing multilingual service teams, promoting multicultural education activities, and working closely with the Multicultural NSW to ensure comprehensive and inclusive services, meet diverse needs, and jointly build a harmonious and inclusive community environment.

Traffic & parking

Both my motions to the Council to address congestion and enhance Rose Street traffic safety and to improve parking conditions in Beverly Hills have been passed.

I will oversee implementing proposals for Rose Street traffic safety and improving parking conditions in Beverly Hills, including improving traffic signals and pedestrian safety facilities.

My goal is to develop practical solutions based on residents' suggestions and discussions to improve traffic safety and parking difficulties.

Multiculturalism

Foster a multicultural community by celebrating cultural festivals and creating inclusive spaces -

In the two and a half years as a councillor, I have successfully organized around 50 cultural and sports activities to foster a diverse and vibrant community in Georges River Area.

My goal is to continue enhancing the multicultural fabric of the Georges River Area by creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for residents to connect and celebrate their diverse backgrounds, ultimately contributing to a more livable and prosperous community.

Environment

Increase green spaces, promote eco-friendly living and involve communities in environmental activities -

I have actively addressed the issue of the green area in Kempt Field Park. I submitted several proposals to promote environmental protection and received support: One motion was to establish a dedicated bush care team in Hurstville, while another was to promote and encourage kitchen waste composting, utilising compost bins and worm farming.

My goal is to work with the state government to fix the land slopes and make Kemp Field Park a leisure space accommodating various sports and separated areas for the off-leash dog park. I aim to promote a low-carbon and environmentally friendly lifestyle by increasing green spaces, supporting composting, worm farming, and involving communities in Clean up Australia Day, tree planting, and environmental protection activities, creating a greener, more beautiful, and sustainable future.

Charity

Promote charitable initiatives and organize volunteers for community support -

I have actively supported charity organizations and community services, including raising over $50,000 for the Salvos and coordinating extensive volunteer efforts for the Salvation Army in the recent years. I was honoured to be appointed as the Multicultural Ambassador for The Salvation Army in 2021.

My goal is to continue fostering community support and engagement by organizing and sponsoring charitable events, raising funds, and mobilizing volunteers to assist vulnerable and marginalized groups. Through these efforts, I aim to strengthen community ties, enhance support for those in need, and contribute positively to the welfare of our local and broader communities.

Our Achievements

Weekly night market (Proposal approved ✅): The first night market will be held on October 5th at Hurstville Plaza.
Raised 30,000 AUD to build Hurstville Public School's multifunctional sports ground ✅
Set up multilingual safety signs at Hurstville Public School ✅
Opposed any non-compliant construction of the Botany Street Mosque (No Construction Certificate to date ✅)
My initiative to promote multicultural development in councils across the state has received widespread support, and to promote community language services in councils and police departments. ✅
Enhanced safety measures and CCTV monitoring at Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre (Proposal approved ✅)
Improved traffic warnings and safety on Rose St (Proposal approved ✅)
Additional temporary parking spaces on Forest Rd Hurstville CBD (Proposal approved ✅)
Preserved Palm Court parking lot ✅
Installated shade at Hurstville War Memorial Square ✅
Improved parking situation at Tooronga TCE in Beverly Hills ✅
Supported and organized cultural and sports events regularly, including community forums, reading clubs, tai chi classes, and celebrations of traditional Chinese festivals like Mid-Autumn and Spring Festivals; co-planned "Multicultural, One Hope" multicultural family day ✅
Facilitated official recognition of the cultural value of Bruce Lee statue ✅
Ensured Kempt Field Park greenbelt restoration (Proposal approved ✅)
Installed dog on-leash signage at Kempt Field Park ✅
Set up Bush Care Team (Proposal approved ✅) and promoted food waste composting and worm farming ✅
Organized volunteers for tree planting and Clean Up Australia Day ✅
Promoted charitable activities within minority communities and organised volunteers to raise funds for The Salvation Army ✅

Night market: Kick-started the night market economy

In March 2024, I submitted a major proposal to the Georges River Council to establish weekly night markets at Hurstville Plaza.

The proposal includes enhancing the street's appearance with improvements to storefronts, street lighting, and sunshades. It also involves holding information sessions for small businesses on the planning and compliance process, simplifying council procedures, reducing council approving times, and promoting street performances.

My proposal was approved. The council has now begun planning and preparing for the night market activities, taking various specific measures to fully support businesses in revitalising the economy of the Georges River area.

The first night market was held sucessfully on October 5th 2024 and the monthly night market since Feb 2025.

If the Hurstville Plaza night markets prove successful, I plan to extend this initiative to Beverly Hills and Kingsgrove.

Education: Raised 30,000 AUD to build Hurstville Public School's multifunctional sports ground

Since 2023, I have actively coordinated with Georges River Association to cooperate with the school raising funds for the construction of the multifunctional sports ground. Over the past six months, we have raised approximately 30,000 AUD in donations, making a substantial contribution to improving the infrastructure of the HPS.

Education: Improved road safety situation around Hurstville Public School

To improve the road safety situation for the students, I successfully requested Georges River Council to affix driver awareness banners outlining the latest educational materials to the school's surrounding fences along Orange Lane, Kenwyn Street, and Forest Road, featuring messages in English, Mandarin, and Arabic. These banners serve as reminders to road users about the penalties associated with double parking on streets and speeding within designated school zones.

Rights protection: Upheld residents' interests and lawfully opposed non-compliant construction of Botany Street Mosque

Whether it was opposing the temple development at Wright Street near Hurstville Public School in 2014 and 2017, opposing the mosque development in South Hurstville in 2015, or opposing the mosque development at Botany Street next to Sydney Technical High School in 2019, I served as the chairman of the residents' organisation, actively participating in and organising a series of actions to fight for the interests of residents throughout the process. I founded the local not-for-profit community organisation Georges River Association (GRA) with like-minded residents in March 2019 and served as its president.

This series of actions to fight for the interests of residents directly contributed to the legislation of the Georges River Council in 2020, which prohibits any future development of public worship venues in low-density residential areas.

The court's approval of the Botany Street mosque development application, submitted before this legislation, is notably different from the initial one, with reduced scale, capacity, and functionality. It also includes 106 conditions and an 18-month trial period. Following this period, the applicants must reapply for a Development Application (DA),

Two years have passed, and the developer has not yet obtained Construction Certificate (CC). As long as residents continue to defend their rights lawfully and maintain active communication with the Council, the mosque may not be built. Even if it is built, after the trial period, if there are enough objections and sufficient evidence that the applicant has violated the conditions, the application may be overturned.

I will continue to uphold residents' interests and lawfully oppose non-compliant construction， developments and operations of Botany Street Mosque for the benefit of the community.

Initiated community forums together with Georges River Association

The goal of the community forum is to provides a transparent and open communication platform for residents to discuss community issues such as public safety, parenting and education, personal health, legal aid, transport, environmental protection, public space improvements, cultural activities, sports facilities, housing policy, development plans and council rate policies. This initiative aims to enhance community cohesion. The forum is held every fornightly.

Click and read more.

Safety: The safety proposal for the Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre has been successfully passed, enhancing security measures and surveillance.

In late 2023, a theft happened at the Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre, where two swimmers' belongings were stolen from the changing rooms. The thief used the car keys found in the stolen clothes to steal phones, credit cards, cash, and vehicles. As a matter of urgency, I assisted the police in investigating the case and contacted the police superintendent and the local state MP's office several times for assistance.

I proposed a motion in the council to fundamentally address the security issues within the centre. The proposal included: confirming the procedures and protocols for protecting personal belongings on-site; informing the customer service centre's CCTV monitoring through on-site signs and website media; increasing the number of CCTV cameras in the parking lot; confirming the strategic positioning of cameras within the centre; and assessing security measures for similar public facilities as needed. I collected 37 petition signatures onsite supporting my motion within just 30 minutes. The motion was passed by the council and is currently being gradually implemented.

Services：Proposed motions at the state level to promote multicultural development in all NSW councils to enhance multicultural services

In the New South Wales 2023 Local Government Conference I proposed a motion to promote multicultural development in all councils across the state. This motion was unanimously passed by 128 participating councillors and thousands of representatives. The motion reads as follows:

That Local Government NSW and all councils observe the Multicultural Principles in conducting its affairs based on Multicultural NSW Act 2000 and work with Multicultural NSW to establish the best practice in their administration.

Traffic conditions：Successfully preserved the Palm Court car park

The Palm Court car park along Forest Rd near Meridian Hotel, commonly known as the Triangle car park, was planned to be transformed into a small park by the council once. I consulted with the surrounding shop owners one by one, and the majority opposed the reconstruction. At a council meeting, I argued strongly against the reconstruction. The decision to retain the car park was ultimately made by a narrow margin of 8 to 7 votes. This highlights how a single independent vote can make a significant difference.

Traffic conditions：Successfully advocated for resolving congestion and enhancing traffic safety on Rose Street, leading to improved traffic signs

Forest Road is the main road in Hurstville, while Westfield Shopping Center is the commercial centre. However, the Rose Street section of Forest Road, which leads to the shopping centre, suffers from serious traffic congestion due to frequent intersections of vehicles and pedestrians. A fatal accident happened a few years ago around this section. I have been particularly concerned about this issue.

I communicated with local businesses, and discussed with the safety manager of the shopping centre, and managers of supermarkets such as Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi. I submitted the suggestions and feedbacks to the council and received very positive responses. I then formally proposed a motion requesting the council to improve the traffic safety of this section. This proposal was passed by the council. Now very clear warning signs for car and pedestrains have been installed along the Rose Street. The specific implementation plans and final decision still needs further discussions. I will continue to work hard to improve traffic safety.

Traffic conditions：The Beverly Hills parking lot reconstruction has been addressed with significant improvements expected through my proposal

Parking in Beverly Hills has always been quite challenging, and the ongoing reconstruction of parking lots has made it even worse. Before Christmas last year residents contacted me and provided suggestions. I held several on-site meetings with shop owners. We studied and discussed more than ten items and proposed some new solutions. Subsequently, I communicated with council staff and submitted a motion. This motion has received support from the council, and the parking situation is expected to be improved significantly.

Facilitated the installation of a sunshade at the Hurstville War Memorial, restoring the gathering place for chess enthusiasts.

There is a group of chess enthusiasts in the Hurstville War Memorial gather daily to play chess, rain or shine, enjoying their time together. However, after the memorial underwent renovations at the end of 2023, the original sunshade was removed, causing a huge uproar. The new memorial looked neat but lacked practicality, rendering it unusable during hot sunny days or rainy days. After learning about the situation, I held an on-site meeting with residents, assessed the case, and collected evidence. Over 40 residents attended, and many offered suggestions to resolve the issue. I promptly contacted relevant council departments and applied for the installation of shade and rain cover facilities. In March 2024, a beautiful shade structure was erected.

Multiculturalism：Jointly planned a multicultural family day "Many Cultures, One Hope" Event with Salvos

In October 2023, the Salvation Army, Georges River Association, and other organisations, jointly planned a multicultural family day themed "Many Cultures, One Hope", turning the Hurstville Plaza into a unique and colourful stage. This grand event combined elements of cultural performances, traditional handicraft exhibitions, food, deepening exchanges and integration between different cultures.

Multiculturalism：Facilitated the official recognition of the cultural value of the Bruce Lee bronze statue by the council.

As a testimony to multiculturalism, the bronze statue of Bruce Lee is controversial, and back in a few years, the council even passed a motion to move the statue elsewhere. I proposed a motion in the council congratulating the successful completion of the Bruce Lee 50th anniversary commemorative events and officially acknowledging the cultural significance of the Bruce Lee bronze statue. The motion was passed by the council.

Multiculturalism：Promoting multicultural activities to enrich community life

During the two and a half years since I became a councillor, I have supported and organized about 50 cultural and sports activities, including community forums, book clubs, Tai Chi classes, and celebrations of traditional Chinese festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Spring Festival. I have actively promoted the development of a multicultural community and worked with residents to create a diverse, livable, and prosperous Georges River Area.

Green Community: Propose Parkcare program to establish pocket forests and improve the management of green spaces at Timothy Reserve and Hurstville Oval

I proposed a motion for community support for Pocket Forests (item NM003-25) at the council meeting on February 28, 2025 to promote a series of environmental protection measures:

Acknowledge community support for the establishment of “pocket forests” and the

environmental benefits they provide in enhancing biodiversity and green space within urban areas.

Parkcare Program - To implement the "Parkcare" program to include small pocket parks such as Timothy Reserve into the regular maintenance system Bushcare program.

Strengthen the management of park green spaces - Improve the management of green spaces in Timothy Reserve and Hurstville Oval to ensure ecological balance.

Green Community: Proposed to establish Hurstville ward’s first bushcare site at Black Forest Reserve in Beverly Hills

I proposed a motion (item NM003-25) at the February 28, 2025 council meeting to establish the first bushcare site at the Black Forest Reserve in Beverly Hills to help restore and protect the green space.

Green communities：Advocated the restoration of the green area at Kempt Field Park.

Over a year ago, due to structural and serious contamination problems, the council closed parts of the Kempt Field park, causing significant inconvenience to residents. I have been actively working with residents concerned about the park, frequently visiting the park to assess the situation on-site. On one occasion, residents pointed out that a section of the park's green area had been turned into an asphalt road, directly connecting to nearby high-rise buildings, which they strongly opposed. After several months of effort and active communication with the council, I formally proposed a motion at the council meeting to ensure that the final solution for Kempt Field would include addressing this green area issue.

Green communities：Proposed to establish a bush care team, and promoted kitchen waste composting and worm farming.

I submitted several motions to the council to promote environmental protection, all gained council support. One motion was to establish a dedicated bush care team in Hurstville, while another was to promote and encourage kitchen waste composting, utilising compost bins and worm farming. Using compost bins at home can help residents reduce kitchen waste, minimise landfill waste, and reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, using compost bins can also lower the council's waste management costs.

Earlier this year, I jointly organized compost seminars held by the Hurstville Community Garden and Permaculture Sydney South and was particularly encouraged to see that the local community has been actively promoting a low-carbon and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Green communities：Promoted tree planting and Clean Up Australia Day activities.

I enjoy planting trees to help cool down Sydney and create valuable habitats for birds and other wildlife, and contribute to a greener future and make our community even more beautiful. I helped to organize volunteers together with Georges River Association to plant trees at Lower Gannons Park and Beale Park, and paticipate in Clean Up Australia Day.

Click and read more

Charity：Organized volunteers and raised funds for the Salvation Army

Together with the Georges River Association, I have organized a series of charity activities for the Salvation Army to support community services and vulnerable and marginalized groups, including victims of domestic violence, homelessness and drug dependence.

. Raised over 40,000AUD at Georges River Association 2022 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.

. Organized volunteers to collect donation during the Red Shield Appeal and Christmas period in the recent years.

. In the 2022 and 2023 Red Shield Appeal at the Royal Easter Show in the Olympic Park Showground, I organized 50 volunteers to do about 500 hours of service.

I was honoured to be appointed as the Multicultural Ambassador for The Salvation Army in 2021.

Click and read more.

Supported charity events

On Australia Day 2023, a light volleyball charity event was held at the Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre. This unique event featured friendly matches between families. The youngest participant in the event was only 4 years old, while the oldest participant was 65 years old. A total of 25 teams and over 100 families participated. I sponsored the event on behalf of the council. Members of the New South Wales Parliament, the mayor of Georges River Council and councillors also attended to cheer on the participants, adding special significance to Australia Day.

What is an Independent Councillor?

I am the only independent, non-partisan councillor elected among the fifteen councillors of Georges River Council. Many people often ask me what it means to be an independent councillor.

Independent councillors are not affiliated with any political party. They are more inclined to prioritize the interests of the residents.

The political landscape in Australia is mainly dominated by two major parties: the Liberal Party and the Labor Party. These parties have significant influence and a solid voter base at the federal, state, and local government levels. Each electorate’s main candidates are nominated by these parties, and due to the parties' robust organizational structures and voter loyalty, they consistently achieve success in elections. On the other hand, party members are bound by party discipline, which means that in decision-making, the party’s interests take precedence. This can sometimes lead to the interests of the community residents being sidelined.

Independent councillors face enormous challenges in elections due to the lack of an established voter base and political resources. To break through in elections, independent candidates need to perform exceptionally better than party candidates. Once successfully elected, however, independent candidates are free from party constraints and can better represent the local community, focusing solely on serving the residents.

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