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Sarkis Yedelian - Ryde
2024 New South Wales Mayoral Elections - Mayor Candidate - September, 14, 2024
Who is Sarkis Yedelian?
Councillor Sarkis Yedelian OAM has lived and worked in Ryde since 1984, after migrating to Sydney from Beirut, Lebanon, in 1979. He co-founded the ‘Armenia Weekly’ magazine and started the Armenian Community Radio Hour at 2NSB-FM.
From 1994 to 2007, he established Community TV Sydney CH31, supporting young filmmakers and training young journalists and video producers.
Journalism and Engineering:
Yedelian has a background in journalism and electronic engineering. He has been self-employed since 1985, running a consulting service for IT, camera, telecommunication, and precision instruments.
He retired in 2019 to dedicate his full time to community needs.
Early Council Service:
Yedelian was first elected as an Independent Councillor for the City of Ryde in 2004 and re-elected in 2008. He joined the Liberal Party in 2010 and was re-elected in 2012, 2017, and 2021, making him the longest-serving Councillor in Ryde.
Leadership Roles:
He has served as Chair of the Ryde Planning and Environment Committee, Ryde Community Harmony Reference Group, and Ryde Economic and Development Advisory Committee. Yedelian has also been a member of the State Emergency Service of Ryde since 2005 and is the President of the Ryde Multicultural Centre, which he formed in 2005.
Election as Mayor:
Yedelian was elected Mayor of the City of Ryde on December 13, 2022, and re-elected for another term on September 26, 2023. He has served as Deputy Mayor three times, including from September 2007 to August 2009 and 2021-2022.
Awards and Honors:
Order of Australia Medal (OAM): Awarded in 2009 for his service to local government and multicultural communities.
SES Long Service Award:
Awarded in 2017 for 10 years of service with the NSW State Emergency Service.
Certificate of Appreciation:
Received from Local Government NSW in 2017 for 13 years of service to the City of Ryde.
Community Involvement:
Yedelian is fluent in five languages (Armenian, Arabic, French, English, and Turkish), which has helped him communicate with diverse communities. He played a key leadership role in Ryde’s Multicultural Advisory Group.
Community Engagement:
Yedelian emphasizes the importance of community consultation and involvement in local projects. He advocates for a clean, green, safe, inclusive, and efficient city.
Infrastructure and Development:
Under Yedelian's leadership, the Council has focused on saving iconic sites like TG Millner Fields and progressing ambitious reform agendas to enhance the city's infrastructure and community services.
Granny Smith Festival:
As Mayor, Yedelian participated in the 2023 Granny Smith Festival, acknowledging and welcoming the community, local VIPs, and sponsors. The event featured a grand street parade, stalls, and performances, emphasizing community involvement and celebration.
Councillor Sarkis Yedelian OAM's extensive experience, dedication to community service, and leadership roles highlight his commitment to improving the City of Ryde. His focus on multiculturalism, infrastructure, and community engagement continues to make a significant impact on the region.
What are Sarkis Yedelian's Political Values?
The Liberal National Party (LNP) of Queensland is a center-right political party formed from the amalgamation of the state divisions of the Liberal Party and the National Party on July 26, 2008. This merger was aimed at creating a unified conservative force in Queensland politics, striving to offer a credible alternative to the existing government and to restore trust in state and national governance.
Guiding Principles:
The Liberal National Party (LNP) of Queensland champions core principles such as the freedom of conscience, religion, expression, and association, viewing these as the bedrock of a just society. The LNP values the family unit as a societal cornerstone, advocates for fiscal responsibility to protect future generations, supports a smaller government to boost innovation, and commits to environmental protection and sustainability.
Policy Priorities:
The LNP's policies focus on strengthening Queensland's agricultural and tech sectors, especially in regional areas, and ensuring energy transitions are affordable. The party prioritizes supporting community organizations and enhancing public safety, particularly through youth justice reform.
Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of improving educational infrastructure and outcomes.
Support for Regional Queensland:
Recognizing the economic and social significance of regional areas, the LNP pledges to enhance services and job opportunities outside of metropolitan centers. The party emphasizes the development of infrastructure, health services, and transport links to bolster the prosperity of regional communities.
Housing and Infrastructure:
The LNP aims to improve housing affordability and supply, manage population growth effectively, and ensure the timely delivery of necessary infrastructure. This includes specific measures to increase land availability and streamline government processes to facilitate development.
Promoting Integrity and Efficiency:
The LNP commits to restoring integrity in governance and enhancing the efficiency of the public service. This involves strengthening the roles of the Integrity Commissioner and the Auditor-General, and ensuring a culture of transparent and accountable governance.
Economic Management:
Fiscal discipline and economic management are key areas of focus for the LNP, with policies aimed at reducing government waste, attracting investment, and providing relief from the cost of living pressures faced by Queenslanders. The Liberal National Party of Queensland positions itself as a party dedicated to effective governance, regional development, and economic stability.
By integrating the strengths of its precursor parties, the LNP seeks to address the diverse needs of Queenslanders and drive forward a prosperous future for the state under conservative leadership.
