Local teacher gives Maroondah City Council an ‘F’ for its COVID response

Donna MacKinnon

After 13 years teaching at Ringwood Secondary College, Donna Mackinnon has announced she will be running in the October Maroondah City Council elections. She’ll be running in the new Wonga Ward, where she’s called home for the past 40 years. 

“We need the council to invest in current programs and community and health services to support residents, small business and community groups to recover from the impacts of COVID19.”

 “Instead, the council stood down 480 local workers from this community without consultation with them as workers, or the community as service users. This is in stark contrast to most other councils across the State.”

Donna has been appalled by the council’s lack of concern for its residents and workers during the COVID crisis and wants to see the community at the centre of council’s recovery plans.

Donna did not plan to run for election, but a lifetime of helping others has taught her to stand up when it matters most. “I will be a voice for those in our community who are too often ignored.”

Donna is committed to ensuring that this ratepayer money is spent fairly, to the benefit of all residents. 

As stated by Donna Mackinnon:

“Local government has an important role to play in assisting residents, small business and community groups to recover from the impacts of COVID19. 

Despite forecasting a $40 million surplus, the council has cut over $200,000 from Aged and Disability services. Cuts to these services are unconscionable. This means loss of adequate care to our most vulnerable residents, not to mention the job losses in the sector. 

COVID has clearly demonstrated the dangers of putting money before people.’

/Public Release. View in full here.