About Tamsin

Hello! Tamsin Bearsley, at your service!

My background… I was elected to Council City of Kingston in 2012, and served as Mayor in 2015.

I was re-elected in what was described as a landslide in 2016, and even more so in 2020 with more votes than the following four candidates combined.

I live in Aspendale Gardens with my husband Andy, two teenage children and Roxy the Wonder Dog.

I’m also a primary school teacher. Teaching during lockdown has been an adventure, believe me!

Some people say Council is the lowest form of government. If you ask me, I’d tell you it’s the closest to our community and can have a real, visible, positive impact.

Ask anyone local and they’ll tell you I’m passionate about our community. I love to listen, learn, and get involved.

Feel free to share your story with me, join me and let’s continue to make our city even better!

Cheers

Tamsin

mobile: 0430 170 210
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrTamsinBearsley/

Authorised by T. Bearsley, 10 Batten Pl Aspendale Gardens 3195

I can honestly say Cr Bearsley has been nothing but supportive, understanding and has gone above and beyond to assist me as a local, small business owner.

I own Aspendale Swim School and I also volunteer at our local Lifesaving Club. Tamsin’s ongoing support has been outstanding, she has always been there to assist, regardless of whether it’s through the tricky situations or if it’s the good times.

I cross paths with Tamsin on a regular basis, this is because she is so active in our community.

In fact I take my hat off to you Tamsin, your commitment to the role as Mayor, whilst being a mum and wife, shows your dedication to our community.

Sarah O’Donnell

Here’s what other people say…

What People Say

Tamsin’s interest in building relationships with those who do what they can to assist the people and businesses in the City of Kingston, with a view to achieving positive outcomes for their needs has been wonderful.

Phil Wall

Tamsin is very down to earth in her approach as mayor, a very positive trait possessing open communication skills.

Faye McLachlan

Great leadership shown by our mayor Tamsin Bearsley – a credit to the role and to Kingston council.

Karen Eastwood

Well done to Cr Tamsin Bearsley for your cool head and leadership to not only handle this situation, but earn the respect of our Kingston community by your strong and fair leadership.

Di Sharp

Cr Tamsin Bearsley keeping a cool head, just the type of Mayor we need, situations like these show us who our true leaders are.

Bec Swinton

It’s a good thing we have some decent councillors like Geoff Gledhill and Tamsin Bearsley who are able to rise above council’s behaviour!

Iain Collins

Well done to Cr Gledhill and Cr Bearsley for keeping cool heads. Their focus has always been on our community in Kingston, the people and the infrastructure. Good to see they don’t get caught up in the childish politics and game playing and focus on what’s important.

Belinda Ann

Steady guidance is clearly the path forward and something Cr Bearsley not only strives for but has delivered since taking over the reins. Tamsin, Ron, and Geoff collectively are continually focused on the big picture and most importantly the community in its entirety.

Chad Henry

Tamsin Bearsley did as she always has and handled the situation beautifully. She is a credit to Kingston and your vote belongs to her for the upcoming election.

Sarah May

If only we could clone her …

Jacqueline Carr

Tamsin has set a very high standard as Mayor and her attitude and appreciation of of all members of the community is excellent.

Margaret Shields

Cr Tamsin Bearsley has a great local community presence. She is a wonderful role model and has shown dedication, passion and integrity in her role as Mayor. She is an active member of my local community and a really wonderful and kind person.

Carolyn Gray

Tamsin Bearsley again you have displayed great leadership… the progress made and the improvements you have delivered are greatly appreciated.

Stephen Hunter

Cr Tamsin Bearsley has supported the Aspendale Gardens community and worked tirelessly over the last 4 years and deserves reelection.

Katrina Harrison

Questions People Ask Me

Did you vote to narrow Beach Road?
I’ve always supported the completion of the Bay Trail, but never the narrowing of Beach Rd.

Are you old enough to run in the election?
Thank you, Kirk from Waterways! Not a frequently asked question, but yes.

Do you accept donations?
I’m 100% funded by myself and my husband. I don’t accept donations, however I do accept your feedback and smart ideas.

What suburb do you live in? 
Aspendale Gardens… also known as ‘Assy G’ or my Jackal favourite, the ‘Garden Gnomes’

What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Building a positive culture of responsiveness and openness to new ideas. Parkrun is a great example, we have 200 walkers, runners and volunteers getting out together each week. We need to encourage more great ideas like this! 

Are you a member of a political party?
Yes, I joined the local Liberal Party branch because I want to make a positive difference. For common-sense initiatives, it’s a force multiplier. On council, nobody tells liberals or true independents how to vote. I make up my own mind. I appreciate individual freedom.

It’s all good and well to say you put the interests of people before that of a party, but surely you’d only align yourself with a party that holds the same values as you?

I care about equal opportunities in a tolerant and diverse society. Seeing the potential in everyone. As a teacher, forgiveness and growth. These are Liberal values. If these are your values too, I invite you to join me.

I understand you say they don’t influence your vote, but I thought councillors could not be in a political party?
Yes we are able to be. I don’t take any donations. My vote is my own, and is based on consultation and what is most balanced our community. It’s healthy to have councillors with political diversity as long as they are willing to listen to each other and find common ground.

Thanks Tamsin. So why do people give labor councillors flack about being controlled?
In my experience, Labor take a direct interest and have rules about their councillors having to caucus beforehand. Liberals are hands off – I wouldn’t have joined the party otherwise. I’d see it as a conflict of interest.

What have been some big achievements so far?
Aside from our amazing Children and Family Hubs, we’ve changed council policies and attitudes which saw us welcome independent film festivals, summer carnivals and food truck festivals to Kingston.

What is your occupation? 
Primary School Teacher – Robotics and Technology. I’m very proud of my students… and even more so of parents during lockdown.

What has been your biggest regret?
There’s never enough time in the day, and always more to do. Next on my to-do list is small business support to recover from lockdown, more respite care for children with disabilities, better street tree policy, wetland extension, better resources for the immunisation team, better drainage and that’s just the start.

What do you think of fluoride in the water?
Yes, a real question! So I grew up in a small country town, Warragul. Two older siblings and my twin. My parents, both teachers, gave us regular fluoride tablets due to the lack of treated water supply. Contrary to urban myths, It didn’t seem to negatively affect my IQ, in fact the opposite. I graduated dux of secondary school, and state-wide dux of VCE for IT. When Jeff Kennett presented the award, he shook my hand and said ‘we could do with smart people like you in politics!’. Fast forward twenty years later, here I am. So maybe you could blame fluoride!

But wait, there’s more. When I was living in London, I went for a dentist appointment. Half way through, in the chair with my mouth wide open, an entire class of dental students paraded through. ‘Guess where this person grew up?’ said the dentist. ‘Somewhere where there’s a fluoridated water supply!’ said the class. Yay for science!

Are you really a twin?
Yes! See if you can tell us apart 🙂

Parkrun

Tamsin’s enthusiasm and ‘get it done’ attitude was soooo helpful in getting Parkrun up and running (every pun intended!) in our community.

She is a leader who leads from the front and encourages others to give their best.

A great team player, Tamsin has been a most inclusive mayor of our fair city!

Peta Mary

Great Ideas and Feedback

Go on, get in touch!

Authorised by T. Bearsley, 10 Batten Place Aspendale Gardens VIC