About

Nicki Batagol – Your voice for our community.

I grew up in Stonnington and went to a local kindergarten and school. In my youth I spent hours exploring the streets with my friends, worked in local retail shops and enjoyed the facilities and public spaces.

My husband and I moved back to Stonnington 12 years ago to raise our 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. They have attended local kindergartens, primary and secondary schools. They have also been very active in local sporting clubs including netball, AFL, cricket and gymnastics. My parents and my in-laws all live in Stonnington which helps me appreciate the community needs across generations.

I have always immersed myself in the local community.

I have volunteered at local sporting clubs, and at Armadale Primary School I was involved in the parent community and school council. In 2018, I was privileged to be awarded the Stonnington Citizen of the Year for Arts/Education as well as the Higgins Community Award for my contribution to Armadale Primary School as President of School Council.

My professional experience started as a management consultant when I worked with large corporations leading and managing global transformation projects. For over sixteen years, I worked across a range of industries and businesses, solving complex problems and applying my commercial acumen to deliver sustainable change.

Nine years ago, I began my transition into the community sector and since then, I have held a number of roles including the Chair of PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia), Chair of Emerge Women and Children’s Support Network (an organisation which supports families fleeing family violence) and a board member with Mental Health First Aid. I am passionate about supporting the vulnerable and under-represented members of our community and have founded two separate scholarships for asylum seekers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

When I believe in something, I step up and work hard.

You will often see me walking my dog or riding around the streets with my children. I am passionate about mental health, and will advocate for public spaces which are safe and can be enjoyed by the community to improve the overall well-being of residents and businesses. Now as we navigate our way through COVID-19, this is more important than ever.

I am truly independent and inclusive of all members of the community. I will bring a community focus and business acumen to local government. I will work hard to listen to your views and gain your trust. Importantly, I will act with integrity at all times. 

2020 will require local councils to develop new approaches to meet new challenges, which cannot be done without bringing in fresh and diverse perspectives.