Cr Dr Stretch Kontelj

Ward: Kildare Ward

Portfolio: Major Projects

Telephone: 0419 327 303
Email: councillor@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

First elected in 1998, Dr Kontelj is now in his fourth term on Council representing the Kildare Ward, which takes in Newtown/Chilwell, Manifold Heights and Herne Hill and the township of Fyansford and parts of Stonehaven.

Dr Kontelj was born and educated in Geelong and currently lives in Newtown with wife Paula and his two youngest children. He has a long history of community involvement, particularly in supporting ethnic communities for which he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2001 in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. In 2003 he was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to Local Government.

Dr Kontelj has practised law for over 20 years and is Legal Director Asia/Pacific for international Optometry group Specsavers. Dr Kontelj also serves in the Australian Defence Force as a Specialist Reserve Legal Officer with the RAAF. He holds Degrees in Law, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration and Governance from Monash, Melbourne and Deakin University and in 1999 was awarded Deakin University Law School's first Doctorate in Juridical Science. Dr Kontelj was Mayor of the City from March 2001 until April 2002.

Dr Kontelj holds the Council portfolio for Major Projects and represents the City on committees such as:

• Water Taskforce
• Kardinia Park Steering Committee
• City of Greater Geelong Planning Committee

As a family man living in Geelong, Dr Kontelj has a genuine interest in the well being of his community and is motivated by his Council responsibilities to make Geelong a better place to work, live and raise a family.