I'm Peter Varricchio. I've lived in Toorak Gardens since 2013 and run my own practice for twenty-five years. I'm standing for Burnside Council because sitting on the sidelines isn't enough any more.
"I listen, then I find practical solutions."
What I'd push forTell me what's slipping
Every figure here comes from the council's own budget papers. If I can't source it, I don't say it.
Council adopted rate rises of 9.8% in 2024-25 and 6.95% in 2025-26, and has set 5.69% for 2026-27. Everyone at home is cutting back. Council should be held to the same standard. I balance a budget every month, and I'll bring that to the chamber.
Verges, footpaths, litter. Residents tell me the basics are slipping while the chamber argues with itself. Done properly, before anything else.
That's what council spends to run each year. Your rates should pay for the core, with extras opt-in. Share the back office with neighbouring councils. Cap consultants, and justify every outside spend in writing.
The Burnside Hospital redevelopment and the ACH proposal: most ratepayers heard about both after the fact. Big decisions should reach you before the vote, in plain English.
"Sitting on the sidelines isn't enough any more."
PETER VARRICCHIO
Grew up in Rostrevor. Toorak Gardens since 2013. A podiatrist for twenty-five years, running my own practice with six staff, so I know what a budget looks like when it's your name on it.
I referee for Football SA, handicap for the Norwood Cycling Club, and serve as President of the Liberal Party's Sturt branch: bringing people together to get outcomes and turn ideas into policy.
I call a spade a spade and I play the ball, not the man. If you want to talk, I'm always up for a coffee.
One line is enough. A footpath, a verge, a bill, a decision you heard about too late. I read every one and I reply.
"Peter has been a neighbour for over 13 years and whether working in his garden with zeal or running his podiatry practices scattered over Adelaide, Peter exhibits a tremendous work ethic which would be an asset should he be elected to Burnside Council in 2027."
Melita, Toorak Gardens
"I've lived down the road from Peter for years, and he has always been a deeply reliable and community-minded person. It is rare to find someone running for public office who is so genuinely grounded. Through his work as a local healthcare provider and his life as a family man right here in our suburbs, he sees exactly where our system works and where it falls short. Peter isn't a career politician; he's a local resident who wants to make our area a better place to live. He has the work ethic and common sense needed to advocate for us across all three tiers of government."
Connie Farkas, Burnside resident
"I have known Peter Varricchio since our younger soccer playing days, and I can say without hesitation that he is the trustworthy, level-headed leader our community needs in local government. After some years apart, we bumped into each other again through the sport we love, me still playing with my mates, and Peter refereeing matches for Football SA. Watching him on the pitch, it is clear that he possesses the exact qualities required for public life. In high-pressure, difficult situations, Peter always maintains a calm head. He listens to both sides, acts with absolute consistency, and has the courage to make the hard, fair decisions when they matter most. He is a truly safe pair of hands. Right now, our community is facing a real challenge. Families are dealing with rapidly rising living costs and are forced to cut back, yet our local council continues to raise our rates year after year without listening to our concerns. We desperately need a change, and we need representatives who will actually put residents first. Peter is approachable, pragmatic, and deeply understanding of the financial pressures everyday people are under. I trust him implicitly to bring accountability back to our council, and I know he will always listen to and fight for the community."
Ross Calabria, Dulwich
"I have spent many years working with Peter at PV Podiatry, and during that time I saw how much pride he takes in both his business and his work. Over the years, I've learned a lot from working with Peter, especially about hard work, consistency and maintaining high standards."
Leanne Windsor, PV Podiatry
"Peter takes the time to listen properly and pays attention to every detail. He's humble, gentle and loyal, and it shows in everything he does."
Rosanna, Tranmere
Rose Park and Toorak Gardens is one of six wards in the City of Burnside. If you live inside the purple line, I'm one of the people asking for your vote.
Open the full map
Map: City of Burnside.
Most weeks I'm on foot in the ward. Say hello.
Follow along for what I'm hearing in the ward each week:
Rose Park. The median strip where this started.
Stirling Street side.
Toorak Gardens.