Albany Mayoral contest 2023: Seven to contest wide-open race to become City’s next leader

Seven candidates are in the race to become Albany’s next mayor — the biggest contest since the City’s first election in 1999.

Lynn MacLaren, Greg Stocks, Cheryl Kneebone, Matt Benson-Lidholm, Scott Leary, Ken Kelly and Chris Thomson are all vying to fill the seat that Mayor Dennis Wellington will vacate when he retires on October 21.

Three of the candidates have also put their hands up to run for positions on the council.

The list does not include a previously declared candidate who ultimately decided to run only for the council.

As well as being the most candidates to run for mayor in more than two decades, it is also the first time since 2007 that the race has been between more than two candidates.

The summaries below have been provided by the candidates and are listed in order that the candidates will appear on the ballot.

Lynn MacLaren

Lynn brings fresh energy to local council infused by eight years experience in State Parliament where her community-driven policies improved Government decisions.

She has a track record of genuine consultation and bold alliances to develop sensible solutions, like her Bill for coastal communities to prepare for climate change and she helped save one of the last wild numbat populations.

Lynn has returned to Albany realising a dream that blossomed while at Albany Senior High School as an exchange student. She fell in love with the landscape, breathtaking oceans, quiet rivers and the communities that made her feel welcome.

Lynn convenes the Albany Community Environment Centre and is an outspoken advocate to protect Yakamia Forest Boodja and re-route Range Road.

She wants biodiversity corridors established.

Lynn supports reconciliation, the Aboriginal Accord, and the arts.

She delivers professional development courses for not-for-profit organisations, is on the Women’s She Movement committee and has experience as a carer and in WA’s ending homelessness program.

Greg Stocks

Experience matters in local government.

As Albany’s next mayor, I would offer 12 years of council leadership and experience, eight of those as deputy mayor.

My energy and commitment to the council and the City remain absolute.

I will guide the council in good local decision-making, focusing on unity and teamwork, working with all levels of community and government, to consider local and macro issues.

Extended trading hours in the City, the housing and rental crisis, cost of living, health care and environmental policy will all require attention.

Planning and implementation of important projects like the bicentennial, airport, ALAC upgrade, Southern Ocean Surf Reef, Motorplex, trails, waste management and development of other vital infrastructure will require experience and understanding.

I have 30 years of successful local business experience and a thorough understanding of the City’s finances.

The City budget is in the best shape it has been for a decade.

I humbly ask for your support.

Cheryl Kneebone

I have been a long-term resident of Albany for the past 40-odd years and I have a vision to promote Albany through innovation, eco-tourism and value-adding proposals, enhancing the Great Southern area and ensuring its future prosperity.

I worked in various positions over the years, including for the government in apprenticeships and the Industrial Commission, plus working overseas.

I look forward to representing the people contributing a great deal to its future development for their benefit.

I have no invested interests other than wanting to see Albany grow in the right way and hope it will ensure a level of development that will in no way affect the pleasing aspects of Albany while ensuring a bright future for all.

Matt Benson-Lidholm

My lengthy professional and personal experience (Justice of the Peace), especially as a past Legislative Council member (including as deputy president) and now an Albany councillor, position me well for election as your mayor.

Much has been achieved in recent years, particularly as we approach 2026.

Finances are healthy, however big issues like the redevelopment of our airport, waste management, skills shortages, housing and rental problems and the upkeep of rural roads are a big concern.

With experience in rural and remote education, small business viticulture, regional development and commercial fisheries (WA Fishing Industry Council), my lobbyist qualification and parliamentary links afford me the opportunity to represent Albany’s needs, at all levels of government and within our local community.

I seek your support as mayor, to see Albany/Kinjarling continuing to evolve and prosper.

My commitment is to open, transparent communication and integrity in all decision-making.

Scott Leary

I’m proud to introduce myself as your candidate for the upcoming mayoral election.

I’m 57 years of age and have been a devoted local resident for the past 31 years. I’ve been happily married for 33 years and have raised two sons here.

I understand the importance of creating a safe and prosperous environment for all of our residents to enjoy.

Running a successful small business has equipped me with valuable leadership and financial skills.

I have been a dedicated volunteer in various organisations, including volleyball, TAFE, volunteer fire brigade, RSL and at Retravision Stadium.

I firmly believe in collaboration for progress, and I’m eager to leverage my ability to foster and build successful relationships for the benefit of the City.

I ask for your trust and support.

Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community that we’ll be proud to call home for generations to come.

Please vote #1 Scott Leary to ensure Albany’s continued success.

Ken Kelly

I am a single father of two adult sons and was born in the Great Southern town of Katanning and attended Albany Senior High School in the 1980s and was involved in local sporting groups.

I am of both Noongar and European heritage.

I have no political connections and my allegiances will be to the people of Albany, to represent them in a democratic way of what the majority want.

I am keen to work with local businesses, services and the community to address matters relating to social outcomes, tourism, opportunities for young and older people, business development and environmental issues.

I have over 30 years of extensive experience on committees and boards responding to family domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, suicide, education, sports, Stolen Generations and local community groups.

Our history, our present and our future is one that we share as a community. Whether it is good, bad or otherwise we only have each other and together we must be united as a community.

Chris Thomson

At the 2023 council election, you have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape Albany’s future.

As a city councillor of four years standing, I’ve been around long enough to know what I’m doing, but not so long as to become part of the furniture.

I’ve never missed a council meeting. And my colleagues have elected me to leadership positions, including chair of the pivotal Development and Infrastructure Services Committee.

I also chair the Museum of the Great Southern’s advisory committee and am treasurer of the South Coast Alliance economic development group.

Albany needs a mainstream mayor with fresh ideas, deep knowledge of council operations, and who listens.

I’m not a recycled candidate from a bygone State election.

My focus is 100 per cent local.

I aim to reset and refresh how the council engages with the people.

I seek your support for my 12-point plan as Albany prepares for its bicentenary.

Please check my plan out at christhomsonalbany.com.au.