Big field vies for six council seats

The City of Albany has 21 candidates vying for six councillor positions as campaigning kicks off for the local government election next month.

Frederickstown ward will be the most hotly contested seat, with six candidates including incumbent Carolyn Dowling.

Other candidates in the ward include Graeme McBeath, whohas worked in Albany as a farmer, small business owner, public servant and community group participant; composer and conductor Peter Ratnik; and Albany Business Centre manager Vicki Brown.

Rounding out Frederickston ward is David Griffiths, who has been involved in the local farming, forestry, transport and tourism industries; and Rebecca Stephens,who has experience in not-for-profit, local and State Government.

Kalgan ward has five candidates, with sitting councillor Janelle Price contesting again, while former Shire of Gingin chief executive Alan Hortin and retired primary producer BarryWebster are also in the mix. Upper Kalgan resident Wayne Monks has extensive experience in the finance industry, while Emma Doughty has 20 years experience in healthcare management.

Ray Hammond is looking to retain his seat in the Breaksea ward, with 30-year-old farmer Luke Pilkington and small business owner Tony Demarteau rounding out the candidates.

Vancouver ward incumbent Nicolette Mulcahy will contest her seat and is up against former MP Matt Benson-Lidholm and Albany and Regional Volunteer Services manager Tracy Sleeman.In the West ward, sitting Cr Alison Goode and local business manager Wayne Downes are the two candidates.

Robert Sutton is contesting his Yakamia ward seat, with Tim Overheu, who works for the State Government and has a background in land-use policy and planning, the other candidate.

The City recorded a voter turnout of 34.16 per cent in 2015 and WA Electoral Commission returning officer Sally Thomas highlighted the importance of casting a vote.

“Local government is an important tier of government with direct influence on the community you live in, so make your vote count to have a say in who represents you in council,” she said.

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said he was excited about the upcoming election.

“The community gives us the responsibility to represent them and make decisions,” he said

“Albany has an exciting future and it’s a great time to sit on council and be part of what the City is

Election day is Saturday, October 21, with successful candidates serving a four-year term.