How to make your vote count in Mandurah

MANDURAH residents are encouraged to make their vote count ahead of the Local Government Elections on Saturday, October 19.

Postal voting packages have been sent to eligible voters, and residents are encouraged to make their voices heard by completing and returning their voting packages.This ensures the community has its say on their Council representatives.

So far just over 20 per cent of postal voting packages have been returned in Mandurah.

Completed voting packages must be received by the Western Australian Electoral Commission via the post or returned to the WAEC Ballot Box at the Mandurah City’s Administration Building by Friday, October 18.

Alternatively, voters can deliver their completed voting package in person at Mandurah Seniors and Community Centre, 41 Ormsby Terrace, between 8am and 6pm on voting day.

Although voting in the Local Government Elections is not compulsory, having your say is a great way to help shape the community and the future of Mandurah.

Below are the background profiles of candidates. Candidates running in the election authorised their background profiles to Community Newspaper Group for publication. Candidate contact details are included in each profile.

Coastal Ward (2 vacancies)

Jenny Green

Mobile: 0411 789 153 Email: jenny.green1212@gmail.com Social Network Address: Jenny Green Mandurah Coastal Ward

My family has resided in Dawesville for the past 35 years so I am aware of the significant growth to the region. I am a qualified psychologist and have worked in both government and private sectors and am presently a board director with Forrest Personnel-Disability Employment.

I have experience as a Councillor (City of Busselton) so I understand the commitment to be an accountable and approachable Councillor. I support projects that will benefit residential, business, and tourism needs and collaborate with initiatives that promote economic growth within the community.

Mandurah’s residential community is expanding and will require strategic planning to provide the necessary infrastructure to make it a vibrant and safe place to live, work, and play.

As a ratepayer, I am keen to maintain low rates so will work toward a responsible council budget. If elected, I intend to apply myself to the position in a full time capacity.

Bob Pond

Mobile: 0424 188 068 Email: bob4coastalward@gmail.com Social Network Address: https://fb.me/BobForCoastalWard

I am a 20 year Falcon resident. I have a science degree and post-graduate qualifications in environmental management. I work locally, and also run a small B’n’B. My family has grown and I now have time to serve my community.

I am a Board Member of the Peel Harvey Catchment Council. I spent nine years on the Peel Junior Soccer Association management committee, two as president. I am a past member of the City of Mandurah’s Environmental Advisory Committee.

I live, work, and play in Mandurah and have a record of community service. I am willing to listen and learn, have management skills, and a knowledge of government to help me effectively represent you. I describe myself as socially progressive and financially responsible. I want to see the city well governed, its citizens secure with opportunity, and for Mandurah to retain the special sense of place that makes it unique.

Adam Woodage

Adam Woodage Email: adamwoodage4mandurah@hotmail.com Social Network Address: https://www.facebook.com/Adam-Woodage-for-Coastal-Ward-Mandurah-854754041573287

We live in a beautiful vibrant city and it is up to all of us to play a part in the progress we make together as a community. That’s why I’m standing for Council, to build on our achievements so far and to bring in new, fresh young ideas. I am lucky to live here in Dawesville with my wife and three young children who all attend local schools.

Having previously been a FIFO worker I know the demands this can place on families. Our community supports many such families and I want to ensure that our Council continues to look at opportunities to support families, young job seekers and those less fortunate than me. We face many issues, high youth unemployment, homelessness and drug related crime. I feel that as a young family man I am best placed to represent you on council. I need your vote.

Brad Bedford

Email: bradbedford62@gmail.com

I am a peoples person and employment in Peel is my main focus. I am liaising with staff at Bridging the Gap, an organisation helping youth in the Peel Region. My background stems from a working class family. I was a tradesperson at the Westrail Workshops.

After the closure, I opened my own business, which won multiple Telstra Business Awards and several other awards. The business has operated successfully for 25 years. I liaised with Government to reintroduce apprentice training.

I am a member of several community groups. I support: training and jobs, with a focus on establishing manufacturing workshops, with Mandurah being more involved in Metronet projects and investigating the establishment of a casino/resort in the Peel Region. I also support a safer Mandurah, cleaner and more sustainable waterways, the establishment of Lakelands Train Station, a dog exercise park and an off-road recreational area.

James Lee Yates

Mobile: 0417 830 846 Email: yatesyjl@hotmail.com

I have lived in Mandurah for two decades. I served the community as a police officer. I was a business owner and director. I’m aware of the social, economic, environmental and crime issues. I’m passionate about our community and eager to use my experience and knowledge to serve Mandurah.

I have worked in corporate settings with others to achieve outcomes. Audits, budgets, legislation requirements, policies and researching issues are things I enjoy.

Leadership with integrity and service delivery with dedication is what I give. I’m a military veteran, which demonstrates a history of service to bigger things than myself. I’ve done volunteer work with the government Parent Drug and Alcohol Peer Support program.

Recently, I served as secretary to the Medically Retired WA Police Officers Association. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Graduate Diploma. I’ve been awarded three Police Commendations including the WA Police Star Medal. Your vote matters.

Candice Di Prinzio

Mobile: 0439 906 615 Email: candice@diprinzio.com.au Social Network Address: https://www.facebook.com/candiceforcommunity

Mandurah is ready for change and fresh leadership to represent the people, places and community of Mandurah’s south.

I‘m a Falcon resident, am raising a young family and for over 16 years have grown a successful career with my family’s local business. As chairperson of community group Shape Mandurah, I have a passion for activating our city and providing residents with a voice.

I understand the importance of leadership and bringing people together to combat challenges faced by residents and local businesses. Sensible governance, local engagement and transparency will be key to ensure our community thrives.

I’m passionate about creating local jobs, growing our economy, boosting tourism, ensuring community inclusion, activating dull areas (with artwork, family friendly events and activities etc) and protecting our natural environment. I’ll work tirelessly to be your trusted voice and make the hard decisions in the best interests of our community.

Bradley Chalke

Postal Address: Third Ave, Mandurah, 6210 WA Email: brad.chalke@ldp.org.au Social Network Address: www.facebook.com/brad4mandurah

G’day, my name is Brad Chalke. I’m passionate about Mandurah, and our City’s potential. That’s why I want to see our Council doing everything it can to deregulate trading hours, cut red tape and breathe some life back into Mandurah in the process.

I’m determined to bring openness and transparency to local govenment. That’s why I want to look again at the question of live streaming Council meetings, so that you, the ratepayers of Mandurah, can see what your elected officials are up to from the comfort of your own home.

And I’m committed to being available to constituents here in the Coastal Ward, to ensure that your voices are heard and your concerns are listened to. It’s time for the council to start working for the ordinary resident. It’s time for change. It’s time to unlock Mandurah, and the key to that is a vote for Brad Chalke.

EAST WARD (1 vacancy)

Don Pember

Mobile: 0417 986 864 Email: donpember@outlook.com

I have lived in Mandurah since 1988. My family includes, my partner, two daughters and four grandsons. Our city is going through a major change as the population increases, I believe I am the person who has the time, passion, experience and understanding to take this city forward.

My main business experience in Mandurah was leading Coolibah Caring from a struggling aged care facility with ten staff, to over one hundred and fifty staff on my retirement, including major cash reserves, and land purchased for future development. I was recognised with an International award for that achievement.

I am Chair, Peel Health Campus Community Board, Advisor Peekaboo Dog Rescue and Welfare. East Ward residents deserve a safer place to live, better hospital services, fewer rate increases, more community facilities such as a Skate Park for families, plus CCTV, along with support for small business, to ensure Mandurah continues to grow.

Kerry Beake

Mobile: 0412 034 289 Postal Address: Kookerbrook Street, Dudley Park 6210 Email: kerry4eastward@gmail.com

I am putting myself forward to represent East Ward to ensure that the unique needs of each component of our community are equally represented. I love living in Mandurah and have since 2012. I am a 50 year old with a varied and diverse working career, a regular volunteer in various capacities, a mature-aged student who has degree in science, post graduate qualifications in counselling and nutrition.

I work casually as a nutrition lecturer with a small private practice while full-time caring for my ageing dad who has Alzheimer’s. I feel I have the experience along with the passion to relate to the diversity that makes up this wonderful community. I offer my willingness to engage, listen and be proactive in my role to represent you and aim to ensure our council is responsible and accountable to us as residents and businesses in this city.

Shane Jones

Mobile: 0438 932 035 Postal Address: Morfitt Street, Mandurah 6210 Email: shane.jones7@bigpond.com

For 30 years my wife and I have lived in Mandurah. We’re local and have three children and one granddaughter. As Councillor for the last 12 years I have worked hard to represent you. My experience means I understand the community’s needs and expectations.

Community safety is my biggest priority. People need to feel safe and we need to protect our unique waterways and local environment with sensible planning and traffic management. I support local tourism, our local arts groups and small businesses.

We need to promote activities that create jobs. I’ve always been there for community groups, sporting organisations and our local volunteers, who are the backbone of our city. I promise to keep working hard for you and your family. To be honest, humble and I’ll continue to listen to my community. I’m committed to doing everything I can to make Mandurah a great place to live.

Daniel Wilkins

Email: dwforeastward@hotmail.com Social Network Address: facebook.com/danielwilkinsforeastward

Mandurah has been a part of my life for over 35 years. We holidayed here as a child, before relocating in 1989 when my Dad set up an exhaust shop. I did my schooling at Glencoe and Coodanup and now raise a family of my own in Dudley Park.

As a father of two young children, I know the challenges facing families and will fight to keep rate increases to a minimum. Rising crime needs to be addressed and advocating for more police is important.

But I also believe reconnecting neighbourhoods can help prevent crime and improve community safety. I will support the continual improvement of infrastructure, job growth and youth training opportunities.

Also upgrades to our neglected parks and reserves, including the Coodanup foreshore and Blackwood Reserve. New representation and a fresh voice will enable our already great community to grow and develop.

NORTH WARD (2 vacancies)

Coral Richards

Mobile: 0411 672 336 Social Network Address: https://www.facebook.com/coral.richards.77

I have lived fulltime in Mandurah for 26 years and I am a third generation holiday maker in Mandurah. I have served this community as a: Mandurah City Councillor 1998 to 2001, Planning Commission Western Australia (Peel), Regional Development Australia, Peel (Chair), Peel Region Leaders Forum. On the boards of: FinUCAre, Uniting Outreach Mandurah, Winjan Aboriginal Corporation, Peel Preservation Group and Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.

I have worked as a teacher at Coodanup College for 11 years and previously as a PEAC teacher in Primary Schools. From 1988 to 1994 I worked as a machine operator at Hamersley Iron, Tom Price.

I initiated the successful Junior Council program in 2002. I am very passionate about our local environment and I will be an active advocate for sensitive, sensible and caring decisions when they impact bush or waterways. I believe I have the credentials to be a successful Councillor on your behalf.

Ahmed Zilani

Mobile: 0413 271 173 Postal Address: 13 Cherry Hills Retreat MEADOW SPRINGS 6210 Email: ahmedzilani@yahoo.com Social Network Address: facebook.com/ahmedhzilani

I want a rates freeze, more jobs and less crime. Let’s get Mandurah back to what we all know it can be. I’m 54, Australian citizen for 17 years, permanently living inMandurah with family since 2010.

I have a bachelor degree (distinctions) in Engineering from USA, over 25 years professional business skills, highly experienced in negotiations, local governance, financial management, strategic planning and waste management.

Mandurah is a magnificent place to live and raise family. We have pristine beaches and nature reserves. Rapidly growing North Ward offers vibrant, engaged community.

Unfortunately, Mandurah gradually losing its reputation (drugs, crimes, homelessness) which needs fresh faces who will work outside the “box” with new ideas and enthusiasms. I’ll be your full-time councillor.

My priorities will be community safety, action on hoons, encouraging job opportunities, enclosed dog park, build Lakelands Train Station urgently, more funds for Peel Health Campus, footbridge near Lakelands Shopping Centre and always putting the needs of residents first.

Matthew Thompson

Mobile: 0457 720 451 Postal Address: 31 Moonee Street LAKELANDS 6180 Email: matthew.thompson@ldp.org.au Social Network Address: https://www.facebook.com/MatthewThompsonMandurah

I’m Matthew Thompson, a 32 year old Lakelands resident, committed to unlocking our City’s potential. I want to unlock our economic potential, by standardising our shopping hours to match those in the greater Perth area. We should have the same retail choices as our neighbours.

I also want to unlock the potential of our young people, to ensure that they have great facilities here in Mandurah as they grow, and real local job opportunities when they come to enter the workforce.

I want what I suspect we all want; a better, brighter future in a City that looks out for its residents and their needs. A Council that listens to residents, and puts their futures first. You can follow me on Facebook, or on my campaign website www.unlockmandurah.com.au. Alternatively, give me a call to share your thoughts and concerns. I’m always happy to hear from you.

Mark Alexander Brzezinski

Mobile: 0417 994 412 Postal Address: 185 Ormsby Terrace SILVER SANDS 6210 Email: mark0417994412@gmail.com

Born in Perth, aged 59, lived in Mandurah 45 years. Attended the Universities of WA and NSW, multi qualified, self employed at 23 and retired by the age of 43 as a highly successful and respected Optometrist in Perth.

Undergraduate studied in electrical and mechanical engineering and economics as well as being a cattle and cropping farmer and commercial pilot.

In the past two years locally I have initiated two large underground power projects employing dozens of people which improved safety at a northern beaches toilet/shower complex and I am currently involved in a study for safer parking in the adjacent car park as well as consistently championing the Lakelands train station project.

I have always stood for well planned employment opportunities complemented with training and education as well as well thought out safer community environments. Council needs a more tech educated and business experienced base.

Gregg Tomlinson-Bell

Mobile: 0402 559 762 Email: gtbellformandurah@gmail.com Social Network Address: facebook.com/GTomlinsonBell4Council

Mandurah is a beautiful city and a great place to live, but we all know things could be better if we focus on reducing crime, creating better amenities and protecting the environment and our well loved waterways. I have grown up in Mandurah and lived here for the past 15 years.

I would like to serve to help make Mandurah a more vibrant city. I work locally and have professional experience dealing with companies such as BHP Billiton and Alcoa. Mandurah’s greatest asset is its estuaries and nature.

This must be preserved for future generations. I volunteer at our local Mandurah City Football Club and have been deeply involved in the organisation’s youth development. If elected, I will fight hard to represent your voice on Council. I will seek to deliver better services and facilities, slash wasteful spending, keep rates at inflation level. I ask for your trust and support.

Ron Wortley

Mobile: 0405 190 749 Email: wortley_1@bigpond.com

Recipient of 2019 Local Government Honours Award, for 15 years’ service with the City of Mandurah. I want to continue to represent you, providing experience, transparency, honesty and accountability. I will listen to you, engage and encourage you to have your say.

We will work together, providing value for your rates, at levels of service expected by you. I support Mandurah’s regional status, providing improved economic, social and environmental outcomes.

Protection of our rivers, wetlands, Peel Harvey Estuary and our coastline. Supporting the Peel Chamber of Commerce, Access Inclusion, RoadWise, Mandurah Concert Band, Wearable Art, Mandurah Museum, Relay for Life and our Sporting Clubs.

I will continue to work towards improved prosperity, safety and quality of life. As a new grandfather, I can’t think of a better reason to ensure Mandurah has a bright future. We need to provide education, training and employment provisions on our doorstep, keeping families together.

Caroline Knight

Mobile: 0439 843 434 Email: carolineknight4northward@gmail.com Social Network Address: Facebook.com/councillor.knight

I’m proud of Mandurah and believe in our community. I’ve been your Councillor for the past 8 years and am privileged to be your Deputy Mayor. I’m chairperson of the Peel Harvey Catchment Council, a Deputy Commissioner of the WA Planning Commission and Council’s representative on national environmental bodies.

Being a medical scientist I’m a passionate advocate of healthy, active, connected communities that are sustainable, respecting the natural environment of our region and its precious waterways. I’ve been proactive in the delivery of the Lakelands Library, new sporting reserves, opportunities for young people and fought for community planning interests.

I listen carefully, act for all residents, making sound independent decisions to ensure the best facilities and services are delivered. I’m committed to keeping rates low, supporting safer healthy communities, delivering the pedestrian footbridge in Lakelands and promoting buy local initiatives for small business. I’ll ensure high accountability in decision making.

TOWN WARD (1 vacancy)

Lynne Rowlands

Email: lynne.rowlands@bigpond.com

I am a Registered Nurse, Christian and fifth generation Mandurah citizen. I have served our country in the Army and Airforce, been involved directly and indirectly in mining for many years and served as a Law Enforcement Officer.

I have served the community at the Peel District Hospital and have been on both sides of our Emergency/Accident department. I have looked after the seniors, disabled, mental health, alcohol abused, drug addicted and generally unwell patients and children for 20 years.

I am also a business owner in Mandurah for 14 years and I understand the frustrations and rewards of small business in our Mandurah area. I have watched Mandurah change from 2000 people into a thriving City of 86,000 citizens. I have a genuine heart for the Mandurah community and their welfare. I believe that “Nothing is Impossible” it just takes a little longer. Let me be your voice.

Hayden Burbidge

Mobile: 0408 009 569 Email: hayden.burbidge@bigpond.com Social Network Address: Hayden Burbidge for Town Ward – City of Mandurah

I love my local community. As a resident of Mandurah since 2011, I’m invested in your future and the growth and development of our community. I’m an advocate for positive, moral and ethical change. The future of our community needs increased economic and employment opportunities, local business growth, increased health and community services, and increased safety and security of our neighbourhoods. As owner of SportsPower Mandurah and Falcon, I’m known as a community leader. After five years of business in the Peel Region, I understand the local marketplace and the values and concerns of the residents. Qualified in Business Management and with 20 years of business experience having worked for global wholesale, retail and security companies, I’m well suited to the role of Councillor. I’m a loving husband and father of two daughters. I have refereed State Basketball for more than 10 years, enjoy surfing, mountain biking, snowboarding and travel.

Peter Rogers

Mobile: 0419 934 783 Email: CrPeterRogers@gmail.com Social Network Address: www.facebook.com/CrPeterRogers

Mandurah is undergoing positive change, but there’s more to be done to address crime, grow our economy and protect our environment. As Councillor, I’ve taken an independent, common sense and community minded approach to my duties.

I have a legal and governance career, volunteer on several local boards and lived here all my life. I’ve focused on our economy, creating jobs, reducing unemployment and assisting small businesses. Delivered the new Mandurah Bridge, Forum, Mandjar Square, Aquatic Centre and Foreshore Seawall.

Added vibrancy to our developing city centre through activation, food truck festivals and winter ice rink. Achieved better budgets. Cutting wasteful spending without sacrificing services. Rate increases kept to their lowest in decades, keeping money in your pocket.

I promise to address city centre parking, tackle antisocial behaviour, and redevelop Smart Street Mall. I remain committed to better healthcare, improving youth opportunities, stronger traffic management, strengthening tourism and addressing homelessness.

James Booker

Mobile: 0427 038 341 Email: jhbooker@wn.com.au

I have been closely connected with Mandurah for over 60 years. As a child I vacationed with my parents and now as a resident and property owner.

I am a retired Pharmacist, business owner, company director and believe I have the qualifications, experience and time needed to become an effective and trustworthy council advocate.

For the past 20 years I have been an active community member and volunteer at MOFSC plus hold committee positions on Port Mandurah Resident’s Association and PMCWAG committees.

As your Mandurah City councillor, I will work tenaciously on: crime and antisocial behaviour including drug issues and violence, aged and youth health care policies, rates policy, ensuring prioritisation of projects, business development incentives focused on local employment and improvements in recreation and ecology for our world class waterways. Housing strategy – availability and affordability and solutions to homelessness are also important.