Zooming in on family, community: Shire of Kalamunda candidates

Tracy Destree is a long term Hills resident who is passionate about celebrating and preserving the Hills lifestyle and environment.

A chemist, she is also a Certified Practising Risk Manager and Business Risk consultant. She is committed to building a vibrant village, with alfresco dining, markets, more tourism, artwork, business security and a return on rates for residents which includes a commitment to sound financial, project and risk management.

Richard Larsen has lived most of his life in Gooseberry Hill and believes in a need for quality open play spaces and child-friendly facilities. As a resident he’s concerned about increased traffic, car parking, pedestrian access and safety, supporting business and caring for our increasing and ageing population.

Margaret Thomas has lived in the Shire of Kalamunda for 22 years.

As a JP she has a CPA with a Bachelor of Commerce and is CEO and CFO of Retirees WA. She has been on the council for eight years.

In the South West ward there are two vacancies and four nominees.

Allan Morton has lived in Forrestfield since 1`978 and has been the councillor for several years. He has worked with several sporting clubs, supported the new skate park, the Forrestfield train station and the upgrading of the Roe Highway intersection.

Justin Whitten has been on the council for five years. He said his experience as an operations manager of a large technology company has brought a considerable amount of professional expertise to the shire to improve contract management, IT, stakeholder management risk mitigation and customer service. He believes he has been a strong advocate for sporting clubs.

Alethea Raspa has lived in Wattle Grove for the past 11 years and completed teaching qualifications and library studies at Curtin University. She said this has strengthened her belief that education and information access is important for the future. She has also worked as an information manager for agricultural and utility providers in public and private spheres. As a local councillor she hopes to improve access to services for disabled people.

Brooke O’Donnell has lived in Wattle Grove for 12 years. She is keen to ensure the shire allocates adequate funding and services in her ward.

In the North West ward two nominees have registered – Clinton Nordhoff, a business owner who brings what he says is a dedicated fresh approach to representing the residents.

Growing up in High Wycombe and having lived in the Shire his whole life, he feels it is important to preserve the strong sense of community in the area. Crime and hooning are two areas he is keen to tackle on council.

Sara Lohmeyer has lived and worked in High Wycombe for 25 years in midwifery, early child care and is also a lactation consultant. She is a trained nurse and is passionate about family and community.

As a volunteer, she believes in building connections with the community as part of a non for profit organisation.