‘Healthy’ number of candidates put names forward for Shire of Denmark council, including all four incumbents

Nine Denmark residents have put their hands up to serve on the Shire of Denmark council, with the candidates contending for four available positions to be decided at the local government elections on October 18. Incumbent councillors Jan Lewis, Jackie Ormsby, Clare Campbell and Donna Carman have all thrown their hats into the ring for a shot at additional terms, while Paul Healy, Alex Sleeman, Serena Kirby, Jay Hockey and Julie Marsh will be fresh faces on the ballot. Long serving councillor and current deputy president Jan Lewis said if re-elected, her focus would remain on waste management, road improvements, affordable housing, environmental safeguarding and supporting a local abattoir. Cr Clare Campbell, who also works as executive director of conservation not-for-profit Wildlife Asia, said she hopes to continue her self-described legacy of representing the community with “integrity, kindness and a calm, considered, balanced approach” begun in her first term. Former lawyer and current business owner Paul Healy said he would not entertain external political pressure and if elected, would seek to represent the views of all community members and champion “mutually beneficial outcomes for the benefit of the whole Denmark community”. Denmark GP Alex Sleeman said he hopes to promote the same spirit and connection shown to him by the local community in the aftermath of a tractor accident, and would lead with a common sense, empathetic approach to deliver practical results. Freelance journalist Serena Kirby said her 21 years writing about the town had given her valuable insight into local life that would serve her well in the role, and would draw on her experience to manage tourism, housing, and coastal safety. Jackie Ormsby will vie for her second term on council, with the local business owner saying she will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability and innovation if re-elected. Jay Hockey said he will use his experience as the owner of Denmark Driver Training and as a former police officer to inform his position on council, and will serve will integrity, common sense and open communication. Environmentalist, volunteer firefighter and IT professional Julie Marsh said if elected, she would prioritise the health of Denmark’s natural landscapes, community consultation, equality and a more localised economy. Incumbent representative Donna Carman said she was seeking another term on council to continue providing a logical voice in decision making and promoting environmental, social equity, and a circular economy in Denmark. Successful candidates will join shire president Kingsley Gibson and Crs Dominic Youel, Janine Phillips, Nathan Devenport and Aaron Wiggins at the leadership table. Cr Gibson encouraged all eligible Denmark residents to turn out for voting on October 18, warning that a low voter turnout can lead to “more random results” and a “possible loss of trust” in local government. “For our democracy to be strong and resilient and to retain the confidence of the community, it is important that those who are enrolled to vote, take the time to do so,” he said. “Denmark has had a very healthy number of nine candidates put themselves forward to fill the four positions available, including all four sitting councillors. “To me, these numbers show a keenness across our community to be engaged and contribute to the future of our shire.” Candidates will appear on the ballot in the below order 1. Jan Lewis 2. Clare Campbell 3. Paul Healy 4. Alex Sleeman 5. Serena Kirby 6. Jackie Ormsby 7. Jay Hockey 8. Julie Marsh 9. Donna Carman