Local Government Elections 2025: Shire of Denmark candidates share why you should vote for them

In the lead-up to the upcoming October 18 local government election, the Advertiser contacted all nine candidates vying for four vacant positions in the Shire of Denmark council, including incumbent councillors Jan Lewis, Jackie Ormsby, Clare Campbell and Donna Carman.

They were asked the following four questions:

1. What experiences and values will you bring to the role of councillor?
2. What do you consider the five most pressing issues in the Shire of Denmark?
3. How would you address the above?
4. Describe your perfect day in the Shire of Denmark.

Each candidate was given a maximum of 100 words per answer and several days to respond. They appear below in ballot order.

Here are the candidates that responded from 1 - 4 in the ballot.

Name: Jan Lewis

Profession: Not supplied

Age: Not supplied

Time lived in LGA: Not supplied

Q1: I am independent, proactive and experienced, I bring energy, transparency, and a proven record of thoughtful decision-making that reflects our community’s diverse voices.

Q2: Dealing with the challenges of an increasing population. Protecting our natural environment and the village feel of our town centre, better waste solutions, improving our roads, shortage of housing.

Q3: Ensuring our planning framework is fit for task, looking for innovative solutions to waste management, working with the community and businesses to reinvigorate the town centre, by being a strong and proactive councillor.

Q4: A bit of early morning gardening, a long walk through the forest, lunch at a local venue, afternoon catching up with friends, then a picnic at the beach watching the sunset.

--

Name: Clare Campbell

Profession: Not supplied

Age: 48

Time lived in LGA: Six years

Q1: I bring four years of proven experience as a shire councillor, combined with decades of leadership in community-based conservation across Australia and Asia. Living with my family on a small farm in Denmark grounds me in the everyday realities of our community. My values of integrity, balance, kindness and authenticity guide every decision I make. I believe in respectful communication, transparent governance, and listening with humility. These experiences equip me to make thoughtful, well-considered decisions, while also being bold and forward-looking. My focus is always on protecting what we love about Denmark while planning wisely for its future.

Q2: The Shire of Denmark’s most pressing challenge is balancing the needs and aspirations of our diverse community. Long-standing farming families, lifelong locals, new retirees, and young sea-change families each bring different expectations, and council must find fair, inclusive solutions. Tourism is another key issue: protecting what we love while ensuring local businesses can thrive. We must also deliver diverse and affordable housing options to meet growing demand, adopt science-based bushfire management to safeguard lives and environment, and improve waste systems while progressing toward net zero. Finally, essential infrastructure — roads, drainage, and public facilities — must be maintained and enhanced.

Q3: Balancing diverse demographics: Ensure open, respectful consultation and decision-making that recognises different perspectives — from farming families to new arrivals. Tourism: Develop responsible tourism strategies that protect our environment and lifestyle, while supporting local business viability. Housing: Advocate for planning that delivers diverse, affordable housing options and integrates with infrastructure needs. Bushfire resilience: Support science-based approaches, local knowledge, and investment in new technology for preparedness and safety. Waste and climate: Expand innovative waste management, drive progress toward net zero, and maintain and improve essential infrastructure.

Q4: My perfect day in Denmark would begin on our property with my animals on a clear spring morning, enjoying the beauty and peace of the land. I’d head to Lights Beach for a swim, then into town for coffee at my favourite cafe. A truly rewarding day includes time for productive work, contributing to positive change in our community. In the evening, I’d share dinner and a great local wine, listening to live music at Bar Tarifa, surrounded by family and friends. It’s that blend of nature, community and purpose that makes Denmark such a special place to call home.

--

Name: Paul Healy

Candidate did not provide a response.

--

Name: Alex Sleeman

Profession: Rural GP

Age: Not supplied

Time lived in LGA: Six years

Q1: As a rural GP, medical educator, and former navy clearance diving officer, I bring leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to community well being. My work in emergency care, education, and health advocacy has taught me the value of listening, acting with integrity, and building inclusive systems. I currently serve Denmark as a GP and regional medical educator, and contribute to police through the WA GP Advisory Panel and RACGP Future Leaders Program. I value transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and long-term stewardship — qualities I believe are essential for effective and responsible local governance.

Q2: Housing affordability and availability: a critical shortage of affordable housing is impacting families, retirees, and essential workers. Environmental protection and land use: preserving Denmark’s natural assets, ensuring a sustainable approach to development is vital. Town centre activation: with new commercial developments under way, maintaining the vibrancy of the existing town centre is a key challenge. Infrastructure and road safety: upgrades to key intersections and pedestrian pathways are needed to improve safety and accessibility. Community engagement and strategic planning: delivering on the council’s Our Future 2035 plan requires transparent communication and inclusive decision-making.

Q3: Housing affordability and availability: support planning reforms that enable diverse housing types while fast-tracking approvals for affordable developments. Environmental protection and land use: advocate for balanced environmental assessments, community-led conservation efforts, and land-use policies on biodiversity and long-term sustainability. Town centre activation: promote business support programs, public space enhancements, and events that attract foot traffic and celebrate Denmark’s character. Infrastructure and road safety: push for upgrades to key intersections, improved pedestrian and cycle paths and a future-proof approach to transport. Community engagement and strategic planning: champion transparent reporting on Our Future 2035 milestones, regular community forums and inclusive consultation processes.

Q4: Breakfast would be bacon and eggs, with the eggs from our own chickens and the bacon from the local butcher. The morning would be spent fishing with my kids, either from my boat or at Boat Harbour, depending on the weather. I don’t think you can go past a bahn mi from Denmark Bahn Mi and Pho for lunch. The afternoon would be spent doing the Harewood Trail walk, then a glass of wine at Singlefile winery. Dinner is at Pepper and Salt, or a barbecue on our balcony with some local steaks and fresh salad from the vegetable garden.