City of Greater Geraldton election candidates: Minna Rankine champions young voices and local businesses

At 26, Minna Rankine is part of a new generation of leaders putting their hands up to represent and have their voices heard.

For Ms Rankine, running for council is about representation and opportunity.

“There are a number of reasons, but predominantly it’s because we haven’t seen young people really represented on council for a while,” she explained.

“When I say young people, I mean people in their 20s or early 30s. I remember looking at the last ballot paper and thinking, I don’t see myself here, or anyone like me. I think others my age would have felt that too.”

A Geraldton local, Ms Rankine has built her career around community and culture, and now works as tactical lead at Euphorium, a social enterprise driving community development projects across WA.

In her role, she specialises in transforming big-picture ideas into practical initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes.

Alongside representation, Ms Rankine felt her background and experience made her well-suited to give the role of councillor a crack.

“Honestly, I think I’d be good at the job. I do a lot of work in culture and community development in my day job, and this seemed like a natural progression,” she said.

“I already spend a lot of time bridging gaps between community and institutions like council and government — so this is a skill set that I have.”

Ms Rankine said her priorities would be about using resources wisely and supporting Geraldton’s ever-growing vibrant business and community life.

“People talk a lot about reducing rates or making sure they don’t go up. As a councillor and nominee, you can’t promise that, but what I can bring is the ability to make a small amount go far. Running a small business teaches you that,” she said.

“It’s about using rates responsibly and looking at costs in more creative ways. I’m really passionate about local businesses, especially new shops in the CBD. We’ve got such a thriving ecosystem here, and I want to make sure we support them.

“That means looking at how to reduce red tape and making it easier for community members, organisations and businesses to be active citizens in Geraldton.”

Ms Rankine is equally focused on encouraging great participation — especially from young people — in local government.

“One thing I want people of Geraldton to hear is: please vote,” she said.

“Across the country, turnout in local government elections is low. I’d love to see that number double.

“I’m especially targeting young people, because often they don’t vote simply because they don’t see themselves represented.”

At the heart of her campaign is a deep belief in Geraldton’s potential.

“I grew up here, and like many young people I had the opportunity to leave. But I decided to stay because I love Geraldton and saw so much potential — and it’s proved me right,” she said.

“We’re at a time of growth, with amazing events, cultural attractions, festivals, and new businesses popping up all the time.

“Everybody has a part to play in making this a great place, and I want to make sure council helps that happen.”