Seven council hopefuls put their hand up for Shire of East Pilbara October election

A new veterinary clinic and region-wide mental health scheme are among plans put on the agenda by East Pilbara residents vying for seats around the council table at the October 16 election. Shire of East Pilbara president Anthony Middleton, Matthew Anick, David Kular, Cheryl Drage, John Wilmot, Anita Grace and Peta Baer will be fighting for four councillor positions. Mr Middleton, who took over as president when Lynne Craigie resigned this year, said he wanted to lead Newman’s redevelopment aspirations. “I’m keen to continue to serve the town as I have done for the last four years and make Newman the best it possibly can be,” he said. “Long term there is going to be significant development at the Newman town centre, that is something I am keen to start chipping away at.” “I am approachable, honest and transparent and my whole purpose is to make the community better than it is now.” Mr Wilmot is an ordained reverend, funeral director and mental health first-aid instructor. He said establishing a region-wide mental health plan and embracing visiting caravanners should be priorities. “We have significant mental health problems and I would like to see a mental health plan for this region,” Mr Wilmot said. “Someone like Dr. Tracy Westerman is from our region and has done a lot for a mental health blueprint so I would like to see that used. “We’ve watched an influx of tourists and not having any caravan parks, we just weren’t prepared which was a real shame.” Business owner Ms Grace said she would bring calls for a full-time vet clinic to the council table. “A lot of people have had to travel to Tom Price or Hedland because we don’t have a full-time vet in Newman,” she said. “You wouldn’t be aware of how many people need it, so that is something I will be lobbying to get funding for.” Mr Kular said business growth and crime prevention would be his core focus. Small business owner Ms Drage has worked with the Nyiyaparli Women’s Association and wants more done to support women. Newman Neighbourhood Centre coordinator Ms Baersaid her vision was to build a better Newman where community members supported each other. Mr Anick was raised on a pastoral station near Newman and will be hoping to gain a seat at the October election. The father of two has a strong connection to the region and wants to improve his community.