Residents of the Shire of Dumbleyung participated in local elections for the first time in two decades, resulting in significant changes to the council. In a competitive race, five candidates vied for four available seats, with a voter turnout of 39.71 percent, surpassing the Western Australia (WA) average of 27.5 percent.
David Head led the polling with a remarkable 137 first-preference votes. He will be joined on the council by newly elected members Ben Stangoni and Freyja Melling, all serving four-year terms. Incumbent Marilyn Haselby successfully retained her position, while Sue-Ellen Lax, despite her efforts, will not take a seat on the council but is set to be the first backfill candidate.
Retirements and Future Plans
Three council members, including deputy president Grant Lukins, chose not to seek re-election, which opens the deputy position until the council’s swearing-in ceremony in November. Councillors Bevan Doney and Kevin Powell also stepped down, marking a significant shift in the council’s dynamics.
Shire president Amy Knight expressed enthusiasm over the electoral process, noting that previous elections had been uncontested. “It was awesome for the community because many of the younger members would not have had a local election in their lifetimes,” she said. Knight emphasized the importance of engaging the community and providing insight into local governance.
She clarified that she did not consider running an independent election outside the WA Electoral Commission, despite the neighbouring shires of Wagin and Cuballing opting for that route. Both areas reported lower voter turnouts compared to Dumbleyung’s recent election. “It worked out well for us; we are a large shire in terms of land but few in numbers, so it was easier for people to pop their ballot in the postbox,” Knight added.
Community Engagement and Looking Ahead
This local election marks a turning point for the Dumbleyung community, fostering greater participation and interest in local governance. With new council members in place and a commitment to transparency, the Shire of Dumbleyung is poised for a revitalized political landscape that aims to enhance community engagement.
As the newly elected councillors prepare to take office, their performance will be closely watched by residents eager for positive changes and improved representation in their local government. The upcoming November meeting will be a crucial moment as the council officially welcomes its new members and sets the agenda for the term ahead.
