Byron Shire council election candidates list their priorities
There are 33 people running for a spot on the next Byron Shire Council. Here’s who they are and what they stand for.
Byron Shire
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A total of 33 candidates are in the running for a spot on the next Byron Shire Council.
They are spread across nine tickets, most of them grouped as teams but two are running individually.
One purported candidate, Tom Barnett, who claimed to have nominated has not appeared on the ballot.
There will be some departures when the shire goes to the polls on December 4: current councillors Basil Cameron (independent) and Paul Spooner (Labor) will not be contesting their places on the council.
Mr Spooner had announced this decision earlier in the year.
Mr Cameron, however, had earlier announced his intention to run but recently withdrew from the race.
“After 13 years as a councillor, five years as deputy mayor, it is time to pass the baton to others,” Mr Cameron said.
“This has been a difficult decision because I have loved every minute of being a councillor and it has been the greatest privilege to represent the people of Byron Shire.
“Being a councillor is also a very demanding role that requires a big commitment of time to do well.”
Mr Cameron said his “greatest satisfaction” had come from work outside the chamber, including working with residents, community and business groups “on projects that matter”.
Earlier in the term the council lost then-mayor Simon Richardson when he stepped down early to focus on his children.
It has been a longer term than usual; two Covid-19 delays have stretched the election out by 18 months.
The Byron Alliance
Mayoral candidate: Alan Hunter
Alan Hunter has served as a Byron Shire councillor for the past nine years and most of that as the only conservative voice.
He said he had achieved many things for the people of the shire but would like to get a lot more done in the next term.
He said that would require alliances with people with similar views to refocus on community priorities in during uncertain times.
Sue Stirton
Sue Stirton is a pillar of the Brunswick Heads community and long-term local with a family business in Park Street.
She has built her life as a single mother of two young children to store owner, Rotary president and winner of the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International (the highest achievable award).
Sue has “a commonsense approach” and is “not afraid to speak her mind in a respectful manner”.
Bruno Filippello
Bruno Filippello moved to lifestyle acreage at Coopers Shoot with his young family a few years ago, where he is now, among other roles, regenerating his land and has two small children at school in Bangalow.
He has “invaluable experience through his many years in the corporate world and the management of teams with a focus on strategy, innovation and people experience, and will be of immeasurable value to our council”.
Rhett Holt
Byron Bay local Rhett Holt, who with his partner runs a B&B and works in sustainability technology, has “a passion to get engaged in local governance” and was a senior risk co-ordinator in Queensland until he moved back to his own private enterprise.
He has built two allergen-friendly cafes in Western Australia and launched a mentoring-based consulting firm.
Mr Holt’s primary drivers include cyber defence and sustainable government.
Byron Shire Action Group
Mayoral candidate: Bruce Clarke
Mayoral candidate Bruce Clarke is a local government specialist, social and environmental activist, and barrister.
He has provided strategic advice to oppose the West Byron overdevelopment proposal, was a member of Byron Community Association when it spearheaded the donation strategy for the Byron Community Centre’s Covid-19 welfare initiatives and is an active member of Bangalow Koalas.
As a lawyer, Mr Clarke has successfully litigated pro-environmental cases, has been a Patron of a Women’s Refuge and is chairman of an affordable and secure housing organisation for Indigenous people in Cairns.
Julie Meldrum
As a former senior diplomat, award-winning journalist and foreign correspondent and communications strategist for an ASX 200 biotech, Julie Meldrum says she will bring a wealth of diverse and relevant experience to the council.
She said she was frustrated with the deterioration of infrastructure across the shire, lack of future proofing to preserve the environment and the council’s “inability to provide safe and affordable housing”.
Ms Meldrum said she was skilled at navigating bureaucracies and would use her experience to increase funding to Byron Shire from the state and federal governments to alleviate the burden of Byron being loved to death.
Gary Deller
Gary Deller has lived in the Byron Shire since he was eight when he moved to his grandparents’ macadamia farm in Myocum, attending both Byron Primary and High School.
He owns the Happy Dolphin cafe in Brunswick Heads where he is a long-term committee member of the local chamber of commerce.
Mr Deller has also served as a board member of Australians for Animals and is a supporter of local football and lifesaving clubs.
He wants to be a strong voice for small business, youth and the LGBTQI+ communities.
Janine Khosid
A resident of Ocean Shores, Janine Khosid owns and operates a beautician business in Byron Bay, specialising in cruelty free and safe products.
Born in South Africa, Ms Khosid migrated to Australia in 2001.
She said she was passionate about increasing the resilience of Byron Shire and would also be a voice for the people of Ocean Shores, New Brighton and South Golden who suffered from lack of adequate drainage.
As a greyhound rescue fanatic, she wants to see fenced dog parks established around the shire.
Community Byron
Mayoral candidate: Cate Coorey
Cate Coorey is a current independent councillor.
Ms Coorey is running for mayor alongside other prominent local women.
“I can’t believe how fortunate I am to have such a great group of women on this ticket,” she said.
“I’m really look forward to sharing a campaign platform with these intelligent, active and principled women of our community; they are what this shire needs.”
Delta Kay
Ms Coorey said she didn’t need to introduce Delta Kay to anyone as she was the one who had “introduced us all to her country” working for the National Parks and Wildlife Service and her own business.
“My personal experience of Delta is why I asked her to join my ticket – we have worked alongside each other over several years now – in protecting West Byron, campaigning to keep rocks of our beaches and, more recently, sharing her knowledge of Tallow Creek and sea country with the students I teach at Byron Community College,” Ms Coorey said.
“I admire her immensely and she is also good fun to work with.”
Kim Goodrick
Picture: Natalie Grono
Hailing from Eureka, Kim Goodrick is a scientist with a background in safety and risk assessment in high hazard industries.
She has been an active advocate for enforcement of residential and rural zoning with respect to short term holiday letting and wedding venues.
Since her son Connor fell from the cliff above Cosy Corner in 2019, she has lobbied for the installation of warning signage at the base of the cliff, as well as fundraising for lifesaving equipment for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Bronwyn Morris
Bronwyn Morris was involved in a campaign opposing residential developments in West Byron, including a presentation to the Land and Environment Court.
She has a background in education as a high school teacher and later as a school counsellor.
Ms Morris co-ordinated this year’s Clean Up Australia event in Mullumbimby and has been involved with Resilient Byron.
John Anderson
A solo candidate, John Anderson is facing a unique challenge heading into the election: he’s currently banned from entering the council’s premises.
Mr Anderson has long been a council critic.
He also sat on the council more than 20 years ago.
Mr Anderson is facing an intimidation charge where current deputy mayor Sarah Ndiaye is the alleged victim; he has pleaded not guilty and is expected to defend the allegation in Byron Bay Local Court next year.
Bail conditions attached to that charge and a separate decision by the council have meant he cannot enter the council’s buildings in Mullumbimby.
He’s seeking to have the council’s order overturned in the Land and Environment Court with action lodged this week.
The council’s legal counsel, Ralph James, confirmed a Class 4 judicial review application had been filed.
“Council has been served with a document which seeks orders to overturn council’s banning notice,” Mr James said.
“We understand that the application may be listed on the 12th of November and council will instruct its external solicitors.”
If elected, Mr Anderson said he would push for more “transparency” and for a staff restructure.
“My role would be the same as it was 22 years ago … to challenge the staff,” Mr Anderson said.
Christopher McIlrath
Christopher McIlrath, from Upper Main Arm, was approached for comment.
In his candidate information sheet, Mr McIlrath referred to Covid-19 as a “scamdemic” and said he wanted to work on “restoring all freedoms”.
“I moved into this area many years ago to enjoy the inspiring freedom of the area,” Mr McIlrath said.
“Those freedoms are obviously being very rapidly destroyed under the pretext of coronavirus.”
Byron independents
Mayoral candidate: Michael Lyon
Michael Lyon is Byron Shire Mayor and has been a councillor for the past five years, including two years as deputy mayor.
He has completed degrees in law and commerce and a postgraduate Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification in accounting and business strategy.
His Byron Independents group have “a progressive platform of ecological regeneration, housing security, much improved public transport and cycleways, creative industries support and sound financial management”.
Sama Balson
Sama Balson is “an advocate for equality, diversity and social justice, her work history spans over two decades experience in film and the performing arts industry”.
She has worked as an artistic leader, creative director and in production management.
She is the founder of the Women’s Village collective.
Dr Peter Westheimer
Peter Westheimer is actively involved with reforestation and the arts in the shire.
He has a medical degree from Melbourne University.
During his time as a progressive independent Byron Shire councillor from 2004 to 2008, including 18 months as deputy mayor, Dr Westheimer was “the main driver of the major upgrade and reopening of the Mullumbimby Civic Hall and chaired committees including biodiversity and sustainability, social planning, estuary management and cycleways”.
Jeannette Martin
Jeannette Martin, mother of six adult children, has been a community development worker for the past 22 years with qualifications in community development, governance and workers co-operatives.
She has lived in Mullumbimby since 2006 and was “a founder and driver of the Mullumbimby community garden, has helped create a new natural burial ground and is a current councillor”.
Byron Greens
Mayoral candidate: Duncan Dey
Mr Dey has been a member of Byron Greens for 25 years, with six of those spent as a past Byron councillor.
He is prioritising “environmental protection and respect and support for the Byron community”.
He has extensive experience as a civil engineer, with a speciality in flood analysis.
He said understood the complexities of planning and the issues it should consider.
Sarah Ndiaye
Current deputy mayor Sarah Ndiaye is second on The Greens ticket.
She has served on the council for five years and has a handle on all current projects.
Ms Ndiaye “remains focused on the challenges that Byron Shire is facing”.
There are key issues she wants to resolve such as the housing crisis, climate change and infrastructure management.
Matthew O’Reilly
Long-term social and environmental campaigner Matt O’Reilly is third on the Greens ticket.
Mr O’Reilly “has attended every council meeting in the current term” and is involved with several local community organisations.
He has “a strong grasp of and experience in the shire’s planning and governance” and wanted to contribute to “a better future for Byron Shire”.
Ian Cohen
Ian Cohen has lived in Byron Shire for 40 years and spent 16 years in the NSW state parliament.
Before that, he campaigned on social and environmental issues including “locking on” to a US warship as it entered Sydney Harbour.
He wants to continue representing residents “and other species that don’t vote but whose presence is an eloquent reminder of the fragility of our planet”.
He believes Byron Council should be at the forefront of environmental protection.
Labor
Mayoral candidate: Asren Pugh
Asren Pugh lives in Bangalow with his wife Monika and two kids Sia and Miles.
He has spent his life fighting to protect the environment and create a fairer and better world.
Mr Pugh is currently completing his MBA.
He said he would “deliver the leadership required to deliver real action on housing affordability, better quality infrastructure, a community service charter, protection of our beaches and koalas and a council that really works for local people”.
Linda Watson
Linda Watson is a keen surfer who can be found most mornings at Belongil Beach.
She is a lead educator at Federal Children's Centre and is passionate about protecting the shire’s beaches and natural environment.
Homelessness, particularly among women, is something she feels needs to be addressed urgently.
Ms Watson said she was proud to be running for Labor and standing up for the values of equality and fairness.
Peter Doherty
When Peter Doherty found out that a patch of bush behind his house where he often saw koalas was not protected, along with some passionate neighbours, they founded Bangalow Koalas.
Bangalow Koalas has now planted many thousands of koala trees and created essential corridors for koalas to move around.
Mr Doherty has represented some of the lowest-paid workers in the country as a union organiser and said he knew how to fight for what was right.
He said he was running “to make a real difference”.
Jan Hackett
Jan Hackett has been on the council for the past five years.
She has focused on saving the shire’s beaches and promoting the arts among many other issues.
She comes from a long line of locals who first settled in the area in the 1850s.
Mr Hackett said that like her grandfather, who worked at Norco in Byron Bay, she put others first and liked to give back to her community.
Melanie Franz
Melanie Franz grew up in Mullumbimby and now works as a nurse educator and manager.
She is “an expert at delivering government grants, including school gardening and music programs”.
She is backing Asren Pugh for mayor “to help deliver a strategic approach to planning that delivers short, medium and long term results for housing, transport, infrastructure and the environment”.
Kaylene Chamberlain
Kaylene Chamberlain has lived in Byron Shire for more than 35 years and has been active in the community, particularly in the north of the shire.
She was the president of the New Brighton Village Association for many years and is “passionate about getting a fair go for Ocean Shores, New Brighton and South Golden Beach”.
She believes long term planning is essential to deal with the many pressure on the community.
The Mark Swivel Team
Mayoral candidate: Mark Swivel
Mark Swivel wants to bring more professionalism to Byron Shire Council.
Founder of community law firm Barefoot Law and MC of Dustyesky, Mr Swivel said he understood Byron Shire’s issues including housing, transport, the environment and basic services.
“My colleagues and I embody the energy of the shire and the real world,” Mr Swivel said.
“We work in law, farming, education and business.
“We bring the real skills we need to revitalise our local politics.”
Fran Hart
Fran Hart is a small-business owner of a manufacturing company based in Byron Industrial Estate and co-founder of Federal Loves Refugees – a grassroots community-based fundraising organisation.
Ms Hart is “committed to pragmatic, collaborative and inspired approaches to working with community that celebrate diversity and varied voices, appreciate our vulnerabilities and strive for resilience and unity”.
Venetia Scott
Venetia Scott is general manager of Hungry Earth Agroecology at The Farm and a co-ordinator for Young Farmers Connect on the Northern Rivers.
She has a professional background in law and made the switch to full-time farming two years ago.
She is passionate about promoting ecologically aligned farming and building community and culture around the local food movement and small-scale farming on the Northern Rivers.
Jessica Smythe
Jessica Smythe has lived in Bangalow over the past 10 years while working locally as an educator.
She has “a strong history of community engagement for numerous Byron Council programs including a Crown Lands project for endangered native plant species”.
Ms Smythe is “excited about finding innovative solutions and positive ideas that can accommodate the diverse needs of the Byron Shire”.
Xavier Hanckel-Spice
Xavier Hanckel-Spice grew up in the Byron Shire.
He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Politics and English via distance education and chose to give back to community by working with Bay FM and the Northern Rivers Community Foundation.
Mr Hanckel-Spice is now working in criminal defence to help the most vulnerable in the community.
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