Lismore mayoral, council candidates for 2021 local government election
Lismore has six candidates running for the top job and 40 candidates running for the 10 councillor positions. See the list of who they are and what they stand for.
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Lismore Shire will be one of 124 councils holding elections on Saturday, December 4, for the election of councillors as well as electing a mayor.
Here are this year’s candidates.
Note: All candidates were contacted for comment but not all responded.
Mayoral candidates
Vanessa Ekins, Lismore Heights, The Greens
Ms Ekins has been a councillor for 17 years and is also the city’s mayor.
“I am committed to Lismore’s diverse people, economy and environment,” she said.
Her priorities include waste management, strong financial leadership, and affordable housing.
“Under my leadership a waste strategy will convert plastics into useful products, diverse water supplies will increase our resilience in an unreliable climate and affordable housing is planned for council land.”
Ms Ekins said she “loves this place” and would be a safe pair of hands and strong voice for the community.
Big Rob, South Lismore, independent
Mr Rob is an independent lead candidate to become mayor of Lismore.
“My extensive legal education and other relevant qualifications provide me with a unique set of skills which will greatly benefit the people of Lismore,” he said.
Mr Rob’s priorities centre around ensuring a transparent, fair and equitable decision-making process.
“I strongly support open and transparent decision making processes and getting back to basics. Better roads and lower rates are a high priority, with current issues such as water security and better management of council's finances to feature prominently.”
Elly Bird, Lismore, Our Sustainable Future
Ms Bird has been a councillor for the past five years.
She is deeply committed to sustainability, social justice, protecting the environment and good governance.
She said she had led the council’s focus on climate resilience, consistently worked towards financial sustainability; and had supported and advocated for small business and sustainable development.
Ms Bird said she was enthusiastic, determined and focused on delivering positive outcomes for the community.
Patrick Healey, Lismore, independent
Mr Healey heralds from an accounting background, having had leadership roles including general manager at Regional Arts NSW and NORPA as well as director of finance at the Melbourne Theatre Company.
“I am convinced of the need to increase our population base – to increase our rates base, increase business opportunities and get Lismore back to a vibrant and thriving city,” he said.
Mr Healey wants to prioritise growth, housing, streamlining development applications and community inclusion.
“I am passionate and committed about Lismore and want to see it grow,” he said.
Darlene Cook, Lismore, Labor
Ms Cook is a current councillor and has helped steer Lismore through floods, fires and the pandemic.
“We are experiencing a critical shortage in housing and our ageing infrastructure has come under enormous pressure,” she said.
Ms Cook said it was time for a reset.
She said the council needed to return to basics to include a more business-focused agenda and commit to collaboration with the community.
“I am running for mayor because I believe I have the drive to see this vision come to fruition,” Ms Cook said.
Steve Krieg, Lismore, independent
Lismore businessman Mr Krieg has launched his first campaign to run for mayor.
He has worked in dairying and shearing.
Later he taught high school for 10 years before opening La Baracca Espresso Bar and Trattoria in Lismore.
“Our business experience has taught us many things,” Mr Krieg said.
“The trait that I feel defines me the most as a person is loyalty. I’m loyal to my family, my friends and my staff. I am also loyal to Lismore.”
Mr Krieg said he was determined to make a positive change in the community.
Councillors
Kevin Bell, Lismore Country Labor, group A
Mr Bell has been a local high school teacher for 25 years and lives on a small macadamia farm with his wife Cath.
He is passionate about the growth and development of the Northern Rivers region.
Jasmine Knight-Smith, Lismore Country Labor, group A
Ms Knight-Smith has been involved in the community sector for more than 15 years.
She has completed a law degree, owned and operated small businesses and lives on a rural property at Booerie Creek.
Joy Knight-Smith, Lismore Country Labor, group A
Ms Knight-Smith was born and raised in Lismore.
She is studying law at Southern Cross University and is passionate about youth services, public transport and the community.
William ‘Bill’ Oddie, Lismore Country Labor, group A
Mr Oddie has been a frontline worker at Lismore Base Hospital for 30 years.
He’s a member of the Lions club, and an active union delegate with a background in business management.
Alexander Coronakes, independent, group B
Mr Coronakes has been in business for more than 50 years and said he had been happily married for just as long.
“We have four children and six grandchildren,” Mr Coronakes said.
“I would very much like to see more families set themselves up and stay here to enjoy the region.”
His priorities are a cleaner and vibrant CBD and better representation of small business on council.
Keith Graham, independent, group B
Mr Graham is a Lismore solicitor and beef cattle farmer.
His priorities are farmers, rural residents, small business and families.
“In my professional career as a local solicitor, I have always fought for the small people, those without a voice and the underdogs,” he said.
Christopher Knight, independent, group B
Mr Knight is a Lismore resident with more than 50 years of business experience.
“I am a former long standing board member of the Lismore Chamber of Commerce,” Mr Knight said.
“I was also a representative on the Lismore Business Promotion Panel and the City Safe Committee for many years.”
His priorities include safety, family, and a cleaner and tidier city.
Jeffrey Zanette, independent, group B
Mr Zanette had an auto mechanic background before moving into farming in Tullera.
“I am passionate about all local farming issues,” Mr Zanette said.
“My interests in local government were sparked some years ago while participating in the process to update Lismore‘s local environmental plan and koala plan of management.
“I really look forward to improving agricultural support for farmers in the region.”
Angela Albertini, independent, group C
Mrs Albertini is a successful businesswoman with a background in human resources and law.
She grew up as part of a large family on a banana and cattle farm near Nimbin and has a particular fondness for rural areas.
Her priorities include farming, business and the prosperity of the Lismore community.
Rebekka Battista, independent, group C
Mrs Battista is known for her fundraising for local charity Our Kids and is also the director of Our House, a purpose-built accommodation for those coming to Lismore for medical treatment.
She is a chef by trade and was the owner of The Left Bank.
“My heart is in the community, and I want to see Lismore thrive,” she said.
Andrew Bing, independent, group C
Mr Bing came to Australia from Zimbabwe with his wife Robyne and their daughters.
The couple are known in the region for their roles as dealer principal of Trevan Ford in Lismore and Ballina.
The Bings have sponsored many local sporting teams, with Mr Bing managing the East Lismore mens A-grade hockey team for many years.
He is committed to Lismore’s growth, business and community.
Darren Butcher, independent, group C
Born and bred in Nimbin, Mr Butcher has a background in banking, sales and management that took him around Australia and abroad.
He currently runs the Nimbin bakery with his wife Tricia and wants to see the area thrive.
Peter Colby, independent, group C
Mr Colby has worked in top jobs with Sony, nationally and internationally and now owns a farm in Rosebank with his family.
“I retired in 2016 and currently keep occupied with local interests, including being a founding director of Enova Community Energy,” he said.
Paul Deegan, independent, group C
Mr Deegan has been on many Lismore Council committees, panels and voluntary bodies over the years.
He is third generation real estate agent.
He is the grandson of John Deegan and the son of Frank Deegan, both were real estate agents in Lismore, dating back to 1916.
Anthony Durheim, independent, group C
Mr Durheim is the owner of Durheim Painting.
He is an avid sports lover, having played professional and local rugby with the then Gold Coast and Lismore Marist Brothers teams.
Sarah Frost, independent, group C
Mrs Frost and her husband Mark own and operate Advanced Automotive Solutions.
She said she viewed an opportunity to serve on the council as a way to apply her business experience and local knowledge to help the community emerge stronger and more vibrant from its present difficulties.
Andrew Gordon, independent, group C
Mr Gordon is a local real estate agent with R Gordon & Son Property Agents.
Jerilee (Jeri) Hall, independent, group C
Mrs Hall and her husband Aaron own and operate Halls Bus Company, which covers various rural areas such as Numulgi, Bexhill, Whian Whian, Dunoon and Leycester.
She and her husband are also partners in a cattle farm and a rural accommodation facility on the outskirts of Lismore.
Mrs Hall loves driving the bus and said it was all about keeping kids safe, making a positive impact in their day and taking care of them.
Electra Jensen, independent, group C
Ms Jensen worked in corporate regulation for the Federal Government for a number of years and studied security, terrorism and counter terrorism, health and safety, financial markets, real estate, investigations, security and fraud in government and recently completed a Certificate in Business Continuity.
She also holds a Masters in Risk Management.
Ms Jensen is passionate about the environment and is a member of the Institute of Foresters of Australia, Lismore Rowing Club and Far North Coast Canoe Club.
Paul O’Neill, independent, group C
Mr O’Neill works as Kia sales manager in the family business at O’Neill Auto Group which has been locally owned and operated for the past 25 years.
He values the importance of employing locals and being involved in the broader community.
Nardia Pidcock, independent, group C
Mrs Pidcock has more than 20 years experience in the motor trade running a local business with her husband, Mark.
She believes Lismore’s business community will be key to helping Lismore flourish again.
Dr Linda Banbury, The Greens, group D
Dr Banbury said her working life began as a research scientist in universities and hospitals before she moved on to teaching in universities and high schools.
“Currently I run my own tutoring business,” Dr Banbury said.
She said the biggest challenge for the council was how to do more with less as the state government shifted more costs to local government.
“It is a priority for council to join others in pushing for a greater share of state funding,” she said.
Adam Guise, the Greens, group D
Mr Guise has lived in Lismore since 1999 and now lives on the North Lismore flood plain, farming and regenerating the land.
“I have served on council since 2016 and during this time have been a champion for financial responsibility, planning reform and protecting our precious environment,” Mr Guise said.
His day job is with NSW Health.
“I love Lismore and it’s diverse communities and want our future to be happy, healthy and resilient.”
Shae Salmon, The Greens, group D
Ms Salmon is a law academic at Southern Cross University.
She regularly volunteers with Lismore Theatre Company, River FM, Lock the Gate and Friends of the Koala.
“Living on a rural property most of my adult life has given me a love for our region’s natural environment and its vibrant, friendly community,” she said.
Ivy Young, The Greens, group D
Ms Young lives with her family near The Channon and she manages a small business.
She values the ways in which rural villages enrich the region and says she understands the issues involved.
“I believe that council can support the prosperity and wellbeing of local people, as well as preserve our natural environment,” she said.
Simon Clough, Our Sustainable Future, group E
Mr Clough was the previous Our Sustainable Future councillor on Lismore City Council for eight years, was deputy mayor, chair of the flood plain management committee and a Rous county councillor.
He was also the national chair of Lock the Gate.
Mr Clough has spent nearly 50 years deeply involved in a wide range of community activities.
He is passionate about sustainability and protecting the community from the impacts of climate change.
Jyllie Jackson, Our Sustainable Future, group E
Ms Jackson is known locally as the director of Lismore’s epochal Lantern Parade.
A resident of 47 years, she has worked in many community organisations and government departments across health, environment, education, employment, business and the arts.
Ms Jackson is deeply committed to building a caring community.
Deborah Ray, Our Sustainable Future, group E
Ms Ray is a long term resident, CBD business owner and a well known DJ.
She is an enthusiastic supporter of all things Lismore.
Her priorities are the environment, the community and the local economy.
Ms Ray said she wholeheartedly supported progressive and innovative solutions to society’s challenges both locally and globally.
Gwen Trimble, Our Sustainable Future, group E
Ms Trimble has a background in administration and financial markets.
A 30 year resident of the area, she is known for her work at the local NRMA office, Nimbin Motors and as a marriage celebrant.
She currently manages the accounts for Nimbin Emporium and is the treasurer of the Nimbin Health and Welfare Committee.
She is a member of Lismore Council’s Nimbin Advisory Group; has actively campaigned against coal seam gas mining; supports the Widjabul-Wiabul opposition to the Dunoon Dam and drove a campaign for Nimbin’s rural water consumers to retain their town water supply.
Carlos Vieira-Silva, Our Sustainable Future, group E
Mr Vieira-Silva attained accounting and IT degrees at Southern Cross University and worked as an accountant in various businesses for more than 27 years.
For the past four years he has managed a busy convenience store in Lismore’s CBD with his partner.
He is committed to promoting Lismore City as a vibrant regional centre, while being highly conscious of sustaining its environment.
Mr Vieira-Silva was also a key campaigner in the successful Gas field Free Northern Rivers community campaign.
Alison Waters, Animal Justice Party group F
Ms Waters is lead candidate for the Animal Justice Party.
She aims to create a compassionate community that considers the wellbeing and interests of all residents (people and animals) and protects the environment.
Ms Waters is the manager of a local domestic violence service and has an academic background in social work.
“If I am elected, I’ll continue to amplify the voices of community members who are often disregarded and ignored,” she said.
Fellow Animal Justice Party group F members were contacted but did not reply:
Christine Hahn, group F
Saskja Marx-Hahn, group F
Naomi Woodgate, group F
Craig Woodgate, group F
Dr Andrew Binns, independent Lismore, group G
Dr Binns is passionate about the arts, family, community and mental health.
“I have always promoted the importance of our mental health by feeling connected to community,” he said.
He was chair of Norpa and regularly writes articles on a variety of health issues.
“I am pleased to live in such a great city as Lismore which is a very diverse and inclusive for all, he said.
Georgina Cohen, independent Lismore, group G
Ms Cohen is a strong advocate for indigenous sport having undertaken several netball coaching roles over the years at a number of levels.
“I coached with the Lismore Bundjalarms Club, Lismore and District Netball representative, indigenous netball teams at state and national levels, Casino representative and Netball NSW indigenous All Stars assistant coach,” she said.
Ms Cohen is mother to two daughters, also sport enthusiasts.
Nora Vidler-Blanksby, independent Lismore, group G
Ms Vidler-Blanksby has worked in aged care and co-ordinated 60 volunteers for the federally-funded frequent visitor program.
She is a funeral celebrant, justice of the peace and holds a private investigator’s licence.
“I bring with me honesty, authenticity, integrity, commitment and compassion,” she said.
Ms Vidler-Blanksby said rent increases were crippling people in the region and housing needed to catch up with demand.
Geoffrey Webb, independent Lismore, group G
Mr Webb has a background in media, arts and education and currently teaches piano and voice at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium in Lismore and at Bangalow and Mullumbimby Public Schools.
He believes that the community must be at the heart of every decision the council makes.
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