Fresh faces and historic female majority in Mildura council as new councillors are officially declared
Mildura council sees a major shake-up with new councillors and a historic female majority, ushering in fresh voices and perspectives. See the winners.
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The votes are counted, and Mildura’s new council emerges with a historic female majority and fresh faces ready to lead.
It’s a significant shift for Mildura, with new councillors and returning representatives from prior terms, including five women elected for the first time. The new council will soon elect a new mayor and deputy mayor after both incumbents lost their seats.
City Gate Ward: Katie Clements
Katie Clemets, who ran as an independent in this election, ran on a platform of fresh ideas, open-mindedness, and a varied perspective.
Her passion for improving health services, particularly mental health services, clearly resonated with voters as she polled nearly 600 votes more than her opponent Eric Baumann in the City Gate Ward.
Henderson Park Ward: Helen Healy
Helen Healy faced off against incumbent mayor Liam Wood in the Henderson Park Ward and residents of that word signalled their want for change by comprehensively voting in favour of Ms Healy.
Ms Healy, who lives in the Henderson Park Ward, said she was campaigning on three core issues including affordable and social housing, rate reform and reducing obstacles to progress to ensure we grow infrastructure, jobs and services”.
A former deputy mayor herself, Ms Healy secured almost 55 per cent of the more than 3000 votes tallied in the Henderson Park Ward and paid tribute to outgoing mayor Liam Wood.
“I’d like to pay tribute to my opponent. It’s a shame it had to come down to one of us,” Ms Healy said.
Karadoc Ward: Rebecca Crossling
Rebecca Crossling was the only candidate for the Karadoc Ward and after what seemed an eternity, she has finally been announced as an official member of council.
“Here we are, two months, and I finally know who I am going to be working with now and I am very excited,” Ms Crossling said.
“It was a really strange experience running uncontested. I am really excited for the next four years and we are all here for the betterment of Mildura.”
Kings Billabong Ward: Glenn Milne
Glenn Milne is an ever-present in Mildura council and is set to spend another four years serving Mildura after winning the Kings Billabong Ward election over Rohan Morris.
Mr Milne pledged during his campaign to fix up the roads in the Sunraysia region.
“Our roads are falling apart because the state has spent the bulk of taxes in Melbourne,” he said.
In a close run race, Mr Milne pipped Mr Morris to victory by securing 53.3 per cent of the votes, ensuring his reign as a councillor would eclipse two decades.
“I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to represent the community I live in. I was born here, my father lived here. This community means a lot to me. It’s an area of great potential,” Mr Milne said
Lake Ranfurly Ward: Troy Bailey
Troy Bailey will spend another term as councillor after pipping Stefano de Pieri after a preference distribution count was required. Mr Bailey ended up with 48.99 per cent of the votes.
“I’d love to reflect on what has occurred up to this point. I think we have an amazing journey to move this town, this community forward, but the work that has been done prior to us all getting here has been incredible,” Mr Bailey said.
“Now we have an opportunity to build on that. Very exciting times. I am very privileged to be here and I think there are more great things ahead.”
Mildura Wetlands Ward: Ali Cupper
Ali Cupper, a former councillor and state member, romped to victory in the Mildura Wetlands Ward, securing more than 2000 of the 3440 votes counted.
“I would like to firstly acknowledge the people of the Mildura Wetlands Ward for placing their faith in me,” Ms Cupper said when she was officially declared the winner.
Ms Cupper commented on the controversial ward system saying it was strange to be talking to a small group of the Mildura, rather than the whole region.
“It was very strange having a part of our very united community sliced into pieces, and to be talking only to one section, but it has been a real honour so far,” she said.
An experienced campaigner, Ms Cupper, said she is excited to get back into local government.
“I’ve often said as much as I am a political animal, while state parliament can feel, at times, more influential, council is not only incredibly important, it’s also a lot more fun.”
Millewa Ward: Ian Arney
Current councillor Ian Arney was declared the victor of the Millewa Ward, being announced the winner after a distribution of preferences.
Mr Arney defeated Carli Leishman by just over 100 votes, despite Ms Leishman gaining the most first preference votes.
Nowingi Place: Jodi Reynolds
Jodi Reynolds successfully ran for re-election in the Nowingi Place Ward, securing more than 55 per cent of the first preference votes in her battle against deputy mayor Mark Eckel.
“It’s a privilege to be elected back into council. To have the faith of the people in that area investing in you to advocate for them on their behalf is a huge responsibility, and it is a responsibility I am going to be very aware of for the next four years,” Ms Reynolds said at the official declaration of her victory.
Ms Reynolds spoke to the historic female majority on the council.
“I am looking forward to working with this fantastic group of councillors. Five female councillors, my goodness, what a historical thing to be involved in,” she said.
Sunset Country Ward: Greg Brown.
Greg Brown stood uncontested in Sunset Country Ward and will return to council after stepping down prior to the 2020 council election.
A farmer from Underbool, he has flagged making sure Sunset Country Ward is adequately represented as his main platform.
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