Familiar faces and fresh throw their hats in the ring for vacant Darwin councillor job

LOCAL photographer Paul Arnold is one of a number of familiar faces to put his name forward for Darwin council, with the Lyons Ward ballot drawn on Thursday afternoon

Local photographer Paul Arnold is one of a number of familiar faces to put his name forward for Darwin council

• First look at Johnston by-election ballot paper

LOCAL photographer Paul Arnold is one of a number of familiar faces to put his name forward for Darwin council, with the Lyons Ward ballot drawn on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Arnold, who recently joined the conversation about council’s controversial busking suspension in the Mall, drew sixth in the ballot draw.

On Mix 104.9, Mr Arnold welcomed council action to address anti-social behaviour in the mall but questioned whether a busking ban would work.

Mr Arnold will be joined by 11 other candidates including Darwin lawyer Eric Withnall, who drew the first place on the ballot.

Former council aldermen nominees Jack Childers, Carol Phayer and Robin Lawrence have nominated, drawing fifth, 11th and 12th respectively.

Political newcomers Sara Alexopoulos, Cheryl Watson, David Mageean, and Pete Hayes join Laksa Queen Amye Un, who has had her sights on council since releasing a viral video calling for more greenery on the Stuart Hwy in September.

Nominees were drawn third, seventh, eighth, 10th and second respectively.

Serial nominee Trevor Jenkins and former CLP candidate Carolyn Reynolds have put their names forward, drawing fourth and ninth in the ballot.

Early voting begins on Monday ahead of the February 29 council election.