Darwin’s guide to Lyons Ward by-election candidates, polling dates
Territorians are set to hit the polling booths this weekend to choose their newest council representative. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Lyons Ward residents are set to hit the polling booths on Saturday and vote for their top candidate.
The region includes people living in Darwin City, Larrakeyah, The Gardens, Stuart Park, Bayview, Woolner, Parap and The Narrows.
The 12 candidates are Ben Wollinski, Sam Weston, Robin Lawrence, Adam Troyn, Guy Bennetts, Shannon Joyce, Leah Potter, Suki Dorras-Walker, Calvin Donaldson, Mark Barnes, Trevor Jenkins and Samuel Ward.
Election day voting centres will be open from 8am-6pm on September 2.
The centres are found in the Darwin Entertainment Centre and Parap Primary School.
The winner will be declared on September 18.
Ben Wollinski
The “candidate with a plan”, Ben Wollinski hopes to use his skills as an urban planner to give Darwin its best future.
Mr Wollinski hopes to introduce a sexual health clinic to the community if elected to Lyons Ward.
He also hopes to build more social infrastructure such as a dog park, and “green our streets” by covering the Cavenagh St canopy.
“If you want a candidate that will make a difference and improve your community, then vote number one for Ben Wollinski on Saturday,” he said.
Sam Weston
Beloved cafe owner and veteran Sam Weston said he was already heavily involved in the community and was ready to take the next step.
His platform not only hinges on Darwin’s community spirit, but also honesty and transparency.
“My most important thing is I will listen to you,” he said.
“My cafe is open seven days a week for you to come kick me in my butt if I don’t deliver.”
Robin Lawrence
Robin Lawrence has based his platform on his independence from external political influences.
“I am for a council that is not guided by expectations of favours given to election sponsored candidate council positions,” he said.
“I am for a council that is fair and equal to all of the community and a council that understands that times are tough, and I have always lobbied for the easing of rate increases.”
Adam Troyn
“Vote for someone who is not going in to champion their own ideas or bring their own political agenda, but someone that is willing to listen and consult with the community to champion their voices instead.”
Adam Troyn said his platform on the Darwin City council would centre on community advocacy.
But he also said his pre-existing ties with councillors was a boon to his candidacy.
“Council is halfway through its full term with two years left until the next general election. It is therefore crucial to vote for someone who already has a good working relationship with existing Lyons Ward councillors,” he said.
Guy Bennetts
City Gardens Apartments general manager Guy Bennetts has several plans to make Darwin a safer, greener, and more social city.
He hopes to bring more events into the CBD and connect Stuart Park with the city through parks and walking tracks.
“It was meant to be done many years ago,” he said.
He will also focus on building micro habitats for Territory fauna and flora throughout the city, champion sustainable developments, and “protect the harbour”.
Shannon Joyce
Shannon Joyce - also known as the Mango Inquirer - is asking Lyons Ward residents to vote for the “guy in a bath tub”.
“I am a fighter though, who will bring authenticity and clarity on what’s happening in Darwin City Council,” he said.
Mr Joyce said he would advocate for a permanent youth voice to the Darwin City Council through an advisory body.
He also said he would push for more outdoor recreational facilities.
Leah Potter
Born and raised Territorian Leah Potter said she had watched politicians “come and go” her whole life, but she was “still here”.
“I’m still working at ground level to try to find solutions to homelessness, trauma, mental health and addiction,” she said.
“I have a unique perspective I learned at the front line on these city streets each night.”
Ms Potter pointed to her “proven track record” of working for her community as the highlight of her platform.
“I do it because I’m just a human being who can’t look away,” she said.
Suki Dorras-Walker
Having taught in the public education system for a decade, mother-of-two Suki Dorras-Walker would bring a children-first lens to Darwin’s leadership.
“I’m one of only two women running for council and I’m a passionate and dedicated community member who stands up for what I believe in,” she said.
“If you want a council that greens Darwin, builds more and better bike lanes, tackles climate change head on, and lifts up community voices, vote for me.”
Ms Dorras-Walker is an NT Greens and Parents for Climate Action member.
Mark Barnes
Local businessman Mark Barnes said his experience with the “highs and lows” of Darwin makes him an excellent candidate with a strong understanding of the city.
“As a realist, I don’t believe in playing games,” he said.
“I believe the public are mature enough to know we can do only do so much in council and to have grown up conversations about current issues.
“I also believe the community can be a great means of helping to resolve them.”
Mr Barnes said he would campaign for the CBD’s security contract to be renewed and extend services to surrounding areas if elected.
Trevor Jenkins
Serial political contender and ‘Rubbish Warrior’ Trevor Jenkins is once more a candidate for the Darwin City Council.
Mr Jenkins previously ran for the council in 2012 on the platform ‘Vote 1 Homeless Bum’, before contending the Casuarina by-election in 2014 and the Palmerston City council four years later.
In 2014 he appeared on Australia’s Got Talent, where he took his signature rubbish sculptures and performative art to the national stage.
The Supreme Court has also declared him the Territory’s first vexatious litigant, banning Mr Jenkins from bringing any further proceedings to NT courts.
Samuel Ward
Darwin local Samuel Ward’s platform hinges on making a “safe, attractive and welcoming” community for Darwin residents and visitors.
Having lived in the territory for 35 years, Mr Ward said he was committed to supporting his community, enhancing public safety, investment, and engagement.
“I am here for the people of the Lyons Ward and will do my best to add value and be of service to this community should I get elected,” he said.
Calvin Donaldson is also running for the Lyons Ward seat but did not respond to queries.
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