Lyons Ward ballot positions revealed
Only one can emerge from the field of 12, and now they have spoken about where they sit on the Lyons Ward by-election and their hopes for the vote.
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Ballot positions for the Lyons Ward by-election has been determined in a draw which will leave some candidates listed lower than they had hoped.
‘Rubbish Warrior’ Trevor Jenkins will be one such character who will be listed 11 of 12 – only ahead of Samuel Ward – come voting day on September 2.
Ben Wollinski will place first ahead of Sam Weston (second) and Robin Lawrence (third).
See what the Lyons Ward ballot paper will look like on September 2.
Here’s a run down of the candidates vying for your vote in Lyons Ward.
Ben Wollinski
Former sailor and aviation technician Ben Wollinski said it was “unexpected” to be drawn as number one.
“Polling number one is quite a surprise,” Mr Wollinski said.
“I am glad I’m number one as it shows I am the best candidate with the skill sets required to be (the Lyons Ward) voice and deliver for our community.”
Sam Weston
Mad Snake cafe owner and veteran Sam Weston will list second on the ballot.
Weston, who was an NT Local Hero finalist in the Australia Day Awards, announced on his business Instagram account he was running for the by-election.
Robin Lawrence
Long-term Darwin resident and small business-owner Robin Lawrence said he was satisfied to place top three in the ballot.
“(My ballot placing is) as good as first in my opinion. I’ve done a few (elections) – this is the tenth one I think.” Mr Lawrence said.
“I’m a local and I understand Darwin and what the people of this city want.
“I am for local input, and I’ve never gone with a (party) attachment.”
Adam Troyn
Polling at fourth is young candidate Adam Troyn.
Falling 12 votes short in 2021, Mr Troyn said he believed the ballot would not hold as much weight as some might think.
“As far as the (ballot) placement … I think Territorians will vote with an independent voice rather than focus on where candidates are listed on the ballot paper,” Mr Troyn said.
“It’s important everyone does research on who is running and what members are running with parties.
“I fell short by 12 votes last election, and I believe I can do better this time.”
Guy Bennetts
In fifth, Guy Bennetts will run for Lyons Ward for the first time and said he was a “proud local”.
“It’s all new to me but we’ll see how we go. I just want to see if I can make a difference to where I live,” Mr Bennetts said.
“I want to bring back Darwin … I want to see it where it was.
“I’ve seen growth in areas and the growth I have seen have been fantastic, but the decline has not been fantastic.”
Shannon Joyce
‘Mango Inquirer’ manager Shannon Joyce polled at six and admitted to being nervous entering his first election.
“I haven’t been involved in anything like this before – it’s a first time for me and I understand it has a bit of an influence on the election,” Mr Joyce said.
“I’d like to review the council’s social policy – I think we can strike the right balance between freedom of speech and the responsibilities of holding officer and the expectations of candidates holding office.”
Leah Potter
Leah Potter was not attendance but will enter September 2 close the middle at seven.
Suki Dorras-Walker
Suki Dorras-Walker said she was looking forward to on September 2.
“I’m excited, it makes it all very real,” Ms Dorras-Walker said.
“It’s really exciting to be part of a movement that’s wanting to lift up community voices – I’m really excited to be a part of that.
“My kids are born in the Territory, I’m really committed to this city and I really love this place.”
Calvin Donaldson
Calvin Donaldson was not in attendance but will feature as a familiar face.
Listing at ninth, Mr Donaldson said in his last campaign – when he ran for mayor – he wanted Darwin to be a place for local businesses to thrive.
“My vision is to see more local businesses succeed in their goals and become a sustainable opportunity for our city.” Mr Donaldson said in 2021.
Mark Barnes
Coming in at tenth, Mark Barnes said he was excited about the by-election, saying he wanted to use the platform to help reach more people – something he does in his day-to-day role now.
“I’ve been in Darwin for a long time – I’ve been here since I was a baby,” he said.
“I do coaching which helps people and to potentially be a part of the council means that I can help more people which is ultimately what I’m here for.”
Trevor Jenkins
After his ballot position was drawn, Trevor Jenkins was soon after asked to leave the premises – but it did not quell his enthusiasm in his latest run for public office.
He secured 11th place on the ballot draw.
“(The ballot) doesn’t worry me, I’ve done this hundreds of times,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Kind of just working on the street with people, trying to do a campaign so people can make their own T-shirt and make a difference.
“We can pick rubbish up, we can care about each other, we don’t need to swear, we don’t need to sit and drink we can buy a book and think.”
Samuel Ward
Long term Territory resident and small-business-owner Samuel Ward said being listed last did not worry him.
“I think (the ballot results) is fine, it’s a random draw,” Mr Ward said.
“As long as people know what I stand for in promoting improvement to cost of living and public safety then that’s what’s important.”
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