Meet the candidates: Shire of Ashburton

The nominations are locked in, with a host of new people start their campaigns to become Shire of Ashburton councillors.

Four councillors have already been elected unopposed in the first local government election results.

Paraburdoo Ward’s Linton Rumble faced no contender, elected for a four year term.

Lorraine Thomas from the Tablelands Ward and Peter Foster from the Tom Price Ward were both elected for another term.

Wyloo Station’s Glen Dellar stood unopposed for the Ashburton Ward, which was vacated by Anne Eyre.

Four candidates are still in the running for two seats up for grabs — one in the Onslow Ward and one in the Pannawonica Ward.

Dennis Wright has retired from his seat of Pannawonica which is being contested by second generation resident Melanie Gallanagh, alongside metallurgist Colin Sumner and journalist Corinna Lacey.

The seat to watch this year will be the Onslow Ward, where incumbent president Kerry White will be up against Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Geoffrey Hebert.

Of the remaining candidates, only current Shire president Kerry White has previous experience as a councillor.

ThePilbara News talked with the five remaining candidates to find out their background and what changes they would like to make to their wards if successfully elected.

Their fate will be decided at the Shire elections on the Saturday on October 17.

Geoffrey Herbert (Onslow Ward)

I have lived and worked in the Pilbara for more than 23 years with my partner Marie and son Thomas, who is the fourth generation of Herbert’s in Onslow.

I am heavily committed to Onslow, demonstrated by my role as President of the Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry that has grown in membership and my leadership role in the establishment and ongoing operations of the community garden, which has been recognised as one of the best in the State.

As a Councillor, I will further promote opportunities for local businesses and will enable timely access to places and spaces for families and children and continue to develop key relationships to ensure that Onslow grows according to the dreams and aspirations of the local community.

I would like to see better collaboration and communication between the Shire of Ashburton and the people in Onslow, as well as stronger support for local businesses. We are in the process of getting a lot of big resource projects in town and I believe I can use my business expertise to make sure they are sustainable into the future.

Kerry White (Onslow Ward)

After living in Onslow for 21 years, I have been involved in council for eight years, spending four of those years as Shire President.

I will continue to be a passionate voice for local residents, inclusive and represent all groups in the Onslow Ward and continue to be a committed listener and a strong advocate for local residents.

I’ll make sure funding for local projects and services are delivered for all parts of our Ward and that regular opportunities are provided for consultation, communication and negotiation so we can get the best outcomes for our local area.

If re-elected I will be maintaining Council’s strong financial position, maintaining and upgrading important community infrastructure, supporting small business , increasing local employment opportunities, supporting schools, community and sporting groups and community events.

There are many things I would still like to achieve- the completion of the Shire Administration and Hall, the Basketball courts, skate park and swimming pool all due for completion 2016.

I’d like to see more footpaths, another day care centre, a building for mums and bubs, a youth centre and more retail to grow our town.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me for the last eight years.

Corinna Lacey (Pannawonica Ward)

I moved to Panna 1.5 years ago and since then joined the Volunteer Fire Fighters, the Peer to Peer program and Panna Be In It (our new community group).

As an active member of this vibrant community I want its voice to be heard –and its needs met – at a local government level.

Pannawonica is not all just about Rio. We are a unique community, but we are also a part of Shire of Ashburton and need strong representation at Council. I can be that strong voice for the community.

I'm a mother and journalist and I care about people. I used to being the one asking pollies questions and I believe my insights as a political reporter will help me on council.

I want to see Panna as an inclusive town where people's lives are enriched while they're here; whether they be families, couples or singles, no matter how long they stay.

I love the area and want to see the community do well, this is an important place. I we feel a bit disconnected from the rest of the Shire at the moment and would like to see better communication between the wards.

Melanie Gallanagh (Pannawonica Ward)

Myself and my family have been residents of Pannawonica for almost ten years, and the second generation of Gallanagh's in Panna as my husband Mick's family were part of the many Irish families that gazetted the town back in the early 70s.

During my time here I have been heavily involved in and held executive positions on many community and sporting groups and clubs.

I have been a long standing member of our local community advisory group, and was an integral part of Pannawonica's 40th anniversary celebrations in 2012.

Since its establishment in 2010, I have been involved with the local Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service as an active fire fighter.

As I have always been passionate about our town, it will be good to give back to the community on a bigger level.

I would like the opportunity to represent the residents of Pannawonica to ensure that the people have a voice within the Shire and the Shire has voice within the town.

I haven’t done anything like this before, but I am very excited to take on the challenge.

Colin Sumner (Pannawonica Ward)

I am metallurgist with Rio Tinto and resident of Pannawonica for 3years.

I am a married father of 5 children all living in Pannawonica and I'm keen to represent Pannawonicans to ensure we get a fair share of Shire resources and to voice the opinions of its residents concerning issues unique to living and working in the remote Pilbara.