Meet the 22 candidates in the race for the City of Albany council

Twenty-two Albany residents are in the race to join the City of Albany council, with three current councillors fighting to keep their seats for another four years. One seat will be up for grabs in each of Albany’s six wards on October 16. Former mayor and West ward incumbent Alison Goode has put her hand up to run again, 26 years after she was first elected to council. Yakamia Ward Cr Robert Sutton and Kalgan Ward Cr Emma Doughty will also vie for re-election. Vancouver ward Cr Tracey Sleeman and Breaksea ward Cr Ray Hammond will step down at this election. Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington and Deputy Mayor Greg Stocks will not face re-election this year and will hold on to the top jobs for another two years. Some well-known locals are set to shake-up this year’s elections including award-winning historian and first-time candidate Malcolm Traill, Baldjamaar Foundation chief executive Damien Yarran, former Nationals WA State election candidate Delma Baesjou, and former Greens WA Federal and State election candidate Nelson Gilmour. Hear from the candidates below. Breaksea Name: Yana Appleton Profession: Full-time mother Having recently returned to Albany after living overseas, I’ve hit the ground running and immersed myself in the community I grew up in. I’m passionate about localisation, sustainability, cutting the red tape and creating a stronger, unified community. Name: Thomas Benson-Lidholm Profession: Australian Bureau of Statistics field manager and Department of Education WA supervisor Community safety and law and order, are priorities for me. With an ageing population in our city, I believe more needs to be done to protect our citizens. My commitment is to ensure integrity, leadership and vision in decision making, with an emphasis on youth training and employment opportunities. Name: Amanda Cruse Profession: Aurora Magazine publisher and managing editor I passionately envisage Albany as WA’s future regional heart of creative culture and environmental tourism, as well as a hub of industry and sustainable development. Before moving to Albany, I was twice elected as a councillor for the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. I offer you the benefit of experience, knowledge, commitment to community and a fresh approach. Name: Shane Jordan Profession: Engineer I have very sound financial and business skills having operated successful businesses with up to 30 employees. I have gained many transferable skills, am a good listener, negotiator and decision maker. I see potential in Albany for our youth and establishing more employment opportunities. Name: Anne Sparrow Profession: Albany iHub manager and business owner I’ve lived and farmed in the region for 30-plus+ years, home being in the Breaksea Ward. I have extensive experience working with the community to deliver events/projects that improve our way of living. These include increasing sustainability and employability skills, expanding cultural diversity and acceptance, and attracting tourism. I am passionate in providing opportunities that enable our local small, micro and home-based businesses to grow. Frederickstown Name: Ian Beeck Profession: Writer A qualified journalist with accreditations in management, mental health counselling, employment services, Indigenous mentoring and career development, I have worked as an editor, managed large projects assisting pre and post-release prisoners to assimilate back into society, worked and counselled with youth at risk, and co-ordinated successful Indigenous employment programs. Name: Dermot Buckley Profession: Retired I have served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. I have worked in Somalia and Vietnam. I have worked alongside First Nations people in Darwin in my own consultancy business, in the Kimberley, Geraldton and in Albany. As a retiree, I have the time, knowledge and experience to represent the people of Frederickstown. Name: Anthony McCormick Profession: Forrest Hill Wines cellar door I know the importance of providing leadership, developing relationships and trust. I stand for a well connected, progressive and compassionate community that will enable sustainable growth and economic benefit, encourage innovation and opportunity and allow us to protect and conserve what is important to you. Name: Malcolm Traill Profession: Historian With Albany’s bicentenary five years away, my knowledge will be important in planning the commemoration. In return for your vote, you will receive a balanced, fair approach to council business and a councillor prepared to read, listen, advocate and act. Kalgan Name: Thomas Brough Profession: Doctor and farmer As an emergency doctor, I bring experience in critical thinking and important decision making. I am accustomed to being accountable for my decisions. You would find in me a dedicated, diligent and competent councillor. Name: Emma Doughty Profession: Community member In electing me you get enthusiasm and passion for community, transparency, integrity, and advocacy for rural communities and Albany at large. My focus on strategy will continue to be beneficial. Vancouver Name: Delma Baesjou Profession: Laserscape Albany partner and Ayton Baesjou planning director. Known for integrity, leadership and compassion, I listen before making informed decisions. A natural ambassador and excellent spokesperson I will be a strong voice and will work to make the everyday better. I’m eager to see this amazing area, and its people, continue to grow and prosper. Name: Lindsay Dean Profession: Aboriginal leader A traditional owner of the Menang/Koreng/Wadjari/Nyunga language groups, I bring to the table inclusion, diversity, and a different perspective. I understand working with communities requires patience and commitment, enabling sustainable growth opportunities so communities are best placed to thrive. Name: Jacob Podlich Profession: Education Department Have you felt a disconnect from the happenings of our town? I have. I am taking that opportunity to bridge the gap. We need to ensure our city stands by its promises of sustainability, employment, and education. Name: Greg Spaanderman Profession: Direct Lighting Albany owner I would encourage the council to live within its means and to govern the city in a responsible way. I believe private enterprise is the most cost-effective way to grow an economy and policies should be supported that do not make the establishment of new industries difficult. Name: Allen Smith Profession: Retired I have a passion for the environment and the development of Albany as a pristine place to visit. I am a “back to basics” candidate of rubbish, roads and rates, and will strive to bring the best deal for the people of Albany. Name: Damien Yarran Profession: Baldjamaar Foundation chief executive officer I am a traditional owner from Menang country. I would like to see a reduction in crime and a safer community for Albany with improved CCTV cameras. We need more employment opportunities in Albany with Sunday trading for improved shopping hours. I stand for reduction of council rates and accountability. West Name: Nelson Gilmour Profession: WA Forest Alliance project officer and drama teacher I want a city that hears and respects the views of our communities, where the locals affected by decisions are consulted in a meaningful way and listened to. I want a register and full public disclosure of all meetings between city staff and developers. I want to contribute positively to the West of Albany being a healthy and happy slice of paradise Name: Alison Goode Profession: Retired I have the skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to continue representing you in council. I need your vote to get on with the job. I am a proactive, financially responsible councillor, aware you expect value for your rates dollars. I have many years of valuable knowledge and experience in local government. Name: David Griffiths Profession: Haulage manager I am an honest, reliable, hardworking and forward-thinking person.With the region’s population predicted to reach 50,000 in the foreseeable future, careful, well-thought-out planning is essential. I will not make promises I cannot keep. Instead I will make a commitment to always do my best. Yakamia Name: Jamie Scally Profession: YMCA program manager and children’s entertainer I’m passionate about the community, staying informed and supporting innovation, sustainability and opportunities that advance and improve our paradise. With a fresh outlook I want to be your approachable, objective direct line and voice in local government. I believe the best leadership is made through a diverse mix of the community it represents. Name: Robert Sutton Profession: Suttons Carpet Cleaning owner I’ve worked hard as a Yakamia councillor for the past 12 years. I have the energy, experience and community contacts to continue for another four years — a thorough understanding of the issues affecting Yakamia residents. I am passionate about transparent representation of all ratepayers.