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Local Government elections

Brighton City Council

Instructions and candidate statements

Accessible HTML format. Statements are also available in PDF format with candidate photos and web links.

Voting is now compulsory

Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 25 October 2022

Don’t delay – late votes won’t be counted!

Information

There are 3 elections being held for Brighton City Council:

As well as this booklet, your postal ballot pack contains:

The ballot paper envelope has been specially designed to ensure the secrecy of your vote.

All returned envelopes are kept unopened under tight security until they are checked for validity.

After a sealed envelope has been verified, the flap showing the elector’s personal details and signature is removed under instruction of the returning officer, in the presence of witnesses, and securely stored until the close of the poll.

After the close of the poll and in the presence of witnesses, the now anonymous envelopes are opened in large random batches before the unidentified ballots are removed for examination and counting.

Successful candidates for Mayor and Deputy Mayor must also be elected as councillors to be able to accept these offices.

The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors you elect will serve until October 2026.

Questions? Call 1800 801 701

Postal services take a number of days, so it is important to complete and return your vote now.

Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 25 October 2022

Instructions

Follow these five easy steps:

1. Get to know the candidates

Candidates were invited to provide a statement and photo for your consideration*.

Statements appear in alphabetical order but the names on the ballot papers are rotated.

The online version of this booklet contains web links where provided by candidates.

2. Record your vote

Number the boxes on each ballot paper from 1 onwards in the order of your choice.

For the election of 9 councillors, number the boxes from 1 to 11 in order of your choice, Number at least 5 boxes to make your vote count.

For the election of Mayor, number the boxes from 1 to 4 in order of your choice. Number at least one box to make your vote count.

For the election of Deputy Mayor, number the boxes from 1 to 2 in the order of your choice. Number at least one box to make your vote count.

3. Make your vote secret

Put your completed ballot papers in the ballot paper envelope, which is the smaller envelope with the wider flap, and seal it securely.

4. Validate your vote

Sign your ballot paper envelope in the box on the flap to declare that you are the voter named on this envelope and you have voted on the ballot papers in this envelope. You must sign the envelope and leave the flap attached — or your vote won’t be counted. The returning officer will remove the flap with your details on it before opening the envelope.

Then put your ballot paper envelope in the reply-paid envelope — the larger envelope — and seal it.

5. Post your vote

Post your reply paid envelope straight away (no stamp needed), or take your vote to the Brighton Council office.

*Statements are reproduced substantially as supplied by candidates.

CAVANAGH, Jack

Candidate for councillor

G'day my name is Jack, I am a 20-year-old uni student and your Greens candidate for Council. I live and work in Bridgewater and believe that as the fastest growing LGA in Hobart we have a great opportunity to set an example in sustainability and representation. I have been involved in numerous climate activist groups/events and am fiercely passionate about ensuring young people have a bright future in lutruwita/Tasmania. As a councillor I promise to be a part of a constructive Council, make decisions that put people over big business and provide a young progressive voice for Brighton LGA.

CURRAN, Barbara

Candidate for councillor, deputy mayor

Proudly serving as deputy mayor and councillor for Brighton municipality, I am also a small business owner in Brighton connecting with the local community consistently. I understand the pressures upon us all and am encouraged to adopt a strong focus on keeping rates low while maintaining a high standard of services. I encourage community consultation and am proactive in working to support growth and quality improvements for our community. I stand as an independent offering fairness and equality. I support local business and community groups.

Barbara Curran for deputy mayor and councillor.

DE LA TORRE, Aaron

Candidate for councillor, deputy mayor

Since being elected councillor just one year ago I've been an active, visible and accountable representative. I want to continue to represent the views of the community at Council and I have the skills to do so.

I'm passionate about helping those in need and I demonstrate that commitment through my volunteer work. I am a founding member of the Brighton Lions Club and I continue to help out in the community in many ways. I want to see a community where families thrive, people can work close by and we look out for each other. I can be your voice at the table ensuring that nobody is left behind.

GEARD, Peter

Candidate for councillor

Chairperson of Council's Parks & Recreation Committee, Senior Citizen Management, Pontville Users Group, Brighton Regional Sporting Complex and emergency management committees. I am passionate about our community and its people. Fully supporting upgrading walkways, playgrounds, roads and the beautification to our towns. I represent Council on Hobart Fire Management & the Regional Emergency Management Group. I volunteer with Brighton SES Unit & the Brighton Fire Brigade. One of my main objectives is to ensure we maintain our fair rate system. I have lived in Brighton all my life.

GRAY, Leigh

Candidate for councillor, mayor

13 mths ago I was honoured to be elected mayor. Immediately dedicating myself to the role, working tirelessly for a progressive community that is inclusive, sustainable and cares. I value diverse opinions so nobody is left out. I am always available and will continue to keep the Council open and transparent. I again urge your support to re-elect me as mayor & councillor, there is still so much to achieve. I am 55, married to Prue, father of 4 and poppa of 1. I grew up in Bridgewater, now live in Brighton. I'm committed to this role, the future of Brighton & its people, each & everyone. Cheers Leigh.

IRONS, Greg

Candidate for councillor

I became director of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in 2009, at 25 years old and have watched the municipality grow quickly around us. I am excited by the direction that Brighton Council is heading; the ambitious targets and care I see from within the Council. We are very lucky to have great people already at our Council and I hope to further strengthen this. I believe Leigh Gray is a fantastic mayor and wonderfully supported by Barbara Curran and the general manager. A vote for me brings fresh energy to support them and our region reach even greater strengths for the people and the environment.

McMASTER, John

Candidate for councillor, mayor

I've lived here for over 20 years with my beautiful wife & 4 children, previous garden supervisor of Jordan River Service & small business owner. Where's our swimming pool when the school was built? Where's our skate park? Where was your councillor when your councillor was needed? More than 20 years I have listened to promises made & watched promises be broken. We pay rates for progress not broken promises, I won't promise something I can't deliver. Time for new blood on Council who will listen to people & fix the broken promises of the past. Don't vote a party, vote 1 John McMaster!

MURTAGH, Tennille

Candidate for councillor, mayor

Relieving the cost of living pressures, keeping rates low & affordable waste solutions are top of my list. Resident of 39yrs, sole mum of 5 & experienced councillor with extensive background in community service. I understand the difficulties many in our communities face. From my involvement in the establishment of Tagari-lia Child & Family Ctr to moving motions advocating to increase the rate of Newstart, providing transport for local fruit pickers & installing toilets at the park. I stand for serving public interest, listening to individuals & taking action by contributing to social benefit.

OWEN, Phil

Candidate for councillor, mayor

Working in community - volunteering, giving - TFS firefighter, Gymnastics Academy, Old Beach Cricket Club, Brighton Food Hub, JRLF SS Association, Neighbourhood Watch, Landcare. Recent "wins" for you include public access to defibrillators 24/7, Council meeting recordings, all-accessible Council facilities, move to circular economy principles. Working with and for you full time will be my only job! Focussed, independent, dedicated, committed, and full time. Ratepayers/residents - first! Call anytime ph. 0419333252. Vote 1 - Phil Owen - mayor, councillor working for a better Brighton - always!

WHELAN, Michael

Candidate for councillor

I have an extensive background in strategic & local area planning, residential home building, business ownership and civil construction.

I want to provide a renewed Council focus on good planning, local health solutions, affordable waste options, greater road and footpath investment, improved recreational facilities, more affordable housing solutions, better public transport, secure regional employment, increased disability access, sustainable growth and development, transparency and accountability. Vote 1 Michael Whelan.

WILLIAMS, Kellyanne

Candidate for councillor

A councillor for Brighton starts with trust and honesty from the people representing our community. I have been a resident of this community my whole life, choosing to work and volunteer within the community at any chance I can get to improve outcomes.

I am committed to building relationships with all of community, listening to our residents and representing them to the best of my ability. I stand to look after our families, our elderly, all the while providing opportunities for our youth to develop and thrive. I will propose solutions to ease the cost of living for our community.