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!
There are 3 elections being held for Dorset 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
Follow these five easy steps:
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.
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 15 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 3 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.
Put your completed ballot papers in the ballot paper envelope, which is the smaller envelope with the wider flap, and seal it securely.
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.
Post your reply paid envelope straight away (no stamp needed), or take your vote to the Dorset Council office.
*Statements are reproduced substantially as supplied by candidates.
As a sixth-generation local resident and owner of two small businesses in the building and agriculture industries, and having been president of Scottsdale Apex Club, president and life member of both Scottsdale Crows' Football Club and Scottsdale 8-Ball Association, I feel I am suitably qualified to represent the ratepayers of the Dorset municipality.
I believe that good governance, particularly managing the finances rationally, can have a positive effect on all the community. I am very approachable and straight forward and I am committed to representing the views of all the community.
Dorset needs transparency! Backroom and secret deals have no place in our local government. We not only deserve to know what is going on, but we want to have a say and need to be heard.
As a young person (18 yo) I will bring a new perspective to the bigger issues, while also voicing the needs of Dorset's youth. I'm currently studying finance and working as a trainee tourism manager in Branxholm. While timber-milling and online trading are my side-hustles, I most enjoy adventure 4WDing and touring. Vote 1 for James Cashion.
Mervyn Chilcott married to Janice with three children. One term as councillor and enthusiastic to develop a more open Council in all areas not just selected venues. I hold executive positions in the Lions Club, Bowls Club, Mens Shed and RSL Club. I live in Scottsdale having moved from Winnaleah so understand the needs of all of Dorset and will work for good management and transparency where needed in the public interest.
We need continued improvement of roads and facilities to promote lifestyle, small industry and tourism. "Let's make Dorset - together".
I'm a proud north east girl and my husband Ben and I are raising our family in Bridport. My professional background is varied; education, tourism, marketing, local and state government, small business and I've served on regional boards and committees in northern Tasmania. My hope for the future of Dorset is that our community's collective needs are met and budget allocation and infrastructure spend directly benefits the residents of our region. Decisions and leadership of our Council should be transparent, honest and made with integrity. I look forward to bringing my passion and energy to make a positive contribution to our beautiful part of the world.
My family and I have lived and worked in the Dorset community for many generations. Was a business owner for 14 years and have a keen interest in community matters, being a past member of Scottsdale Lions. Held committee positions for racing at both club & industry level involving making decisions for the betterment of the industry. I feel it is important to explore the opportunity for a user pay system for non-Dorset residents to use recreational facilities. If elected I would vote independently on any subject and carefully consider the merits and benefits to the Dorset Community.
In asking for your vote for both mayor and councillor I advise that I believe in decision making that is balanced & fair, financially & economically responsible, leads to sustainable outcomes & is in the best interests of Dorset ratepayers. I believe in honesty & transparency, & mutually respectful relationships between Council representatives & the community. Experienced in legislative compliance I am a fellow of CPA Australia, have a Bachelor of Commerce degree and work as a CPA accountant & auditor. Originally from S'dale, I have lived in L'ton & Hobart, & Bridport since 2005.
Results speak for themselves. $120M for the Sideling upgrade, $14M for sealing of the road to Gladstone, $5M for Jarvis Link at Bridport, $7M swimming pool, new skate park, upgrades to Ringarooma Rd, Carisbrooke Lane, Golconda Rd, Bentley St, King St and Victoria St, saved Aminya and got the Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme over the line. Add to this free entry to Council swimming pools and free use of Council facilities for sporting clubs and community groups.
I believe that Dorset has done very well from the sound management by Council and from my leadership.
Dorset continues to progress & grow into a vibrant community in which to live. Council needs to work efficiently & collaboratively with community to ensure the facilities & infrastructure we enjoy are maintained & further developed. I am committed to building relationships within our municipality by providing good governance, honest & open dialogue & sound financial policy development as well as supporting a can-do attitude. Our community needs to feel they can trust that Council decisions are made to benefit the whole community - I hope to be able to provide that sense of support & trust.
I feel privileged to represent Dorset residents as deputy mayor & councillor. I am hardworking and dedicated to the community. I am committed to: strong transparent leadership; improved mobile network coverage in Dorset; a diverse range of business development; upgraded road access to the municipality; completion of the North East Rail Trail; maintaining and improving health services for our community. Most importantly, I stand for fair representation for all residents and businesses in Dorset.
With your support I would be honoured to continue as deputy mayor & councillor for the coming term.
I have been a Dorset councillor for 4 years. I understand how local government operates. I will continue to progress current projects and raise issues of community importance. My background experience covers federal, state and local government as well as small business and farming.
Looking after people in our community is very important to me. I will continue to be engaged in finding solutions to affordable housing, coastal, rural and town concerns, health, youth, education and jobs. I will endeavour to ensure Council is accountable to the public.
It is without hesitation that I again put my hand up for your vote for local government. After four years as a representative on Council I will be even better placed to achieve positive outcomes for our community. My time on Council has allowed me to develop a sound understanding of the political processes within Council and develop good working relationships with Council staff and elected members.
I believe that I have made many valuable contributions in the last four years and if re elected I will continue to bring a common sense and impartial approach to the floor.
I believe in strong communities. Proven years on Council have demonstrated my integrity, sincerity and professionalism. I have skills and experience to steer us through difficult times. My focus is to improve infrastructure for all towns, promote sustainable industries and jobs into Dorset, and to celebrate our region as the "go to" place in Tasmania. Aged care, housing, youth engagement and a declining demographic can be addressed with a sound strategic plan that includes our community leaders. As mayor I will lead Dorset with empathy, tact and honesty. We can work together. I will listen.
A lifelong resident asking for your support to represent you. Have a keen interest in local government, fully aware of the commitment through family members who have served on Council. Worked at Woolworths for 17 years undertaking managerial roles. My passion for learning and challenging myself is why I commit to being an honest voice.
Good communicator, approachable, positive attitude, strong work ethic and drive. Your support will ensure my voice will bring a fresh approach to build a strong and vibrant future for our community. Thank you.
Serving the Dorset community for 13 years as councillor. I supported projects like the new swimming pool, Link Rd, Victoria St upgrade, free entry & use of community facilities. The Bridport Skate Park, Old Pier & Playground public toilets, footpaths in Richard St, Sandy Point & Porthills Roads, the implementation of camping fees in Derby, Victoria St public toilets & Bridport CWA carpark extension are projects I put forward that have been completed or will be within 22/23.
I am a strong voice and fight hard for what is best for Dorset. I ask for your #1 vote as councillor & deputy mayor.
Dear Electors!
Are you concerned about the way Dorset Council is being run and do you think local government should be run by locals, for locals? I believe decisions ought to be made by councillors, considering the views and best interests of the electorate. Council employees should carry out these decisions professionally and courteously, remembering that Council's duty is to serve the community of Dorset. If you support and elect me, I will work for greater fairness, integrity and transparency at Dorset Council so it works for locals. Contact me on 0490 387 837. Thanks for your time, Vincent.