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 2 elections being held for Southern Midlands:
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 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 7 councillors, number the boxes from 1 to 8 in order of your choice, Number at least 5 boxes to make your vote count.
For the election of Deputy Mayor, number the boxes from 1 to 4 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 Southern Midlands Council office.
*Statements are reproduced substantially as supplied by candidates.
Edwin has the right mix of local government experience, qualifications, work and community connection to be mayor. He has a longstanding connection to this district through farming, family, school, arts and junior football. He has 8 years on Council, 4 as deputy mayor.
Meeting challenges of roads, rates and rubbish are first priority. But Edwin will lead a dynamic Council that, transparently, can partner with community and business to deliver important projects, always with an eye to financial responsibility. A lawyer and readily contactable, Edwin will continue to be a strong advocate for locals.
As an experienced councillor, former mayor & deputy mayor, I seek your support to continue the important work & administration of your Council. Your Council is experiencing an exceptional growth in the building of new homes & in the tourism sector. I am committed to ensuring that your Council supports this growth with the provision of the necessary standard of affordable services required & continue to encourage economic & residential development for the benefit of residents in Southern Midlands.
I am committed to ensuring your Council provides efficient governance & affordable services.
Originally from Kempton I now live in Elderslie with my husband, who is a fourth-generation farmer.
I have a broad base of experience working in private, state government and volunteering in the not-for-profit sector. My knowledge and personal skills are gained from 45+ years in a diverse range of positions, including banking, customer service, marketing, management, and general life experience. I will work towards common goals in the community to improve conditions and services.
Living in the Southern Midlands for more than 21 years, with the population growing, wise decisions have to be made re housing (especially affordable and social housing), getting roads upgraded and gravel roads sealed. We need to establish new industries.
Hence Bob's prime focus will be housing, roads, industry and working with the people to deliver good outcomes as was the case with the Swanson Bridge over the Little Swanport River. Bob's persistence saved Council over one hundred thousand dollars! For progress give Bob your number one vote.
My first 4 years as a councillor have been very rewarding. The experience I have gained, has given me the confidence to also stand for the position of deputy mayor. If re-elected I will continue to put emphasis on being approachable to all community members. Through my many voluntary roles in the community, I feel I have a very good understanding of the issues that are important over the whole municipality. Please consider me for your no. 1 vote for deputy mayor and councillor.
I decided I would like another term as councillor for Southern Midlands Council. Presently I am chairperson of the Community Shed, Facilities & Recreation Committee, Lake Dulverton & Callington Park Committee & Council representative on the Parattah Progress Assoc. With Callington Park Committee, I was able to get a toilet built near the play equipment. I am a supporter of the Bagdad Community Club Master Plan & planned hotel in Oatlands. I will do all I can to keep rates low.
As my farm is now managed by my sons I have more time for Council. I am experienced & a hardworking voice of reason.
I am seeking re-election for a second term, to continue to advocate for, and to represent, individuals & the community in Council decision making, to ask questions, develop solutions, & to provide a cooperative, common-sense approach. My aim: a pro-active Council responsive to community needs, embracing new ideas & opportunities but respectful of the past, that consults with the community, that is accountable, transparent & financially responsible. I am running for deputy mayor, as in the past 4 years I have put forward many initiatives & demonstrated I can get things done. I ask for your support.
Fraser is a farmer, an experienced business leader and a proud Southern Midlands resident. As the owner and operator of sheep and cattle property Mount Baines Colebrook, Fraser employs local people, trades with local businesses, and provides traineeships to young people looking to develop careers in finance, distilling, farming and animal husbandry. His vision for the Southern Midlands is for the region to embrace its agricultural heritage, while investing in improved infrastructure that will create new economic opportunities for local people and businesses into the future.