Voting instructions and candidate statements for Dorset Council.
Voting is compulsory. Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 27 October 2026
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:
Your ballot paper envelope is designed to keep your identity separate from your vote.
Successful candidates for mayor and deputy mayor must also be elected as councillors to be able to accept these offices. The elected councillors, mayor and deputy mayor will serve until October 2030.
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 27 October 2026.
Don’t delay, late votes can’t be counted. Failure to vote may incur a fine.
Follow these five easy steps:
Candidates were invited to provide a statement and photo for your consideration. Statements are reproduced here as provided by the candidate.
Statements appear in alphabetical order but the order of names on ballot papers is rotated.
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 11 in order of your choice. Number at least 5 boxes to make your vote count.
For the election of mayor, number the boxes 1 and 2 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 8 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.
I’m standing for Dorset Council because I care deeply about our community and believe in the potential of our region. I want to play an active role in shaping a positive future for Dorset and ensuring our community has a strong voice. My focus will be on supporting local business, encouraging investment, improving infrastructure and connectivity, and strengthening our communities. I believe we need capable, prudent and connected leadership — leaders who listen, make responsible decisions and work collaboratively to deliver meaningful outcomes for our region.
I am standing again as both Mayor and Councillor because I love the Dorset community and am proud to call it home. With consistent, approachable leadership, I will continue working to guide Dorset through its next chapter while ensuring every voice around the council table is heard and respected. I am kind, considerate and fair, but I also have the courage to make difficult decisions when needed. Those decisions will always be made in the best interests of our whole community. I ask for your vote to help keep Dorset a great place to live, work and play.
I am standing for Deputy Mayor and Councillor because I have the time and experience to serve effectively in both roles and deliver positive outcomes for the whole community. I am married to Janice, and we have three children, all working. I hold positions with the Lions Club, Bowls Club, Scottsdale Men’s Shed and RSL Club and many community activities. I live in Scottsdale and operate a small intensive beef enterprise. I understand the needs of communities across Dorset and will advocate for sound management and greater transparency in the public interest.
As Councillor and Deputy Mayor I will aim to deliver real progress for Dorset while balancing community needs. I will objectively evaluate competing priorities, supporting regional growth while protecting Dorset's distinct character. As a Fellow of CPA Australia, with 30+ years experience as an accountant and adviser, I bring strong financial expertise to Council. I will ensure finances are carefully managed and decisions deliver value. I have no personal gain or business interest through this role. I will always act with integrity, independence and forward thinking for our community.
I am a born and raised Scottsdale local, married with three adult children. I am self-employed and have operated an engineering and crane business for the past 26 years, having employed numerous local apprentices and tradespeople. We need an efficient, effective and less misproportioned body corporate that runs an administration in line with the requirements of small regional councils. Areas of growth need to be concentrated on agriculture, forestry and aged care to name a few. I am enthusiastic about revitalizing Dorset and it becoming a destination for new residents, tourism and business.
To continue to build a stronger community we need responsible, considered decision making, prudent financial management and an attitiude that will get things done. Our council needs skilled councillors who understand good govenance, honest communication and the role they have undertaken. With my prior experiences I can and will work for the benefit of all Dorset as we build a strong community together.
I would like to take this opportunity to ask the Dorset community to vote for myself for council Looking forward to working together with all to improve Dorset services and try to find more Imployment for our community
I have lived and worked in Dorset since the late 70’s, I am a Life Member and current President of the North East Axemens Association and have competed in woodchopping for 50 years. I believe in honesty, hard work, respect and fairness. I am seeking re-election to council because I care deeply about Dorset and its residents. I listen to local Residents, take their concerns seriously and make sure that their voice is heard. I bring common sense, a strong work ethic and a genuine commitment to giving back to the community that I have called home for nearly 50 years.
Serving the Dorset community as a Councillor has been a real privilege. I’m seeking re-election, and also putting my hand up for Deputy Mayor, because I care deeply about our community and its future. I believe people should feel heard, supported and confident that their Council is working for them. I will continue to listen, be approachable, ask questions and work hard for all of our towns and communities, while helping Dorset remain a strong, welcoming place we are proud to call home. I believe our best outcomes come when Council and community work together.
Candidate for Councillor and Deputy Mayor Dear Residents, After 46 years in Bridport and 15 years as a Dorset Councillor, I am standing for Councillor and Deputy Mayor to keep serving the community I value. I will strengthen links between Council, residents and new developments; support well-planned growth while protecting Dorset's heritage; champion local businesses, sporting and community groups, and opportunities for young people; and restore sound Council finances. I will listen, work collaboratively and make balanced decisions with integrity. I would be honoured to earn your support.
WHY VOTE FOR ME? So I can support you, our freedoms and a fair go for all. I like to be honest, open-minded and constructive. I try to listen to all points of view, contribute ideas and help Council apply good governance and follow the rules. WHAT WILL I DO IF RE-ELECTED? I aim to make sure Council serves everyone fairly and equally, no matter where you're from. People on low incomes should not be put under more financial stress by excessive rates rises. We need to find savings, plan better and find a way forward together, that works for us all. PLEASE, VOTE VINCENT #1!! IT'S A VOTE 4 YOU! ;-)
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) publishes candidate statements and photographs under section 284 of the Local Government Act 1993. It does so in line with published requirements determined by the Commission, which apply equally to all candidates.
Statements and photographs are optional and must meet the published requirements for inclusion. Each candidate is allocated the same amount of space, whether or not a statement or photograph appears.
Statements are the candidates’ own words, and they are responsible for their content and accuracy. The TEC does not verify factual claims or endorse what a candidate says.
The TEC makes only limited, standard changes needed for consistent publication of candidate statements and photographs. It does not otherwise correct, rewrite or alter a candidate statement, or change a candidate’s appearance.
If a statement or photograph does not meet the approved requirements for publication, the TEC contacts the candidate and, where publication timelines allow, gives them one opportunity to provide a replacement.