Voting instructions and candidate statements for Meander Valley 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 Meander Valley 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 13 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 5 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 Meander Valley Council office.
I am proud to call Westbury home and, as a fifth-generation Tasmanian, have lived in our local community for over 35 years. I bring energy, sound judgement and a genuine common-sense approach, always focused on positive outcomes for people. I want to stand because I care deeply about Meander Valley and want to help shape a strong future for our communities. Six years as a CEO has taught me how to deliver results while supporting local jobs, families, industry and investment in our region. I have a reputation for listening, working hard and following through.
Raising our children on our farm in Chudleigh and running a plumbing business, I know the pressures facing local families and small businesses. As Councillor since 2018, and Deputy Mayor since 2022, I’ve built a strong record of standing up for our community, I listen and I get results. As Mayor, I'll lead a council that spends responsibly, gets the basics right, improves roads and services, supports local business and strengthens our towns and communities. I'll lead with integrity and deliver practical results, and I’m asking for your number one vote to keep Meander Valley moving forward.
I’m Ben Dudman, your candidate for Mayor and Councillor. Since my election in 2022, I have worked hard for you and I’ve made sure I’m accessible, active and accountable to our community. I’m running for Mayor because I love the Meander Valley. I believe in our people, our communities and the incredible potential of our region. As Mayor, I’ll bring strong leadership, common sense and a practical approach to the job. I’m experienced, I’m accessible, and I’m ready to lead. I’d be honoured to have your support. Please Vote [1] Ben Dudman for Mayor and Councillor. Because you’re better with Ben.
I'm Rohan Eastley, your Greens candidate for Meander Valley. As a fifth-generation Deloraine local living with a physical disability, I bring a unique perspective to Council. My priority is building an inclusive, accessible municipality by improving footpaths, public spaces, and parks. Through volunteering at Vinnies and running the local Boccia club, I know the value of listening first. I'll advocate for local agriculture, waterway health, and thoughtful development that supports housing and businesses while keeping our towns' unique character.
I'm a lifelong Meander Valley local and have lived in the same family home my entire life. This community is everything to me. I am running as a Greens council candidate because I want to see the Council look after its people properly. I’m someone who believes our society's systems aren't working fairly for everyone. I’ve been arrested for protesting animal welfare abuses, native forest logging in Tasmania, and the export of coal. These actions are a reflection of how I believe I need to be in service of others because of the privileges I've been afforded by this society.
I’m a proud dairy farmer, and call our beautiful Meander Valley home. It’s where my wife and I are raising our children, and I want to see our community thrive and prosper—not only today, but for generations to come. I’m passionate about our community, committed to working hard, listening and advocating for the things that matter. I want to represent all of Meander Valley with respect, integrity and genuine commitment.
For the past four years I’ve been your active Councillor. I haven’t just sat around the table; I’ve been out working in our communities. I’ve worked hard to bring greater consultation and transparency to the way Council works with all of us. From Prospect Vale to Mole Creek, I’ve been there, listened, got things done and you’ve never heard me say "that’s not my job”. I’m invested in our communities and want to see us thrive. We all want a Council that makes the best decisions for everyone. Please support me to continue this work by voting 1 Anne-Marie Loader for Deputy Mayor and Councillor.
No candidate statement.
Voice for City and Country. Councillor for 3 years, seeking your mandate to deliver responsible spending, safer roads, enhanced sport and community facilities, better rural services, practical waste solutions, improved health and youth services, and stronger support for ratepayers facing cost-of-living pressures. I’m a registered mental health nurse, and passionate about men's mental health and veteran suicide prevention. With 25+ years living and volunteering in local community, I value opportunities for our youth and will always put Meander Valley residents first. Vote 1 Daniel Smedley.
I’m Paul Spencer standing for Councillor & Deputy Mayor. I grew up on a farm at Cressy. I own my own Electrical business. I am committed to keep local council accountable & transparent with minimum rate increase. I will be a strong advocate for ratepayers and the community. I have good sound judgement & a strong voice. I have gained extensive experience in construction & infrastructure which is a major benefit for development applications. I believe Councillor’s should hold a WWVP card. I am very approachable, accessible & available to hear your concerns 7 days a week. Please Vote 1
I have lived in Western Creek for 50 years but grew up and was educated in Launceston, where I also worked for the Department of Social Security. I’m now a semi-retired farmer and was first elected to council in 2013; I seek re-election because I believe I can continue to make a valuable contribution on behalf of the community. Along with tertiary studies in Computing, Maths, Accounting and Personnel Management, I’ve garnered significant knowledge over the years, of council operations. I value clear communication, respectful discussion and practical decision making. Please vote 1.
Re-elect for lower rate rises, equity and putting strategic long term community benefit ahead of short term gain. I am your easiest to find councillor, most days I am at the John Temple Gallery in Westbury, a wilderness and landscape photography gallery I started 21 years ago. I have experience of serving on, and also chairing a number of community, government and business boards at local, state and national levels. As a former winner of the Australian Design Award, the Enterprise Australia Award and the National Small Business Award, I do know how to get things done. Please Vote 1 John Temple
No candidate statement.
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.