Voting instructions and candidate statements for West Tamar 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 West Tamar 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 19 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 11 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 West Tamar Council office.
I’ve spent 20 years on Council, 8 as Deputy Mayor, served important roles across youth, health, ageing and community. I’m as excited today as the day I started. Those years have given me deep knowledge and steady hands when things get tough. Community service is in my DNA. Mike and I were married for 52 years and giving back was a way of family life. I know our history, how Council works and, most importantly, our people. I believe a councillor should be seen, accessible and part of everyday community life. I show up. I listen. I care deeply. West Tamar will always get my absolute best.
A $40 million budget. Seven councillors. Every seat must count. As a Registered Town Planner, Master of Business (Leadership), former Council General Manager and Councillor, I understand how councils work and how to turn good ideas into action. I established and chaired George Town’s Placemaking Committee, and I’ll bring that same drive to West Tamar: vibrant townships, public art, music festivals, thriving local businesses and public spaces. With fresh ideas, experience and a focus on getting things done, together we can create opportunities for everyone. Let's raise the bar for West Tamar!
I bring local heritage via my school years at Riverside High and Launceston Matric with global experience which translates to new energy and fresh ideas. I spent 10 years in Singapore as Managing Director Asia Pacific leading a team of 2500 recruitment staff across 11 countries. I also spent 13 years in the U.S.A leading teams. Council works for you and should give you visibility of all spending decisions. I will focus on ensuring every dollar spent brings community value. We need to hear your voice and reflect your priorities in council decisions.
Carl Cooper is a local resident of the West Tamar and my life experience is mixed and varied. I started my career as a teacher and then as a Pharmacist. Social connection, access to healthy choices, improved transport options and being able to stay in place and benefit from our natural beauty. The youth of our community also need opportunities to guarantee their future in Tasmania. I bring business experience, governance skills. I listen and help. Our council’s Mayor must lead. That’s what I offer. Vote One Carl Cooper
I’m independent, experienced and local. As a father and school social worker, the interests of children and families are close to my heart. Active in community, I volunteer on the managing committee of Exeter Child Care Centre, with St Vinnie’s food van for the homeless, and as an advocate for child safety reform in Tasmania. I’ve experience as a local councillor, so I know the responsibilities and expectations of the role. I’m keen on waste (getting rid of, not making), smarter services (bye-bye AI) and community safety. I’ll deliver for West Tamar with savvy listening, teamwork & leadership.
West Tamar is ready for a fresh voice. Vote One David Duncan. At trivia nights I run, people tell me they want new councillors. Why me? I have always served people and communities. As a teacher at Riverside, Exeter, Beaconsfield and Port Dalrymple, and as a soccer coach, Scout leader and P&F Treasurer, I have contributed. Council needs councillors who understand governance. I have Executive experience with the Australian Education Union. Importantly people want councillors who listen. I will listen, speak up and work for our community. For a Council that works for us all, Vote One David Duncan
Nobody left behind. Council isn't about those around the table, it's about you. No one in the West Tamar should feel overlooked. Roads, rates and rubbish matter, but so does showing up and listening across our community. Young families, older residents, renters and our most vulnerable deserve to be heard. Small businesses deserve a Council that backs them. I'm a professional communicator who ran my own business for eight years and holds two trade qualifications. I understand paperwork and practicalities. I have the energy, experience and a long-term stake in getting it right. Put me to work.
Serving as your Councillor for 12 years has been a privilege. I've stood up for sensible decisions, low rates and council staying focused on essential services. With fewer Councillors and Mayor Holmdahl not recontesting, proven leadership matters more than ever. For 26 years I've served as a paramedic and Ambulance leader. Andrea and I proudly call Riverside home. I'll keep listening, reducing waste, spending wisely and working for better roads, footpaths and services that we all need. I support the early bird discounts for rates and pets. Thank you for your support, I won't let you down!
Michal Frydrych, a Legana resident, former Meander Valley Councillor and Chair of Rural Business Tasmania. With more than 25 years’ senior executive and Board experience, I bring practical leadership, sound judgement and a strong understanding of regional communities. West Tamar is growing quickly and we need to ensure infrastructure, services and housing keep pace while protecting what makes our area special. As Councillor and Deputy Mayor, I will listen, work constructively make responsible decisions and advocate strongly for our community.
Accountability, transparency, and responsibility. As a nurse of 10 years on the Children’s Ward at Launceston General Hospital, a partner to a fellow nurse, and a parent to three young children, I see and hear the daily struggles of Tasmanian families accessing healthcare and navigating cost-of-living pressures. I want to help build happy, healthy, and safe communities. I believe we must invest in local infrastructure, strengthen social connections, protect our natural environment, and truly listen to West Tamar residents. Please vote for me to advocate for and serve our incredible community.
I have lived, raised a family and set up small businesses in West Tamar for 30 years. I've seen what this community does well - the warmth, resilience, the pride people take in where they live. Too often, residents feel like decisions are made without them. Major investments projects are approved and the people most affected find out after the fact. I am standing for councillor and mayor because I believe every resident deserves a representative who listens first, acts with integrity, and never loses sight of the community's best interests - not just those who shout the loudest.
I have extensive experience in Government/Business Management seeking Deputy Mayor/Councillor, WTC 3 prior terms. Roles: Consumer Affairs, Supreme Court, Casino Inspector, Hospital Secretary Manager, Senior Private Secretary to Attorney-General, MHR 2010-13 – 13 Committees; Founded Parliament Friends of SLS. Extensive sport leadership NTFA, NTNA. Life Membership Surf Life Saving (Aust/Tas/Launceston) and North L’ton FC, 57 yrs SLS patrols & Coxswain Tamar Sea Rescue. Awards: OAM, National & Sports Medal. Helped form 3 SLS clubs. Vote 1 Councillor/Deputy Mayor
Local council decisions shape everyday life. As a Greens candidate for West Tamar Council, I will work for transparent, accountable and responsive government. I will support practical, evidence-based decisions that strengthen communities, assist residents and local businesses, and protect our environment. My community service and experience as a family lawyer have strengthened my judgement and understanding of housing, social support and cost-of-living pressures. I will listen respectfully and ensure residents’ voices are heard.
I’m 39, a husband and father of three, with another on the way. I’m seeking re-election to keep the West Tamar moving forward. I’m experienced in planning, risk and governance, including Council’s Audit Panel. I understand budgets, policies, processes & legislation. I back business and sensible growth. I’m focused on roads, footpaths, playgrounds and community spaces. I believe in family values, responsible spending and common-sense decisions. Let’s keep the West Tamar a place where families can put down roots, raise their children and build a future. More homes. More business. Real outcomes!
A 5th generation West Tamar local, Danny Penney brings more than 30 years of community volunteering experience. A self-employed business owner, husband, father and grandfather, Danny has served for over 21 years with the Tasmania Fire Service, including 18 years as Rowella Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief. He is also President of the Northern Motorcycle Riders Association of Tasmania and Treasurer of the Tasmanian Motorcycle Council. With a strong understanding of community needs, Danny is committed to listening, practical action, safer roads and being a strong local voice for West Tamar.
Rick is your current Deputy Mayor, serving his second term after more than a decade as a WT councillor. Born and raised in Exeter, Rick attended Exeter Primary, Riverside High and Lton College. He is a former Police Sgt and now Paramedic, bringing strong leadership, sound judgement and real-world experience. Rick holds a Degree and a Grad Cert in Management. Rick is committed to keeping West Tamar strong through teamwork, responsible decision-making and practical leadership. With deep local knowledge and a passion for our community, he is ready to keep working for you and West Tamar’s future.
I have called the West Tamar home for over 20 years, and it has been an honour and responsibility to represent our community as Councillor since 2022. With 25+ years as a doctor and over a decade as a business owner, I bring a practical, common-sense approach to both everyday and complex issues. I believe Council should be accessible to the community, listen, plan sensibly and spend wisely. By getting the basics right, we can make the West Tamar a place where people of all ages can thrive. I am approachable, take residents’ concerns seriously and work hard to find practical solutions.
Born in Tasmania moved to West Tamar in 1989. Worked in local govt admin role almost a decade. As a community member have attended majority of WTC meetings for almost a decade. Lobbied often WTC, state & federal govts re public safety issues. Also extensive admin experience in retail, transport building & private health. Volunteered on many committees & community groups. Current Rotary Club of West Tamar member. If elected I will listen & act to ensure WTC works for everyone in West Tamar with respect, care, open transparency & accountability. Positive Change. People. Place. Community
My background:Exeter Primary/Riverside High/Launceston College/UTas engineering degree(mostly electrical). $$$ Council has improved so much under General Manager Kristen Desmond. I‘d like to see Council’s AGM advertised in The Examiner online Public Notices and held on a weekday after 5PM. $$$ Could we tackle housing crisis by letting people live in insulated shipping containers? Council should relax rules for putting shipping containers in backyards. $$$ Update your iPhone/Android/Windows device software to browse candidates’ websites properly/securely.$$$ Contd at svenwiener.com
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.
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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.