Busselton council candidates put their case for election support this October

Local government elections are fast approaching and the race is on as community representatives ramp up the campaigning to land themselves a seat as an elected member.

With four positions up for grabs and outgoing councillor Lyndon Miles and deputy mayor Kelly Hick not contesting their positions, there’s plenty of opportunity for fresh faces to join the City of Busselton leadership team.

Meet the cast of passionate locals vying for your vote this October, and tune in each week for their take on hot topics in the Capes.

Dominique Monteleone

As a newcomer to Dunsborough, it’s important to me to be part of the local community, and as a small business owner it’s a necessity. This led to me joining the Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce and I’m now honoured to be the newly appointed president. I’m a change maker, a go-getter and I believe the greatest assets are in our community, so I want every business across Busselton to have opportunities to develop and grow. I’m dedicated to the facts and working together with honest and open discussion.

I am also certified in community engagement so I’m passionate about community opinions and ensuring everyone can provide feedback. I love living and working here. It’s the best decision I made, so I hope you can trust me to represent the community and create even more vibrancy.

Julia Avery

You may know me as Midge Avery, although it says Julia Avery on the ballot paper. I have lived in the Busselton Dunsborough area for 45 years. I stand for community and people.

Health and confidence in local decision-making for you, your family and friends are priorities. Practical and sensible spending in our City provides security for all of us, especially assistance with health and emergency, youth and seniors’ services. Ratepayers expect the maintenance of our community’s open spaces and facilities, which contributes to our wellbeing.

After living, studying, working as a photojournalist, being a parent and belonging to several local organisations in Dunsborough and Busselton, I have seen many changes in our region and am determined to make positive and workable decisions for our future.

Mikayla Love

I have lived in Busselton for 18 years, and have attended all my schooling locally. What I lack in political experience, I make up for in motivation, ambition and determination. I will bring a fresh perspective to the council and be a voice for the younger demographic of the Busselton and Dunsborough community.

I would like to see Busselton establish a mentoring program to help build and enhance Busselton and Dunsborough’s youth’s sense of motivation and self belief, with a real focus on the at-risk youth.

Recently our community has built momentum in the provision of mental health support and prevention tools, however I feel we could continue to expand in this direction as this is an issue that everyone is affected by. We should also implement a more inclusive waste collection service.

Anne Ryan

I am a longstanding resident, a Rotarian, have a diploma in aviation, am a former business owner, currently working part time and have the time, passion and drive to represent you. The importance of working hard to deliver community projects that are financially sound and keep the City in a strong financial position cannot be underestimated.

Elected members listening to the ratepayers and residents is, I believe, vital for our vibrant regional city. There are many worthy projects desperately in need of council’s focus, deserving of funding and consideration.

We need consistent good decisions that ratepayers can embrace.

I ask for your vote to restore good financial management and governance in representing the electors, ratepayers and residents of the district. Make the change.

Erl Happ

I am descended from Charly Happ that signed the Eureka petition in 1853, councillor at 24, always an entrepreneur, rags-to-riches employer, working aged 79, not for money, but fun. Too few have too much, investing unwisely. Innovation and larrikinism are in decline.

Regulation proliferates. A mortgage for life destroys families.

A house that is transportable and self-servicing should not require a permit. Grandfathers have building skills. Start with a two-by-one. Living in nature is better for children. Average in UK is 56sqm. Rural landowners should be incentivised to rent land for houses in low-density bush.

We should enjoy nature, rake in hand, managing the risk of fire.

For ease of access, we need highways free of bottlenecks. We must think long-term inclusively.

Herman Dykstra

My wife and I have been living in Busselton since 1999. We have been in small business ever since.

We are raising our family in Busselton and loving it. I believe in a well-researched and balanced approach when dealing with difficult issues. Consultation and listening to the community are important to reach the right decisions.

Sustainable and responsible use of our resources for the advancement of the greater community is my passion. If you entrust me with your vote, I promise to be open to community ideas and responsive to your needs.

Peter Johnson

The overspending? The rate rises?

The state of the Vasse River?

I believe City employees should treat you like their employer and not a problem they wish would go away. I am a born-and-bred Busselton resident for 60 years.

If you want someone in your corner standing up for you, vote for me.

Valerie Kaigg

I have been a Busselton resident for more than 30 years. I have been unsuccessful in my previous nominations. I am not a quitter, thus my reason for renominating this election. If elected, I will represent you, my community, with the energy, passion, dedication and commitment needed to help make the informed decisions, being guided from listening to the things that matter to you most. I will fight to represent your voice at council meetings. I would very much appreciate your tick of support.

Brad Flintoff

As a local parent and business operator I intend to use my opportunity on council to focus on the future growth of industry and employment in the region. I will focus on fiscal sustainability and transparency to keep rate increases in line with inflation. I will ensure the city’s amenability and environment are considered in all policy decisions, and in particular with the current bushfire notice review.

I have lived in Busselton for the past five years with my young family. I am an IT professional with a Bachelor of Science from Curtin University and have many years experience in executive leadership roles. While living in Busselton I have started and operated two small businesses. I believe this experience provides me with the skills necessary to be a productive member of the council.

Michelle Shackleton

In 1997 my family eagerly left Perth to spend the rest of our lives in Abbey. With a keen interest in council, I am well-versed on most issues and enthusiastic to learn more. I have the ability to bring a fresh approach to council through my extensive experience as a public relations and marketing professional for community-based organisations. Greater diversity in council is needed to work through these difficult times and I can offer my services on a full-time basis to bring greater focus on financial management, transparency and communication to increase community cohesion.

Please vote for me to protect our natural resources and lifestyle, working for changes to benefit everyone who chooses to live within this wonderful region.

Grant Henley

I have lived in Busselton since 2001 after serving in the navy for 20 years. I have raised my family here and have connections to many clubs and organisations. I have had the honour of serving on the council for 12 years and I’m proud to have been mayor for the last six years. It has been rewarding to see Busselton grow into one of the best places to live, work and play in Australia. This does not come without challenges but I have always endeavoured to make informed decisions through research, consulting community and expert advices.

If re-elected, I will continue to strive for growth that balances the needs of our community and the environment we all love. I pride myself on my integrity, honesty and approachability. I am passionate about this community and hope you trust me with your vote.

Jo Barrett-Lennard

Having been elected in 2019 to the City of Busselton council, I would like to say thank you for your support during the last two years.

I believe in honesty, transparency and integrity, and will continue to bring these values to every element of my councillor role.

Through my experience within local community groups, rural roots and a legal background, I have an understanding of the various needs of our local area and will continue to advocate for your needs and represent the interests of our community. I stand for solid leadership, open and honest communication, and am committed to continuing to “ask the hard questions”.

With a strong sense of community and local leadership that I bring to the role, I thank you for your vote and the opportunity to continue to represent our community.

Amber Janowicz

I came to Busselton over a decade ago to raise my children in a community-centred environment. I am a fierce advocate for supportive, informed and healthy communities. Working in Busselton Hospice and regional mental health has given me a deep understanding of the importance of a strong community to support our most vulnerable members. I was a business owner for 13 years before returning to study, completing my Bachelor of Arts in Writing and Literature at ECU Bunbury in 2020.

As such, I have extensive business experience along with strong written and verbal communication skills and pride myself on being able to use a blend of common sense and research in decision making. Acting with honesty and integrity in all things, I would welcome the opportunity to represent our community on the council.

Jodie Richards

Having lived in the SW intermittently since 1987 and permanently from 2007 when I was transferred to Busselton as a paramedic, I have been a passionate advocate for small business and sustainable economic and social development.

I left the ambulance service after 14 years to start a business in the Vasse Business Park.

In 2012 I joined the board of the Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and accepted the role of chief executive in 2017.

I bring a commitment to honesty, integrity and transparency which I have demonstrated in my previous roles and will strive to ensure values of this community are heard and decisions made accordingly. I have two teenage children, am currently on the board of South West Counselling Inc, and operate two businesses — Global Industry Solutions and Get Pickled and Get Shucked.