Geraldton election nominations reveal who’s challenging Shane Van Styn for mayor, who’s nominating for council

Two-term incumbent Shane Van Styn will be challenged for mayor by his deputy Jerry Clune as well as his former fiancee and an anti-vaccine mandate campaigner. Nominations for the City of Greater Geraldton closed at 4pm on Thursday, with four bids received for mayor and 16 for councillors. Under State Government reforms, the council will shrink in size and only has four spots on council up for grabs, as well as the mayoral position, at the October 21 election. Mr Van Styn, on council for almost 12 years, is vying for his third term as mayor, but deputy mayor Cr Clune has decided to challenge him. The other candidates for mayor are anti-vaccine mandate campaigner Aaron Horsman and Tammy Croasdale, who was once engaged to Mr Van Styn. Cr Clune, who has been on council for 10 years, said: “I’ve been thinking about it for a few months. I’ve been getting the job done, and I’m excited to keep doing so — putting my head down and doing my civic duty. “’I’m excited for the challenge, I’m ready for it. I’m giving people an alternative and an option”. Mr Van Styn seems confident in the stability of his position and is overseas as the six-week campaign officially starts. He is in the middle of an 11-day trip to China with his fiancee Jazzlyn Leonard for a holiday and a speaking engagement at a carbon development forum. His trip is not funded by council. “Through strong financial management, the council I led came out of COVID stronger. This is a time for strength and stability and I am standing on my record to deliver just that,” he said. Cape Burney resident Ms Croasdale has decided to run against her former fiance, and is born and raised in Geraldton with a background in children’s services, horticulture, fishing, pearling and security. Ms Croasdale vows to advocate and represent the city “in pure form”, keeping the community informed and representing them fairly. “I measure a community on how the young, elderly and impaired are treated and propose to start a mayor youth program targeting antisocial behaviours,” she said. Of the 16 nominations received for a council spot, 15 were from men and one from a woman — Jenna Denton. Ms Denton has a background in politics in her current role as research officer for the State Government. “As a City of Greater Geraldton councillor I will listen and advocate for the needs of our communities and influence ethical and transparent decision-making that will shape the future direction of our region,” the working mother said. Mr Horsman has nominated for both mayoral and councillor positions, saying his focus is on transparency and accountability, as well as reducing the expenditure of capital works projects. He wants to reduce the mayoral salary from $98,000 to $40,000, freeze rates for 2024-25 and strongly opposes mandatory vaccinations for council staff and contractors. Four existing councillors — Simon Keemink, Butch Parker, Bob Hall and Mike Reymond — whose terms expire in 2023 have renominated. The only one who has not is former deputy mayor Tarleah Thomas. Cr Keemink described council as the collective voice for the community. “It is important to vote in the right person, and I think I am the right person,” he said. Cr Hall, a member of local government for 22 years and retired police officer, said he felt privileged to be able to listen and respond to the concerns of the community. Cr Parker has renominated after serving the city for the past four years, saying he has always been one to listen to problems big or small. Cr Reymond, a councillor of six years, said his knowledge would ensure he could efficiently navigate the complex issues and processes of council to represent residents Previous councillor Peter Fiorenza, who resigned from council last year, is having another crack, saying he considered Geraldton to be an extension of himself. Chris Gabelish, former councillor and current Regional Alliance West staff member, is running for council again, and is a notable advocate for homelessness within the Mid West community. He said he had the experience to help “forward plan so locals are not left behind and there is a clear future for our children and grandchildren”. Potential newcomers Ian Dempsey, Ron Bertelsen, Mal Kelly, Benjamin Horn, Jim Cregan, Darryl Ingvarson, Michael Barker and Dempsey Morgan have also put their hands up, nominating themselves for councillor roles. Third-time candidate Mr Bertelsen is eager to contribute to the city’s growth and prosperity, preserving it as a place for residents to thrive. A community services worker, Mr Bertelsen said he wanted to foster collaborative decision-making in council. Mr Dempsey works as a school bus driver, the resident Santa Claus at Northgate Shopping Centre as well as a member of Marine Rescue Geraldton. He also spearheaded the recent petition for a rescue helicopter to be based in the Mid West. Mr Dempsey’s leadership will focus on improving access and inclusion for all abilities, improving road safety around schools, maintaining healthy beaches, waterways and parks should he be elected. Serving 10 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, Mr Kelly is hoping to increase bidirectional communication between the City and residents, and support positive youth and environment initiatives. Mr Horn has an appreciation for the city and laidback lifestyle that comes with it, and wants to be a voice for residents in council, focusing on developing more cycling and walking paths. “I would like to see the council focus on developing Geraldton for the benefit of all residents. Nobody should have to push a pram on the side of the highway to get to the shops,” he said. Mr Cregan is a Beachlands resident with a background in education administration, horticulture and landscape design, with his priorities lying in financial accountability, disability and accessibility advocacy and preserving natural environments. He said “rises in rates, fees and other charges, must be in line with inflation, and absolutely necessary. A financially stressed community is an unhappy community”. Local businessman Mr Ingvarson is bringing experience as the former president of the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and involvement with the Mid West Development Commission. His priorities are community representation to council with transparency and integrity, and wants to continue advocating for local Indigenous groups. With more than 35 years experience in construction, manufacturing and recycling, Mr Barker said: “I believe I have the common man’s perspective of what we require for our future needs to grow as a community. While focusing on services that benefit the entire community. It’s time for new eyes and new ideas to move our community forward.” Community lawyer Mr Morgan wants to use his advocacy skills to represent the community’s interests. “As a councillor I will work to minimise rate increases and deliver value for money to ratepayers. I will support affordable initiatives that help to support local business, encourage renewables, reduce youth antisocial behaviour, reduce homelessness and encourage development, tourism and investment,” he said.