Six in the race for seats on the Lake Grace council in a rebuild after schock exits

The Shire of Lake Grace will hold an extraordinary postal election to fill the positions of two councillors after the shock exit of the chief executive, president and another councillor earlier this year. The vote will be held on Friday, September 11 and six residents from across the Shire have put their hand up to fill the positions. The terms of the new councillors would expire in October 2021. The nominations include former CBH chairman Wally Newman, who resigned from the CBH board in April after he was overlooked for the chairman’s position in the wake of a bitter board election campaign. Last month, it was revealed Mr Newman was suing Pingelly farmer and former CBH board colleague John Hassell for defamation. Mr Newman said he decided to run for council because he thought more experience was needed. “The term is only short term, and they lack experience on the council so I have offered to go in there and offer them a hand,” he said. “The council has gone through a pretty tough period and they are rebuilding the workforce, they have a new chief executive and finance officer and I am impressed with both of them. “No matter what organisation it is, if you lose a lot of its history and experience, it needs people with experience to help rebuild it. “I won’t make any commitments either way but I am not planning on staying there forever because there are other things that I want to get done.” Wally Newman Our family have been farming at Newdegate since 1922. With a lifelong dedication to working with the community, 25 years as councillor on the Lake Grace Shire, 20 years on CBH, six years as chairman and with extensive experience in commercial business practices, I offer a proven record of sound business acumen, trust and stability to provide the timely leadership and vision required to fairly achieve the expectations of our communities. I am fully aware that my commitment to the council is demanding and time-consuming. My intention is to meet these challenges with dedication, as the Shire continues to position itself for an exciting sustainable future for all. Sashi Balekudru My family and I have lived in Lake Grace for the last five years, having spent time in other country towns before. Being a community pharmacist and zonal chair for Lions, the “community” is ingrained in me. I bring out-of-the-box thinking to make the decision-making process a more cohesive one. I believe in team spirit, would like the chance to represent the council and be a strong and effective councillor. Vote for me: active, approachable, accountable and accessible. Shane Carruthers Born in Lake Grace, a descendant from a pioneering family, I attended Lake Grace District High School before joining the Royal Australia Navy at the age of 15. Since returning to Lake Grace in 1984, I have become an active community member and was last year awarded life membership of the Lake Grace Pingrup Football Club. I will continue to push for accountability, transparency and improved efficiency. I’m not afraid to ask the hard questions on local issues and am committed to listening and representing everyone in the Shire. We need a strong united council that will represent all communities and make decisions in the interest of the whole Shire, and remove the “them versus us” mentality. Stephen Hunt I am a small business owner in the Shire of Lake Grace. I am married to Helen and have a son, Adam. I have been a councillor in the past and believe I have a lot more to offer our region. I am passionate about good governance and accountability within the Shire. I have always made myself available to serve on any committee or group as required and believe I served well. I believe it is important to have an even spread of councillors from small business, general public and the farming sector. This gives council a range of options when decisions need to be made. I would appreciate your votes on the elections. It is very important you exercise your right to vote. A vote for me is a vote for our future. Benjamin Hyde I reside in the Varley District. I am 46 years old and have lived in the Varley area all my life. I farm with my wife, my brother and his family. I have three children who are all in Perth at boarding school and completing an apprenticeship. I am an honest person and join the Shire with no agenda. I will be there to represent my town and surrounding districts’ needs, concerns and issues. I am heavily involved in the Progress Association and am currently president. I am also involved in the Holt Rock Tennis Club based in Varley. I am approachable to most people and look forward to representing my community and surrounding districts in their best interests. Greyham (Rusty) Lee I am standing for our Shire elections to offer the solid leadership and experience I have gained from being involved in local government in the past. I was elected in Lake Grace in 1997-2000 and re-elected in Ravensthorpe in 2001, where I served as chairman until retiring in 2008. This being when BHP’s Ravensthorpe Nickel was established, giving me a very solid grounding in local government procedure and law and how to get the best for our communities — to serve all members of the community without favour wherever they live. I will represent all our communities, listen to their concerns and if I do not know the answers, get the information, and to reinstate specified area rating.