SATURDAY March 16th is local government election day on the Fraser Coast.
For some people, it is the culmination of a deep dive into the backgrounds and benefits of every candidate.
For others, it is nothing more than an unwelcome intrusion into Saturday morning sport or a chance to think up an inventive reason why they sought it necessary to pre-poll.
Tongue in cheek aside, local government has the greatest impact on our day-to-day lives, but sadly it largely attracts mediocre interest.
Here are my predictions on what I think is going to happen, division by division, across the scope of our newspaper distribution footprint only. My thoughts neither reflect an endorsement or my own voting propensities.
Mayor
George Seymour may parade around like a Brolga in his downtime, but he is extremely politically savvy. He wins by a long way.
Division 5
Michelle Govers was given the nod by current Cr Jade Wellings as her successor. Jade is a smart cookie. Michelle wins.
Division 6
The Melbourne Cup field of the election with some interesting personalities. Council will need will have enough newbies. Robert Garland can win this.
Division 7
I think Jan Hegge will hang on after being elected by her peers after Cr Everard hung up his boots. Currently doing the job will be enough for her to get home.
Division 8
Denis Chapman should be walking around in a pair of jockey silks the same colour as Winx. Unbeatable.
Division 9
Council desperately needs some diversity that reflects the broader community. Sara Faraj is an ambitious young woman and will make a good councillor with the benefit of time and wisdom. She wins this.
Division 10
It’s very hard to beat a sitting councillor, but Rolf Light will return to local government here at the expense of Zane O’Keefe. Rolf has done the hard yards for months. Too strong.
It takes an enormous amount of time and effort to run an election campaign and an unwavering future vision to make a difference in our community.
I genuinely wish everyone well who is contesting this election. Hats off to everyone who has shown the courage to prosecute a case for themselves.
Let’s see how I go with my predications ….
