Patricia Gill, Denmark Bulletin

Psychologist Jackie Ormsby has been elected unopposed for the Kent/Nornalup Ward while eight candidates will vie for five vacant seats on the Denmark Shire Council.

Five people have nominated for three vacant seats in the Scotsdale/Shadforth Ward including deputy shire president Mark Allen and sitting councillor, Jan Lewis.

Businessman Nathan Devenport, WA College of Agriculture Denmark residential manager Kelli Gillies – a former deputy shire president – and wildlife conservation organisation director Clare Campbell have also nominated.

In Town Ward environmental and community worker Donna Carman has nominated along with businessman Dale Smith and environmental and community worker Donald Clarke.

They will face off to win two vacant seats.

A former ministerial policy adviser, Ms Ormsby was surprised to be elected unopposed in the Kent/Nornalup Ward.

She has always been a keen community supporter in Perth and she looked forward to her role on the Denmark council.

Cr Allen said he had nominated after careful consideration on how the Shire was moving ahead to a sustainable and confident entity.

“The council has effectively worked towards a well-organised and strategically planned future,” he said.

He looked forward to welcoming several new councillors.

“I believe it is my responsibility to be here to help continue the great work already achieved,” Cr Allen said.

Cr Jan Lewis said she was proud of the delivery of the Shire’s recently adopted Sustainability Strategy.

If re-elected she would continue to bring energy, passion and experience to the role as the council worked towards better solutions for waste and initiatives to reduce emissions.

She would work to ensure the Local Planning Strategy supported affordable and diverse housing solutions and that the condition of the road network improved.

Nathan Devenport has been a business owner in Denmark for the past 12 years and is the founder of the Denmark Mountain Bike Club.

With a love of the outdoors, Mr Devenport has become passionate about a sustainable future for Denmark.

He said nominating for the council was a way of contributing to the community, as a representative for families, young and old, business and the environment.

Clare Campbell feels a sense of responsibility to protect Denmark’s environment and, as an environmental advocate, aims to address global issues at the local level.

She supports diverse education, the development of the arts, creative support for mental health, and careful management of low-impact tourism that benefits the community.

Ms Campbell said she would bring integrity and common sense to her role as councillor to support inclusive and progressive decision making.

Former deputy shire president Kelli Gillies opposes the ‘lack of transparency’ behind the council’s decision to increase rates and for the rate hike on the tourism and commercial rural sector.

This occurred without an adequate Tourism Strategy or visitor-servicing model.

Ms Gillies said understanding the financial challenges of families and local businesses was crucial during uncertain times.

In the Town Ward, nominee and former owner of the Floating Forest, Dale Smith, is passionate about Denmark and is committed to staying in the town with his family.

With no previous local government experience he believes that this may be positive in bringing a fresh perspective to the table.

Mr Smith would work with the community and the Shire to help build a sustainable Denmark.

Donna Carman is passionate about the environment and works for the bushland through the Denmark Environment Centre and the Weed Action Group.

She has been a writer in residence, and has worked in hospitality, project management, not for profit governance and community education.

Ms Carman would explore solutions to some of the challenges facing the community such as sustainable tourism development.

Donald Clarke moved to Denmark 13 years ago with his family like his great-grandparents did in 1895.

He has volunteered with local schools, the Magpies Football Club, SES, Community Windfarm Fund, Chamber of Commerce, Environment Centre, and Denmark Arts.

He was instrumental in the Deco-village and says the Denmark Shire Council has a culture of collaboration, transparency and sustainability.

Mr Clarke believes he can make a valuable contribution to a council that spends wisely and reflects community values and aspirations.

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 16 September 2021.