Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:32 pm GMT
A week of intense campaigning for the Shoalhaven City Council mayoral candidates culminated on Saturday, September 14, when voters made their voices heard in local elections. With ballots cast and the campaign trail behind them, candidates expressed their uncertainty about the results but remained optimistic about their engagement with the community.
Candidates Reflect on Campaign Efforts
Jemma Tribe, running as an independent candidate, began her election day at 5 a.m. in Sanctuary Point, determined to maximize her outreach. Tribe shared, “I wanted to finish strong and give it everything we had.” Despite her efforts, she acknowledged the unpredictability of the results, stating, “I couldn’t read how things are going but plenty of people have said they’re looking for a fresh face with experience.” Reflecting on her campaign, she expressed pride in how her team navigated challenges and maintained a positive approach.
Kaye Gartner, representing the Greens, also started her day early, arriving at the Vincentia polling booth by 5:30 a.m. She noted, “I think it will be very close tonight.” Gartner emphasized the importance of the campaign’s positivity, highlighting that many constituents engaged with candidates to express their values. She planned to unwind with colleagues over pizza and a glass of red wine while awaiting the election outcome.
Patricia White, of Shoalhaven Independents Group (SIG), similarly rose early, arriving at the Ulladulla Civic Centre by 3:30 a.m. Her experience echoed that of her counterparts, stating, “It’s been very busy and lots of people were voting which I think is excellent.” White looked forward to celebrating her team’s efforts with volunteers later that evening at the Sanctuary Point St Georges Basin Country Club.
Voter Engagement and Concerns
As electoral participation unfolded, candidates noted common themes regarding voter concerns. Tribe highlighted that her message of a fresh, independent voice resonated with many, drawing attention to the community’s desire for experienced leadership. Gartner found voters were increasingly vocal about the cost of living, along with other local issues such as road maintenance. White remarked on the confusion surrounding council-related matters versus those at the federal or state levels, indicating a pressing need for clarity on numerous issues affecting residents, including rates, potholes, and waste management.
- Cost of living concerns
- State of local roads
- Council rates and taxation
- Pothole repair initiatives
- Tree removal regulations
- Waste management solutions
Future Outlook for Shoalhaven’s Leadership
The Shoalhaven City Council elections featured an all-female slate of mayoral candidates, reflecting a commitment to increasing female representation in local governance. As they concluded their campaigns, each candidate demonstrated a focus on constructive dialogue with constituents. Manifesting a spirit of collaboration, Tribe, Gartner, and White embraced the democratic process, acknowledging a collective responsibility to address pressing community issues.
Voters were encouraged to participate in the electoral process, with polls remaining open until 6 p.m. on September 14. Initiatives and forums leading up to the election provided platforms for candidates to outline their visions, further engaging the public’s interest. Throughout the campaign, candidates were heard discussing diverse topics related to daily life in Shoalhaven, fostering a connection to the electorate.
The anticipation surrounding the election results reflects the broader engagement with local governance. As votes were cast and tallied, the outcomes would not only determine the next mayor but would also signal the community’s priorities moving forward.
Community Response and Anticipation
With the official counting of votes pending, the mood was a mixture of hope and uncertainty among the candidates. Each candidate took the time to connect with voters, emphasizing the importance of understanding local issues and potential solutions. The commitment to actively listen to constituents’ needs stands as a testament to the democratic process at work.
As the sun set on election day in Shoalhaven, the candidates shifted gears from campaigning to celebrating the collaborative efforts of their teams and supporters. While waiting for final tallies, they were reminded of the significance of their roles in championing community concerns, regardless of electoral outcomes.
As the election results were about to come in, candidates, volunteers, and everyone in the community got ready for what would happen next in Shoalhaven. They showed their strong dedication to working together for our local area and making progress for everyone.
