Ballina Shire meet your candidates

By Tim Howard

The Northern Rivers Times has asked all of the candidates for the September 14 local government elections to introduce themselves to voters identify the issues they want to address and policies they would pursue if elected.

A Ward

Kay Oxley

Kay Oxley (A Ward)

Mark Paterson

Mark Paterson, known as “The Computer Guru” in the Northern Rivers, is an independent candidate for Ward A. With a successful background in software and services, his campaign focuses on addressing housing shortages, reducing youth crime, and improving the processing of development applications. He advocates for local issues over party politics.

To Read about Mark Paterson, Visit here.

Mark Paterson, aka The Computer Guru is standing for election as an A Ward councillor on September 14.

Erin Karsten

Erin Karsten, a Ward A resident, is running for council with The Greens to address flooding and environmental issues. With a 25-year career in sustainable building, she aims to help Ballina plan for affordable housing and infrastructure. She is committed to making Ballina a safe, connected, and vibrant community.

To Read about Erin Karsten, Visit here.

Erin Karsten is standing in A Ward for the Greens.

Phil Meehan

Phil Meehan, an Independent councillor on Ballina Shire Council for eight years, prioritizes putting people first. He led the successful privatisation of waste collection, saving over $1 million, and rezoning land for conservation to protect wetlands. Meehan advocates for affordable rates, local business support, and flexible, community-focused decision-making.

To Read about Phil Meehan, Visit here.

Phil Meehan.

Damian Loone

Damian Loone, a retired senior police detective with 35 years of service, is running for Ballina Shire A Ward. He priorities community safety, advocating for CCTV installations to deter crime. He supports the Dunoon Dam project for long-term water security and emphasises good governance, listening to concerns, and effective decision-making.

To Read about Damian Loone, Visit here.

Damian Loone is a candidate in A Ward.

Stephen McCarthy

Stephen McCarthy, a council member seeking re-election, values lifelong learning and public input. He aims to achieve a cleaner river, fair rates, and water security, while addressing housing and environmental balance. McCarthy has served two terms, focusing on infrastructure challenges, including sports facilities, and is committed to making informed, community-driven decisions.

To Read about Stephen McCarthy, Visit here.

Stephen McCarthy

Marie Marshall

Marie Marshall, an ALP candidate for A Ward, has lived in Ballina for over 20 years, working in aged care and at the local hospital. As the HSU sub-branch president at Ballina Hospital, she is passionate about health, housing, and flood mitigation, aiming to improve the well-being of the community.

To Read about Marie Marshall, Visit here.

Maria Marshall.

Kevin Loughrey

Not submitted.

B Ward

Sharon Cadwallader

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has served Ballina Shire for over 20 years, leading the rebuild after floods with a $78 million infrastructure program. A company director and Justice of the Peace, she advocates for affordable housing, environmental protection, and reducing red tape. Sharon is an independent, endorsing candidates who prioritise local needs and safety.

To Read about Sharon Cadwallader, Visit here.

Sharon Cadwallader

Andrew Broadley

Andrew Broadley, a teacher in the Northern Rivers, is Labor’s candidate for Mayor and B Ward council. He prioritieses transparency, integrity, and community empowerment. Broadley aims to improve Richmond River’s health, championing regular water quality testing and stakeholder coordination. With decades of advocacy experience, he seeks to give back to the Ballina community by fostering unity and opportunity.

To Read about Andrew Broadley, Visit here.

Andrew Broadley

Kiri Dicker

Kiri Dicker, a Lennox Head community development professional and current Ballina councillor, is running for mayor. She advocates for prioritising communities and the environment over profits, addressing the housing crisis, and promoting renewable energy. Kiri’s plan includes using council land for affordable housing and ensuring the council meets its Net Zero target.

To Read about Kiri Dicker, Visit here.

Kiri Dicker

Tom Berry

Tom Berry, a Skennars Head resident for 29 years, opposes major political party influence in local government. He believes council should focus on financially viable projects for ratepayers. With 35 years in business and involvement in local organizations, Berry is committed to continuing positive progress and remaining approachable to the community.

To Read about Tom Berry, Visit here.

Tom Berry.

Michelle Bailey

Michelle Bailey, a lifelong Ballina Shire resident, is dedicated to community service with leadership roles in local initiatives like the Westpac Helicopter Support Group and North Coast Show and Shine. She aims to drive business growth, enhance safety with CBD cameras, and revive community events, bringing valuable experience to her council candidacy.

To Read about Michelle Bailey, Visit here.

MIchelle Bailey is candidate for Ward B in the Ballina Shire Council election. She has a vision for boosting business and economic development.

Eva Ramsey

Eva Ramsey, a Ballina Shire councillor for 27 years, focuses on community commitment, not politics. With a background in public services and community health, she advocates for transparent governance, listening, and collaborative problem-solving. Eva’s priorities include policing, jobs, housing, and sustainable development, aiming to foster a thriving, inclusive, and vibrant community.

To Read about Eva Ramsey, Visit here.

Eva Ramsay.

Alexander Sharkey

Alexander Sharkey is running for council out of deep care for the future of Ballina Shire. As a small business owner and first-time homebuyer, he understands the struggles of the rental market and local businesses. He prioritises protecting the environment, promoting housing, and fostering constructive community dialogue for a sustainable future.

To Read about Alexander Sharkey, Visit here.

Greens candidate in B Ward, Alexander Sharkey.

C Ward

Therese Crollick

Therese Crollick, a retired medical scientist and long-time Northern Rivers resident, is dedicated to improving C Ward of Ballina Council. She advocates for better funding for essential infrastructure like footpaths, street lighting, and improved parking at sports fields. Crollick emphasises the need for timely support and a stronger police presence on the Plateau.

To Read about Therese Crollick, Visit here.

C Ward candidate Therese Crollick.

Simon Kinny

To Read about Simon Kinny, Visit here.

Retirement has given Lenniox Head’s Simon Kinny the opportunity to stand for council.

Simon Chate

To Read about Simon Chate, Visit here.

Simon Chate

Lois Cook

Not submitted.

Shona Barrett

Not submitted.

For more 2024 Local Elections News and to find out about Ballina Shire Candidates, click here.