Meet your Lismore candidates

By Samantha Elley

The Northern Rivers Times has asked all of the candidates for the Lismore electorate 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.

Group A Lismore Candidates

L-R Top row: Andrew Bing, Andrew Gordon, Chris King, Electra Jensen, Gianpiero Battista
L-R Bottom row: Jeri Hall, Mitchell Dowse, Nadia Pidcock, Richelle Weekes, Steve Krieg, Tara Coles

Steve Krieg
Steve Krieg, raised in Regional Australia, spent much of his childhood on dairy farms and later pursued a degree in education. After teaching in Casino for ten years, he and his wife Jules left their profession to open businesses in Lismore, including Ristretto and Just Drive Driver Education. Loyal to his community, Steve is determined to make a positive change in Lismore, recognising it as a great regional city deserving of more.
To learn more about Steve Kreig, click here.

Jeri Hall
Jeri Hall, part of the Krieg ticket since 2021, played a critical role during the 2022 Lismore floods, providing bus services and on-the-ground support. As Deputy Mayor, she built strong relationships with NSW leaders and has been pivotal in improving school transportation and post-flood amenities for Lismore’s youth. Jeri is deeply involved in the community and advocates fiercely for Lismore’s recovery and youth.
To learn more about Jeri Hall, click here.

Andrew Gordon
Andrew Gordon, a Lismore real estate agent, advocates for job creation, a vibrant business community, water security, flood mitigation, and housing. With strong conservative values and deep local knowledge from his family’s 96-year-old business, he aims to strengthen traditional values and local economies. He emphasises financial responsibility to ensure essential services reach those in need.
To learn more about Andrew Gordon, click here.

Electra Jensen
Electra Jensen has extensive management experience in national and international businesses. She worked in Corporate Regulation for the Federal Government, holds a Masters in Risk Management, and has over 10 years of experience in Risk, Insurance, and Health and Safety. Electra also has a background in Security, Terrorism, and Business Continuity, and she manages a small property in farming and forestry. She is active in community organizations like the Lismore Rowing Club and enjoys exploring the natural world.
To learn more about Electra Jensen, click here.

Andrew Bing
Andrew Bing, former Dealer Principal of Trevan Ford in Lismore and Ballina, led the business from 2005 until selling it in 2019. He and his wife Robyne employed up to 65 staff and sponsored various local sports clubs. Andrew also served on the board of the Northern Rivers Community Gateway.
To learn more about Andrew Bing, click here.

Gianpiero Battista
Gianpiero Battista, originally from Milano, Italy, moved to Lismore in 1994, where he ran successful hospitality venues with his wife. He served as a Lismore City Councillor for three terms, saved the Goonellabah Library, and increased local business support. He also served as a firefighter and is the current president of the LisAmore Festival.
To learn more about Gianpiero Battista, click here.

Nardia Pidcock
Nardia Pidcock, a lifelong Lismore local, has deep community ties through her family’s farming history and over 20 years in the motor trade. Married to Mark in 2007, she has been actively involved in community groups, including the Tregeagle playgroup, and is committed to supporting Lismore’s business community.
To learn more about Nardia Pidcock, click here.

Chris King
Chris King, a proud Widjabul-Wiabal man of the Bundjalung Nation, grew up in Lismore and is deeply involved in the community. He has a strong background in rugby, coaching, and youth work at Lismore PCYC. Chris is committed to supporting Indigenous connections and advocating for change in how important cultural dates are celebrated.
To learn more about Chris King, click here.

Tara Coles
Tara Coles, a 2017 Richmond River High graduate, has worked in various professional roles, including four years in politics. She now focuses on her family business, Mortgage Choice Lismore. A qualified loan writer, Tara is active in the community, serving on the Lismore Show board and playing for the Goonellabah Soccer Club. She is passionate about advocating for young people and enhancing Lismore’s opportunities.
To learn more about Tara Coles, click here.

Mitchell Dowse
Mitchell Dowse, born in Lismore, NSW, is an apprentice builder and a dedicated family man. He is committed to quality craftsmanship and also owns a small 4×4 business. In his free time, Mitchell enjoys exploring the countryside and immersing himself in nature with his wife, Nikki, and son, Oakley.
To learn more about Mitchell Dowse, click here.

Richelle Weekes
Richelle Weekes, a lifelong Lismore local, is making her first foray into public life. After 11 years in dental nursing, she studied nursing and now serves as Acting Nurse Unit Manager at Lismore Base Hospital. Passionate about education and community sports, Richelle joined Steve’s team, inspired by his vision for Lismore’s future.
To learn more about Richelle Weekes, click here.

Group B Lismore Candidates

Harper Dalton-Earls – Not pictured: Jasmine Knight-Smith, Kevin Bell, Joy Knight-Smith, Lewis Taylor, Glenys Ritchie, William Harrison.

Harper Dalton-Earls
Harper Dalton-Earls, a lifelong Lismore resident and flood survivor, is committed to ensuring Lismore’s recovery from flooding with urgency and long-term solutions. Harper advocates for stronger flood mitigation, infrastructure improvements, and transparency in Council decisions, especially regarding waste management. Dedicated to Lismore’s future, Harper aims to help the community thrive and prosper.
To learn more about Harper Dalton-Earls, click here.

Jasmine Knight-Smith
Jasmine Knight-Smith is committed to improving decision-making and planning for Lismore City and its villages, focusing on housing, environment, business, community spaces, and tourism. She aims to reduce partisan conflict and prioritise the community’s best interests. Jasmine lives in Booerie Creek, holds a Bachelor of Laws, works in administration, and is a member of the Australian Labor Party (NSW).
To learn more about Jasmine Knight-Smith, click here.

Kevin Bell
I believe our Labor candidates will well represent the diversity of our city, villages and farming community. Lives at Repentance Creek, retired and holds a BSc, Dip Ed, M Ed.

Joy Knight-Smith
Lives at Booerie Creek, is a member of the Australian Labor Party and has a double degree in Law/Arts working in Administration.

Lewis Taylor
Lewis Taylor, a Girards Hill resident, is driven by a strong belief in community improvement, inspired by the 2022 Lismore Floods. He has a history of civic engagement, including political volunteering and research in international relations and media studies. A high school teacher, Lewis is also a member of the ALP and NSW Teachers Federation.
To learn more about Lewis Taylor, click here.

Glenys Ritchie
I have previously been an elected councillor in Lismore and will bring in depth experience to the new council. I have a background in government administration, Human Resources and Teaching. I am a volunteer with local community organisations and am a long term local resident of Lismore who loves where they live. Retired and living at Girards Hill. Is a member of the ALP and holds a Bachelor of Social Science.
To learn more about Glenys Ritchie, click here.

William Harrison
Lives at Goonellabah and is a member of the ALP and currently in Year 12, working part-time.

Group C Lismore Candidates

Big Rob. Not Pictured: Shaen Springall, Luke Tantarri, Christopher Knight, Stella Coleman.

Big Rob
Big Rob, a lawyer and councillor at both Lismore City Council and Rous County Council, represents Lismore Lake Incorporated Landcare, working to regenerate the Lismore Lake Precinct. Passionate about flood mitigation, he advocates for nature-based solutions and other measures to improve river health and reduce flood impacts in the region.
To learn more about Big Rob, click here.

Shaen Springall
Lives at Goonellabah, is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing. Is also the secretary and treasurer of Goonellabah Tucki Landcare Incorporated.

Luke Tantarri
Lives at Goonellabah and is self-employed. He is a committee member of Lismore Lake Incorporated.

Christopher Knight
Lives at Rous Mill and is a former board member of the Lismore Chamber of Commerce and representative on the Lismore Business Promotion Panel and the City Safe Committee.

Stella Coleman
Lives at North Lismore and is self-employed. She is a passionate community volunteer and strong advocate of emerging hemp based industries.

Group D Lismore Candidates

L-R Top row: Lindal Watson, Luke Robinson, Vanessa Ekins
L-R Bottom row: Adam Guise, Binnie O’Dwyer, Shae Salmon, Virginia Waters

Adam Guise
Adam Guise has lived in Lismore since 1999 and resides on the North Lismore floodplain. Running for Council, Adam advocates for community-led recovery and climate adaptation post-2022 floods, focusing on planned relocation from high-risk areas and nature-based solutions. With eight years of council experience, he is committed to proactive leadership and effective community planning.
To learn more about Adam Guise, click here.

Vanessa Ekins
Vanessa Ekins moved to the Northern Rivers in 1994 and has served on Lismore Council since 2004. She is focused on addressing the cost of living, reversing the privatisation of waste collection, and ensuring efficient council services. With 20 years of experience, Vanessa aims to lead a collaborative and respectful council to improve outcomes for the community.
To learn more about Vanessa Ekins, click here.

Shae Salmon
Shae Salmon, a Lismore resident for over 40 years, is dedicated to environmentally sensitive and sustainable development, locally sourced employment, and community engagement. Passionate about Lismore’s arts and culture, including local theatre and radio, Shae aims to contribute to better planning decisions and support the thriving art and business communities in the area.
To learn more about Shae Salmon, click here.

Lindall Watson
Lindall Watson, who moved to the Lismore electorate in January 2023, is motivated by the need for serious change at the council level. She envisions a community-led, transparent planning system that ensures equity and fairness for all. Lindall priorities addressing the housing crisis and supporting affordable, sustainable living options while encouraging youth participation in decision-making.
To learn more about Lindall Watson, click here.

Virginia Waters
Virginia Waters, a 28-year resident of the electorate, is dedicated to transparent governance and working with the community to foster healing and transformation. She aims to unite local businesses and government to support the arts, tourism, and create a compassionate society. Virginia is committed to this vision for the long term.
To learn more about Virginia Waters, click here.

Luke Robinson
Luke Robinson, a Northern Rivers resident since 2019 and an Emergency Physician at Lismore Base Hospital, advocates for a council focused on protecting the entire community, not just narrow interests. Committed to transparency and inclusivity, Luke brings skills in teamwork, communication, and emotional intelligence to support a respectful and diverse council.
To learn more about Luke Robinson, click here.

Belinda ‘Binnie’ O’Dwyer
Belinda ‘Binnie’ O’Dwyer, a Lismore resident since 1999, is a criminal defence solicitor and community advocate. She supports the Greens’ focus on a fair, community-led recovery, sustainable planning, and local solutions. Binnie aims to revive Lismore through evidence-based decision-making, protecting natural habitats, and ensuring services remain local to support the economy.
To learn more about Belinda ‘Binnie’ O’Dwyer, click here.

No Group listed

John Michael Jenkins
John Michael Jenkins, a 17-year Lismore resident, is running for Mayor and Councillor to address flood risks, homelessness, and housing issues. With 15 years of governance experience, he emphasises good governance, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making. Jenkins is committed to cultural diversity, inclusiveness, and creating safe, supportive communities.
To learn more about John Michael Jenkins, click here.

John Michael Jenkins

For more 2024 Local Elections News and to find out more about your local Lismore candidates, click here.