Bolter Cristie heads vote count in Clarence

By Tim Howard

Voters have again shown their faith in a newbie to local politics with Ulmarra’s Cristie Yager streeting the field in early counting following Saturday’s Clarence Valley Council election.

At the close of counting and with 18,790 votes counted (17,106 formal, 1684 informal) Ms Yager tallied 2845 votes or 16.63% of the formal ballots cast.

This put her more than 1000 votes clear of Mayor Peter Johnstone on 1789 and incumbent Greens councillor Greg Clancy on 1726.

They are the only candidates on track to reach the quota on first preference votes and of the three, Ms Yager is comfortably on track with a quota ratio of 1.66. Cr Johnstone was on 1.05 and Cr Clancy was at 1.01.

To achieve their quota and election to council a candidate must secure a quota. The NSW Electoral Commission arrives at this figure by dividing the number of first preferences by the number of candidates plus one. They add one to the quotient, creating an absolute majority.

Candidates are elected once they reach this number.

The 2024 result has echoes with the 2021 poll when Grafton businessman Jeff Smith topped the poll and during the term went on to become deputy mayor from September 2023.

After preferences in 2021 Cr Smith had 6022 votes representing 19.64% of formal votes.

But he had a much higher profile running a popular ice cream parlour in Grafton and having a prominent role in community groups, including the Jacaranda Festival.

Outside the top three another first time candidate, Warregah Island farmer Shane Causley on 1318, former Grafton City Council general manager Ray Smith on 1209, incumbent councillor Allison Whaites on 1190, Yamba’s Lynne Cairns on 1135 and another sitting councillor, Debrah Novak on 1007.

Former Clarence Valley deputy mayor Craig Howe has followed the past two local government elections closely, since he bowed out ahead of the 2021 poll.

Greens candidate Greg Clancy has polled strongly in the Lower Clarence where issues such as flood plain development have been upmost in voters’ minds.

He had picked Ms Yager as his bolter for this election and she did not disappoint him.

“I think she put in a lot of hard yards, got out there meeting people and knocking on doors and bit of old school campaigning. I think, obviously it worked for her,” he said.

He said the tattooed and dreadlocked Ms Yager has struck a surprising chord with Clarence Valley voters.

“She seems like she just speaks her mind,” he said

“Basically it is: this is how I feel. This is what I think. I like people, and I want to work with people.

“I don’t know how long that will take to get that enthusiasm beat out of her.

“I hope it never does, because that’s the sort of person we need.”

He said Ms Yager would bring a freshness to the council which was needed

“You have the experienced guys you know, the Ray Smiths of the world who know the rules really well, yeah.

“But you also know people like her to keep them grounded and keep reminding them that they’re there for the people, not there just for council.”

Mr Howe said the vote, with Ms Yager and Cr Clancy securing a quota could be “wild” when it came to distribution of preference.

He said any candidate with 1000 plus votes now would be hard to beat, which could have a couple of incumbents struggling.

Current councillors Karen Toms (894) and Steve Pickering (628) were “struggling” Mr Howe said.

“Karen might get on, but I think Pickering is gone,” he said.

He said controversial Yamba identity Lynne Cairns, a vocal critic of the former council, was likely to be elected, as was Ray Smith.

Clarence Valley mayor Peter Johnstone was second in the early count and is on target to achieve a quota on first preferences.

But he said the if the preference flows from Yager and Clancy went toward “Green” candidates, some further down the list could be elevated.

“Cristie didn’t have a how to vote card I don’t believe,” he said. “But I think a lot of her votes probably will be sort of some sort of Green or  left-ish, sort of.

“I don’t think many of all preference say Alison Whaites.”

He said this could bring a candidate like Melissa Hellwig (507) into consideration.

“I don’t think it’s likely, but it’s not out of the question,” he said.

Mr Howe described the informal vote of 8.96% of ballots cast as “crap.”

“Every time it’s about the same percentage,” he said. “We always say ‘that’s crap’. I’d rather they didn’t vote at all if they’re going to vote informally.”

Incumbent mayor Peter Johnstone thanked people for their votes.

“Although it is early in the count with only half the votes presently counted, I’d like to thank the people of the Valley for their support and faith in me,” he said.

He said there had been a massive increase in pre-poll voting, which were counted after the ballots cast on polling day.

“It is likely that the pre-poll votes will mirror the vote on election day, (but) there is potential for a few surprises, so it would be a brave commentator to call the election as yet.”

He congratulated Ms Yager on her success.

”Cristie has run an excellent campaign and thoroughly deserves her excellent results,” he said.

“I have enjoyed getting to know her better and think she will make an excellent councillor.”

He said other candidates had performed well.

“I also met Shane (Causley) at pre-poll several times and was very impressed,” he said.

“He was clearly well known and liked by many, particularly in the farming and sugar industries and this is reflected in his impressive polling figures.

“Greg Clancy has also had a strong following.”

He said counting of the pre-poll votes started on Monday, but the electorate would wait until the start of October for the final results.

For more local elections news, click here.

‘A simple man, simply extraordinary’

By Samantha Elley

These were the words that described 90-year-old Wilfred ‘Fred’ Hoskins, used by Wyrallah Public School principal, Lisa Fahy.

“This is an historical occasion,” she said at the event that was to see the library named after their most dedicated ex-student.

“It is to show our appreciation of our guest of honour, Fred Hoskins.

“Eighty five years ago Fred came to school on horseback.”

From that time on, Fred became an integral part of the community of Wyrallah Public School and all those connected to it.

“He is a man of many hats,” Ms Fahy said.

“Has been a dairy farmer, steel worker, lifeline counsellor, truck driver and even sings and dances.

“And he has an unwavering love for education.”

Fred is still a regular visitor to the primary school where he first received his formal education from his teacher Mr Hardy, but now he inspires the students of today with his knowledge.

“Fred has a passion for reading and for books,” said Ms Fahy.

“So, naming the library after him was a fitting honour.

“He lives a purpose driven life and has supported the community in ways many people, except those receiving the support, don’t know.”

Janelle and Fred unveil the new sign to the library.

In the 157^th year of the school’s history, making it the oldest continuously operating school in the Lismore district, Fred has been a big part of that.

“Fred climbed the pine tree (on the school grounds) to sketch and graph the school for its 125^th anniversary,” said P&C president, Nathan Rose.

“He was also at the 150 year celebrations.”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said Fred had made a difference, not only in the lives of the students, but their parents and the community as well.

Fred was given the opportunity to speak and his love and passion for books and learning was evident.

“My teacher used to read to us,” he said.

“Books like Wind in the Willows, where you became a part of the story.

“Your imagination was everything.”

His favourite book was one about compassion and kindness, entitled ‘The King of the Golden River’.

For Fred the library was the most important building, as it was the place to learn and he enthusiastically encouraged the students who were listening to get a dictionary.

“Words and their meanings influenced my life,” he said.

“Words like kindness, wisdom and compassion, if they are foremost in your mind, they will influence your life.”

Fred Hoskins, Member for Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Wyrallah Public School principal Lisa Fahy.

He said his greatest influence, his saviour, Jesus Christ, was his driving force for all that he did in life and he and his wife, Olwyn taught scripture at the school for more than 30 years.

Current students were keen to ask him a number of questions regarding his own student days, including what he had for lunch, who was his favourite teacher, what was his favourite event at school and what was his favourite toy.

“We didn’t have a football,” Fred said.

“So we used an inflated pig’s bladder to kick around.”

Fred wasn’t always one of the best behaved students either.

“Children today never knew anything about corporal punishment,” he said.

“But I learnt a lot about it.

“But my father taught me that if you do something wrong, you accept the punishment and try not to do it again.”

Whatever his misbehaviours as a child, he has more than made up for it with his support of the school since.

With Olwyn and many friends and family by his side, the veil was released to show the engraved sign renaming that most important building as “Fred Hoskins Library”.

For more local Lismore news, click here.

Northern Rivers Election results to date

By Samantha Elley

NSW voted for their council representatives over the weekend and while results aren’t finalised, we have compiled the results so far at time of printing (Monday 16th of September).

Ballina

Residents of the coastal local government area showed they have been happy with the work Sharon Cadwallader has been doing as mayor. She is currently sitting at 45.08% of the vote with her nearest rival, the Greens Kiri Dicker. a long way back at 25.79%

A ward favourites include the Greens Erin Karsten on 20.73%, Independent Damian Loone following closely at 17.35% and ALP’s Maria Marshall on 14.07%, although Independent’s Kevin Loughrey is close on her heels at 13.52%.

B ward has larger margins with Sharon Cadwallader taking 36.12% of the vote then Kiri Dicker, much closer than in the mayoral race at 31.34%. After that the closest candidate is ALP’s Andrew Broadley on 11.65%.

C ward has the Greens Simon Chate leading the chase on 36.21%, followed by Independent Simon Kinny on 28.47% and another Independent These Crollick on 15.12%

Byron

Current mayor Michael Lyon’s recent public issues are reflected in the sad results of his race to get back in the top job, with his mayoral vote hitting a paltry 17.29% compared to Sarah Ndiaye of the Greens who is sitting on 34.71%. However, there is a chance ALP’s Asren Pugh is not discounted yet with 30.37% of the vote.

The Greens also have a chance of strong representation on council as Group D holds 40.22% of votes for their council candidates, followed by the ALP at 27.95%.

Kyogle

While it has been tradition that elected councillors in Kyogle voted for the mayor, residents of this inland local government area had the extra task of deciding in a referendum question, whether or not they wanted a popularly elected mayor and a reduction in the ward numbers or the status quo. Results at time of printing were not available.

A ward’s most popular candidate thus far is Brett McNamara with 31.15% of the vote, followed by Kieran Somerville with 26.67% and long-standing councillor Janet Wilson at 18.40%.

B ward’s winning candidate is currently Olivia Taylor with 34.03%, then current councillor John Burley 25% and Robert Cullen on 19.29%.

In C ward popular councillor and previous mayor Danielle Mulholland holds 40.88% of the vote with Tom Cooper on 21.06% coming second and Robin Harley on 13.63% holding the bronze.

Lismore

There is no doubting the popularity of current mayor Steve Krieg who looks like holding his seat with 48.38% of the vote, trailed by the Greens Vanessa Grindon-Ekins on 21.13%.

The Independent Group A look like, not only getting their mayor back in but will fill a few seats around the council table with 42.39% of votes.

They are followed by the Greens Group D with 26.77% and ALP’s Group B holding 18.77%.

Richmond Valley

It looks like business as usual for the Richmond Valley with mayor Robert Mustow holding a comfortable lead to retain his role on 38.93%. He was given a run for his money by newcomer Lyndall Murray in the early part of counting before she settled around 27.17%.

There should be a mixture of new and old faces on council with Group D, led by the current mayor, Robert Mustow receiving 41.42% of the vote and newcomers, with Lyndall Murray, Group C, second with 25.69%. Group A led by previous Richmond Valley general manager, John Walker obtained a healthy 20.51%.

Tweed

A large number of parties were vying for all council positions with the current group with most votes being the Liberals with 28.74%. ALP are a comfortable second on 14.96% and Independent Group A, led by current mayor, Chris Cherry in third with 13.42%.

To keep up to date with the Northern Rivers Elections Results, click here.

For more local elections news, click here.