Nominations close for Surf Coast Shire council election

NOMINATIONS have closed for the Surf Coast Shire council elections, and a large field of candidates have thrown their hat in the ring.
Candidates had until noon on Tuesday this week to formally declare their intentions to run with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
According to the VEC website, there are five candidates for the two seats in Anglesea Ward, in ballot paper order:

• Libby Stapleton
• Tony Revell
• Raylene Fordham
• Mike Bodsworth
• Liz Wood.

Garry Allen will be elected unopposed in Lorne Ward to replace the departing Clive Goldsworthy, as he was the only candidate to nominate for the seat.

In Torquay Ward, 10 candidates will contest the four seats. They are, in ballot paper order:

• Maurice Cole
• Amber Potter
• Kate Gazzard
• Martin Duke
• Paul Barker
• Rose Hodge
• Rob Bullen
• Monica Winston
• Liz Pattison
• David Bell.

Voters also have a lot to choose from Winchelsea Ward, which has five candidates in the chase for its two seats. In ballot paper order, they are:

• Kirsty Metcalf
• Heather Wellington
• Adrian Schonfelder
• James McIntyre
• Tony Phelps.

For more information on the council election, head to vec.vic.gov.au/voting/2020-local-council-election/elections/surf-coast-shire-council.
Almost half of the four million-plus voters on the Victorian state electoral roll have not provided an email or mobile number with their enrolment details. Contact details are not compulsory,
but without them voters are unable to take advantage of the Victorian Electoral VEC’s VoterAlert service.
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately encouraged all eligible Victorians to sign up for Voter Alert – a free SMS and email reminder service.
“Local council elections will be held by post in Victoria in October and we want to make sure everyone knows they’re happening and is prepared to vote,” he said.
“Voters will be notified when to expect a ballot pack in the mail and when to return their vote.”
Voters can opt in to the service via the VEC’s website at vec.vic.gov.au.