2025 City of Wanneroo local government election results

Source: South Australia Police

The Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) has declared the results of the 2025 Local Government Election for the City of Wanneroo.

The Councillors-Elect will be sworn in at a ceremony at the Civic Centre on Tuesday 28 October 2025.

The WAEC has confirmed the following elected Councillors with terms ending 20 October 2029:

  • North Ward – Sonet Coetzee

Councillor Coetzee has been re-elected unopposed and returns to sit alongside Council Member Alex Figg in representing the North Ward.

  • North-East Ward – Bronwyn Smith

Councillor Smith joins sitting Council Member Glynis Parker in representing the North-East Ward.

  • Central-West Ward – Helen Berry

Councillor Berry joins sitting Council Member Phil Bedworth in representing the Central-West Ward.

  • Central-East Ward – Paul Miles

Councillor Miles joins sitting Council Member Marizane Moore in representing the Central-East Ward.

  • Central Ward – Jordan Wright

Councillor Wright joins sitting Council Member Jacqui Huntley in representing the Central Ward.

  • South-West Ward – Hugh Nguyen

Councillor Nguyen joins sitting Council Member Vinh Nguyen in representing the South-West Ward.

  • South Ward – James Rowe

Councillor Rowe joins sitting Council Member Eman Seif in representing the South Ward.

The City acknowledges outgoing Councillor Natalie Herridge who will not return to Council this term, following four years of service. We thank Natalie Herridge for her time, service and dedication to the City and the community. Polling for the election closed at 6pm on Saturday 18 October 2025.

Local government elections are held every two years. The Mayor and Councillors are each elected to four-year terms, with half the Council Members elected every two years. A Council election for the position of Deputy Mayor will be held on Tuesday 28 October 2025 at a Special Council Meeting.

Learn more about the election and candidates on the WAEC website.

Draft Governance Rules open for feedback

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting public feedback on revised Governance Rules which outline how Council decisions are made, how Council meetings are run and how conflicts of interest should be handled.

The draft Governance Rules have been updated to align with the recent amendment to the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) and reflect current best practice standards. The Act requires every council to have Governance Rules.

The Governance Rules help the City to meet its requirements to ensure Councillors and City staff act fairly and openly during meetings, when making decisions, and during election times.

The Governance Rules aim to:

  • Encourage constructive debate and good decision-making
  • Guide how Council uses its powers and does its work
  • Set the steps for how Council meetings are run
  • Explain how the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected
  • Give ways for Council to hear what the community thinks
  • Include rules for how Council must act during election times

The Governance Rules also apply to how the public can participate in Council meetings. It outlines:

  • How people should behave when attending a Council meeting
  • What you need to do if you want to submit a petition or joint letter
  • How to ask a public question at a Council meeting

The Election Period Policy is incorporated in the Governance Rules. However, that Policy was reviewed in 2024, and is not part of this review.

Director of Corporate Performance Angela Hays said the draft Governance Rules are a vital part of how Council operates transparently and responsibly.

“This review offers an important opportunity for the community to help shape the way Council meetings are run. We encourage everyone to take a look and share their feedback on the City’s online engagement platform Let’s Talk,” Ms Hays said.

The draft Governance Rules survey is open until Monday, November 17.

Nominations open for Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year awards

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Who do you think should be Greater Bendigo’s next Citizen or Young Citizen of the Year?

Nominations are open for the 2026 Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year awards, which recognise people who make a difference in our community.

The nominees can be anyone who is involved in serving the community in a voluntary capacity, whether that be in sport, arts, culture, community service, not for profit organisations, business or education.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said there were many Greater Bendigo residents who had gone above and beyond for their community this year.

“These are people who channel their time, energy and goodwill for the benefit of the community in unpaid roles,” Cr Metcalf said.

“This is your opportunity to put forward someone who quietly contributes through charity work, managing community sport or events, or through a community service organisation – someone who actively works to make our community a better place.

“Tell us who you think is a shining example and why they should be recognised as the next Citizen or Young Citizen of the Year for 2026.”

Nominating someone is quick and easy. You are asked to briefly describe why you think your nominee should be recognised for their great voluntary work in a short online form.

Nominees must be residents of the City of Greater Bendigo and the Young Citizen of the Year must be under 25 years of age on January 26, 2026.

The closing date is 5pm, Friday November 21, 2025.

Recipients of the awards will be announced in January 2026.

The award winners will be invited to attend several civic events in 2026, including citizenship ceremonies and their names will be included on the Honour Roll in the Bendigo Town Hall.

Woodvale officially handed keys to new ultralight tanker

Source:

Woodvale Fire Brigade has officially received the keys to its new Ultralight Tanker, celebrating the modernised addition to the engine bay alongside members of their community.

The brigade celebrated the handover at the local bush market on Saturday 18 October, surrounded by the community and their family and friends.

Woodvale Captain Darren Schultz said the new Ultralight will be a valuable asset to the brigade’s fleet, offering greater agility and access to narrow tracks frequently encountered during callouts.

“It is another appliance we can get out the door to help respond to incidents, with minimal crew as it only takes two people,” Darren said.

“It has a lot more safety features, and it is easier to drive than the truck, only requiring a car license.”

Darren said it was fitting that the tanker was handed over at the market in front of the community.

“They helped us pay for it so it was nice to be able to share that moment with them,” Darren said.

The new Ultralight Tanker holds 550 litres of water and is equipped with a Class A Foam System, pump, and other vital firefighting equipment.

CFA District 2 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Archie Conroy, highlighted the vehicle’s crew protection system, designed to give volunteers the best possible chance of survival during a burn over.

“The brigade members will be protected with a compressed air foam external system, radiant heat shield curtains, and fire blankets,” Archie said.

“It also allows the brigade to stow and display items in larger internal cabs, lockers and on aluminum trays.”

The new Ultralight was funded through a successful Victorian Emergency Services Equipment Program application as part of the 2024 round, with the brigade also strongly fundraising to contribute towards the vehicle.

Submitted by CFA Media

Doors officially open at new Natte Yallock Fire Station

Source:

Natte Yallock Fire Brigade has celebrated the official opening of their new fire station and handed over their new ultra heavy tanker with brigade members and local dignitaries.

The brigade is now operating out of a new contemporary state-of-the-art station, replacing the former station on School Road.   

Gathering at the fire station on Saturday (18 October), Natte Yallock Captain Ronald Peacock said the brigade is proud to call this new station home.   

“It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come from what was a small tin shed, to now operating out of a modern facility,” Ronald said.    

“We are now even better equipped to respond and protect our community when they need us most.  

“For our brigade members, it means we can focus more on the job and less on juggling space or gear. It might seem small, but it makes a big difference when things get busy.   

“For the community, this station is a commitment to safety, preparedness and quick response in times of a crisis.”   

The station features a motor room with two reverse in bays fitted with powered roller doors, a turnout room, laundry facilities, changeroom areas, a workshop and an office space.  

“We’re also building for the future, and that means creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and supported,” Ronald said.  

“The additions of gender neutral toilets and showers are a big step forward in encouraging more women into volunteer roles too.   

“We are hopeful this will play a positive role in attracting a diverse range of members to our brigade into the future.”  

The new Ultra Heavy Tanker is also a welcome addition to the brigade which will allow them to better navigate remote, rural areas with open grasslands due to its increased water carrying capacity.   

CFA District 2 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Archie Conroy, congratulated the brigade on their new fire station and truck.   

“This station is a testament to the dedication of the Natte Yallock Fire Brigade and the community that supports them,” Archie said.   

“The Ultra-Heavy will be a valuable asset heading into the upcoming fire season.” This can only happen because of the tremendous support from communities like that of the Natte Yallock and their partnership with CFA.  

“The larger, updated facility means our volunteers have a comfortable place to train, turnout and work from for many years to come.”

Submitted by CFA Media

Finalists announced for the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

20/10/25

Finalists for the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards have been announced, recognising excellence, innovation and leadership across Victoria’s public healthcare system.

Now in their 19th year, the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards celebrate the dedication of health services, teams and volunteers delivering outstanding care and improving health outcomes for all Victorians.

This year’s awards include 16 categories across three streams – General Awards, Premier’s Health Service of the Year Awards and Volunteer Awards.

Thank you to all health services that entered this year. The strong number and exceptional quality of submissions reflect the commitment and creativity that continues to define Victoria’s public healthcare sector.

The Department of Health also extends gratitude to this year’s awards judging panel –health professionals from across health services, non-government organisations and peak bodies – for bringing their expertise and insights to the selection process.

View the list of 2025 finalists.

Winners will be announced at the 19th Victorian Public Healthcare Awards Gala Night on 26 November 2025.

No price, no ad – putting a stop to rental bidding

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Real estate agents and rental providers will be blocked from advertising rental properties without a fixed price, thanks to a partnership between Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Renting Taskforce and property website operators, REA Group and Domain.

Their platforms – realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, have now been upgraded in response to calls from our Renting Taskforce.

Now rental providers and agents will not be able to list rental properties unless they use a single, fixed price. This keeps prices transparent for renters and helps rental providers and agents stay on the right side of the rental bidding laws.

In Victoria, rental properties must be advertised with a fixed price under rental bidding protections introduced in the 2021 rental law reforms.

Advertising a rental property with a vague price range or without a price is harmful to renters because it encourages offers of rental bidding.

The Renting Taskforce has been cracking down on non-compliant advertisements, conducting market sweeps and inspections, issuing numerous official warnings and sending communications to estate agents across the state to remind them of the legal requirements.

In 2024-25, the taskforce issued more than 50 infringements totalling over $600,000 to rental providers and agents who did not advertise a rental property with a fixed price. The taskforce also took criminal prosecutions against 5 estate agencies for this offence.

This change at the advertising stage guarantees clear prices for renters, helps the taskforce use its resources more efficiently and prevents estate agencies from making potentially costly mistakes in the first place.

New reforms coming into effect on 25 November will outlaw all remaining types of rental bidding. Agents and rental providers will be banned not only from soliciting offers of increased rent from potential renters, but also from accepting any unsolicited offers from them. The renting taskforce will actively monitor the new laws.

Skippy gives the M12 a hop of approval!

Source: Mental Health Australia

Only in Australia and in a bold attempt to be the first, two kangaroos have used the new toll-free M12 Motorway as a transport connection between the M7 Motorway with the Western Sydney International Airport and The Northern Road.

Workers adding the finishing touches to the new road said that while spotting kangaroos is roo-tine in the area, they are not hopping to conclusions about the pair’s motive just yet!

While some speculation thought the pair were looking for greener pastures, some workers on site speculated they were out on a roo-mantic date taking advantage of the new toll-free shortcut!

Fourteen kilometres of the $2.1 billion M12 Motorway has surface works almost complete, with workers now delivering the final touches before opening next year.

The toll-free M12 Motorway is a joint project between the Australian and NSW Governments.

Part of the final works will include four fauna crossings and turtle barriers to keep wildlife and motorists safe.

The fauna crossings are located at Badgerys Creek, Kemps Creek, Cosgroves Creek and within the Western Sydney Parklands. 

These crossings are vital in protecting and assisting local wildlife to safely move in and around the area. Fauna crossings are a proven and essential feature in major road upgrades, and the M12 is no exception. 

Given the area’s rural setting and the scale of increased infrastructure in the area, it was important we minimise the impact on local wildlife. By providing these crossings, the project is helping safeguard the welfare of native species and improve driver safety.

Bridge girders now in place at Jervis Bay

Source: Mental Health Australia

Eleven super-T girders have been lifted into place at Jervis Bay Road intersection forming the base of the new bridge that will significantly improve traffic flow and safety in the region. 

The pre-cast concrete girders form the deck for the new overpass bridge that will allow traffic on the Princes Highway to move uninterrupted while Jervis Bay Road traffic flows under the bridge.

More information is available in the full media release (PDF, 102.78 KB).

Skyfire to return in 2026

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Skyfire 2026 will include markets, food vans, music and more.

In brief:

  • Skyfire is returning in 2026.
  • The aerial display set to music will take place on Saturday 14 March.
  • The event will include markets, food vans, music and more.

Canberra’s skies will light up on Saturday 14 March as Skyfire returns in 2026.

Radio stations Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3 Canberra have joined forces to bring the popular fireworks spectacular back for another year.

The ACT Government will support the event through its Major Event Fund.

Skyfire began as a small event in 1989. Over the years it has grown to an all-day spectacular including live performances, food trucks and activities.

The event is set around and above Lake Burley Griffin and viewed by at least one third of the ACT population.

This year, Canberrans can look forward to:

  • southside markets
  • two entertainment hubs featuring live broadcasts
  • speakers for those who forget to bring radios
  • big screens to watch the action from the lake unfold.

The synchronized soundtrack show will include:

  • 40,000 pyrotechnic effects
  • 2,500 shells
  • 25,000 shooting comets.

The show will begin at 8:30pm and run for 20 minutes.

Around 120,000 people are expected to attend Skyfire 2026.

More details

Further details about the event, transport and traffic changes including road closures will be released in early 2026.


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