Nine candidates, six seats: Shire of Narrogin community to decide on future of local governance in October

The 2023 Shire of Narrogin elections are set to be a tightly contested race as nine candidates campaign for six seats. All nominees are either currently serving or have previously sat on the Shire’s council, which means each one brings considerable local governance experience to the table. Brian Seale, Graham Broad, Joshua Pomykala, Jacqui Early, Roxanne McNab, Tamara Alexander, Tim Wiese, Clive Barton and Murray Fisher will be vying for votes in the lead up to the October 21 election. Here is what your candidates have to say. Tim Wiese While raising a family and running a farming business in the Shire of Narrogin I have forged strong ties to many communities. It has been my privilege to serve as a councillor on the Shire for the past 12 years, 5 of those as deputy Shire president. I have had the opportunity to represent the Shire on the board of Narrogin Cottage Homes, Airport committee, Community Chest and currently as Chair of the Road Reference Group. I believe I have an established track record of listening to the community and advocating for the best interests of the district. I see exciting times ahead for Narrogin, with a pipeline of potential projects that could see significant, responsible economic development in the Shire. I seek and welcome the opportunity to work to ensure we have the right settings in place for Narrogin to continue to be an attractive and inclusive place to live, work, play and invest. Graham Broad Having spent my whole life in Narrogin, I feel I have an understanding of our community and its needs. I have always had a genuine desire to be a part of Shire of Narrogin, being involved in decision-making. During my time here I’ve participated in many committees and clubs. I was voluntary member of the Narrogin Residential College board for more than 25 years. I’m currently an elected member of the shire, completing a four-year term as a councillor and two years of these as deputy president. I found this role to be rewarding and educational to what is happening now and importantly into our future. This position sees me sitting on the board of Karinya Aged Care, a facility to be proud of for us all and provides many benefits to our community. I enjoy my role on the committee of the Narrogin Club, being a part of this active group will see benefits to our town. My employment has mainly been in local businesses, focusing on management and sales. Clive Barton When considering your voting preference please investigate the candidates record either on council or their leadership and representative qualities in the community. I have not been on council for two years. However, I have maintained my interest and influence as presiding member of the Townscape Advisory Committee. I am proud to be part of the team which has recently help beautify the built environment with the murals on the water tanks and the railway station. We have more plans to make the Shire even more visually attractive with an iconic artwork as well as pushing to activate the Shires’ Ten Year Public Art Strategy. We need to be aware of the impact to our region of State, national and international factors. Then use our influence to provide the best outcomes for our community. I will soon be providing an audit of our towns’ road system highlighting the inequities at intersections and speed limit sign placement which may pose risks to user and pedestrian safety. Tamara Alexander I have enjoyed serving the people of Narrogin on the Shire council the past two years and excited about the future of our town. I firmly believe that Narrogin has immense potential to be a vibrant and thriving community and a destination of choice for families, businesses, and tourists alike. I grew up on a farm, pursued a corporate career overseas and interstate before moving to Narrogin 10 years ago. I currently serve on the CBH Grower Advisory Panel and the Narrogin Primary School Board. I have held roles in banking, stock market analysis and economics. These roles provide me the analytical abilities needed to navigate the complexities of budgeting, resource allocation, and strategic planning to make informed decisions to ensure Narrogin prospers. With a deep commitment to supporting local businesses and agriculture, investing in the sports and arts, supporting our Seniors as well as promoting tourism I am dedicated to making our Shire a fantastic place to live, work, and visit. Jacqui Early As an elected member for the past four years, I have proven to be independent and approachable. My strengths include listening to community concerns, investigation and gathering evidence. I look at decisions with objectivity to achieve the best outcome for our whole community. I am actively involved on the Australia Day Honours and Townscape Advisory Committees and worked on the transition of the Narrogin and Dryandra Visitor Centre to the newly renovated Heritage Railway Station. We have much to offer tourists and I see growth for Narrogin in this area. I have been actively involved in community groups from equestrian to local theatre and helped them progress. My background in business and government offers a unique perspective on challenges faced by local business and the roles and responsibilities of government. I would like the opportunity to continue my role as a powerful advocate for transparent and accountable local government so we can all continue to Love the Life in Narrogin. Murray Fisher Having lived in Narrogin since 1984, I feel that I understand the issues that affect life and business in a rural community. I am a small business owner, husband, parent and current Shire councillor, and am passionate about maintaining stability as well as encouraging growth in our region. During my past eight years as councillor, I have enjoyed being part of a dynamic team, and have been proud of our achievements to date. My business experience helps me to understand the complexities of local government and gives me the confidence to help oversee the ongoing budgeting processes and management of our Shire. I am not averse to positive change, as progress gives the opportunity to bring awareness to Narrogin and surrounds. I have no personal agendas in my nomination, only that together we can all create a better future for Narrogin. Joshua Pomykala I am passionate about Narrogin continuing to grow as a leading regional centre. At the age of 27, I have served as an elected member of the Shire of Narrogin for the past two years. Currently working in State Government, with prior local government experience, I understand the importance of effective governance, strategic, development, and appropriate risk consideration. As an active member of the community, being involved in various community organisations, I am aware of the need for diverse initiatives to continue progressing our community; fostering strong community connection and youth engagement to promote future growth and regional development. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue to participate in the decision-making process, to facilitate strategic mechanisms that assist in the drive for a diversified local economy, improved sustainability, and a high level of community development; supporting positive change in our community. Brian Seale I have been an elected member of the Shire of Narrogin for the past seven years and keen to serve this community for a further term. I have been employed for almost 20 years in local government and have a strong awareness of the processes associated with the statutory requirements there in with nearly 10 years as the appointed CEO in various authorities, with successful audits and compliance returns, my background is a testament to my acumen in local government. I hold a postgraduate degree in a Master of Business Administration , majoring in Local Government Management. My interests are in ensuring good, effective, open, and transparent governance in local government. I have successfully operated a profitable business in Narrogin for the past 10 years. I am passionate about promoting growth and progress for this district, committed to the development of the interests of the entire community, and keen to see sustainable economic development achieved for this district. Roxanne McNab Having lived in Narrogin for the past 26 years and serving as an elected member for the last two, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact this town has on quality of life, work and raising a family. My deep involvement in local organisations like the Narrogin Chamber of Commerce and my recent initiation of the “Community Builders” initiative underline my commitment to fostering community-driven progress. As a proud local business owner alongside my husband, we’ve supported schools, organisations, and charities for 23 years, championing the growth of small business and community wellbeing. My passion for balanced town planning, heritage preservation, tourism, and community values drives me to ensure our town’s sustainable future. With a firm belief in transparent representation, I’m eager to continue empowering our community through positive opportunities and clear decision-making.