Harvey Shire councillor Wendy Dickinson puts hands up for president role at October local government elections

Harvey Shire councillor Wendy Dickinson has put her hand up for the Shire presidency, which will go to a public vote next month.

Cr Dickinson officially nominated on Wednesday, becoming the second elected member to announce candidacy for the position.

Ms Dickinson said the Shire has had “a very good council” over the past two years which worked well together.

“I would like to progress that and I know that we’re going to have new councillors that have had no experience before and I think I could create a good environment for them to be able to learn as well as be able to deal with the issues that arise.”

A long-term resident, Cr Dickinson has lived in a number of locations within the Shire, including Roelands, Leschenault and Myalup.

“I think because I’ve lived in various localities of the Shire, I have a good understanding of the different areas of the Shire and I’ve also been on advisory groups that represent the whole Shire and different parts of the Shire,” she said.

While she is working only as a councillor alongside her volunteer roles, Cr Dickinson has previously worked at South Regional TAFE and Manea Senior College and been involved with community groups including the Roelands Playgroup and Parkfield Primary School P&C.

Cr Dickinson’s key priorities if elected as Shire president include progressing major council projects and getting the best outcomes for all ratepayers and residents.

“I want to continue having councillors available to the community and promoting the advisory groups, because I think that that is a very good avenue for residents to liaise with the Shire,” she said.

Cr Dickinson spoke of her passion for the Shire, having returned home after a stint living in the UK.

“I just think it is a fantastic part of the world and I want to get that message out how wonderful our Shire is,” she said.

She encouraged all eligible residents to cast their vote.

“I think it’s very important for the councilllors to know we’ve got this community support because we’ve had a good turnout in the election,” she said.