Narrogin has three new faces on council after closely-contested local government election

Three fresh faces will be at the table when the council convenes in the Shire of Narrogin after a closely contested local government election last Saturday.

Eight candidates were vying for five seats on the council in this year’s elections.

Crs Tim Wiese and Brian Seale were returned, while former councillor Clive Bartron missed out, finishing in sixth place.

Shire president Leigh Ballard had already been elected unopposed.

Roxanne McNab, Tamara Alexander and Josh Pomykala were all elected for the first time.

In an election with an above-average voter turnout of 44 per cent, Ms McNab said she felt the contest had generated a lot of discussion around Narrogin.

“Previously candidates have gone unopposed, and when the community gets to vote they get more of a say in what’s going on,” she said. “I felt this election created a lot of chat in town, which is really good for the Narrogin Shire and I think people are going to feel they had more of a voice.

“I was very pleased with the amount of votes I got.

“I had a lot of support through the community.

“I just want to be part of the team and get my point of view across.

“I’ll be able to bring a different point of view to the table.” With a background in finance and government strategy, Ms Alexander said she was excited to use her past experience to help the Shire grow.

“I’m very excited to be working with all the other councillors,” she said.

“I want to listen to the community and observe how the Shire operates and draw on my background in Government strategy and finance to look for ways to improve and develop the Shire.”

Meanwhile, Mr Pomykala who, at just 25, will be the youngest member on the council, said he was grateful people had put their trust in him at the election.

“I want to look at how we can keep Narrogin progressing forward with different initiatives to try and revitalise the town and continue the positive work for the community,” Mr Pomykala said.

The next council meeting in the Shire of Narrogin is scheduled for October 27.