Council Elections Wrap: Here’s how our regions voted

Newly elected Bunbury councillor Dr Parthasarathy Ramesh was the only new face chosen by Bunbury voters at the weekend in what was the lowest turnout on record for the city.

In the Bunbury election on Saturday, that attracted only 26 per cent of eligible voters, the three other seats were filled by returning councillors Karen Turner and Cheryl Kozisek and Todd Brown who had previously sat on the council but resigned in 2021.

Dr Ramesh is the head of the South West Indian Group and has previously planned community events, including the major festival Diwali for the end of November.

“It’s great to know we’ve got a lot of support, lots of people in the community helped me here,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to it, hoping I can contribute to the community in new ways that I already am.

“I’m also just looking forward to being a good team player and helping the council and the Mayor as best I can.”

Dr Ramesh and the other three successful candidates were sworn in Tuesday night, with the deputy mayor to be elected in a special council meeting on October 31.

Meanwhile in Harvey, Cr Michelle Campbell made history as the first directly-elected president in the Shire’s history after the council had to change its selection process to align with local government reforms.

“I am still coming to grips with it all but it is certainly a humbling experience, having people put their confidence in you,” Cr Campbell said.

In addition to the spot on the council that opened with Cr Campbell being elected president, five other seats were contested, three of which went to returning councillors.

Councillors Robyn Coleman, John Bromham and Craig Carbone were returned, with Tiny Holly, James Junio and Alicia Hitchcock newly elected.

The Shire of Dardanup had six vacancies to fill, two for a two-year term and four for a four-year term.

Tony Jenour and Taneta Bell joined previously-serving councillors Cr Stacey Gillespie and Cr Mark Hutchinson in a four-year term.

Two new councillors were voted in for the shorter terms, with Jack Manoni and Annette Webster joining the council until 2025.

It was a close race, with only 99 votes separating first-placed Cr Jenour and fourth-placed Cr Bell.

Terri Sharp and John Fergusson will join Cr Sebastian Schiano, Cr Kieran Noonan and Cr Rosina Mogg after being officially declared Monday morning.

Cr Sebastian Schiano polled the highest with 21.67 per cent of the votes, followed by newcomer Terri Sharp at 18.83 per cent.