There are 10 nominees vying for a spot at the table. 

Sharon Blyth

My name is Sharon Blyth and I will be running for both councillor and deputy mayor in the upcoming local government elections for the Flinders council. My father was warden on the Flinders Council in the early 1980’s for a period of 4 years.

I was born and raised on Flinders Island, am a 4 th generation islander and love my Island home. If elected I would like to help ensure that the Island stays the way it is and at the same time support and encourage new small businesses/enterprises on the Island, as well as address the ongoing problems with waste management, travel and freight costs and; communication between council and ratepayers.

I am passionate about our Island and keeping it as it is and at the same time encouraging new business and creating more employment opportunities.

I am also a very proud parent of my three children.

Vanessa Grace

I have worked in the past in Banking, Secretarial and Reception roles. Flinders Island - I love this place, it is a very unique and special Island. If elected I look forward to working in a team that maintains infrastructure and assets. Be involved in long term fiscal management.

Protects our pristine coastlines. Sees better roads replace the gravel roads we have in place now. Encourages new business and the employment opportunities that they bring. Flinders has been good to me, I would like to give back my time and would consider it an honour to serve the community as Councillor.

Fun Fact: My grandmother was the first female Councillor and the 105th Councillor to be elected on Flinders Island.

Chris Rhodes

Councillor Chris Rhodes standing for Deputy Mayor Flinders Council Born at Whitemark on Flinders Island I am proud to be called a Local, Islander or Straitsperson.

For the last 20 years I have run a business on the Island called Rockjaw Tours, I have a back ground in the farming and fishing industries.

I was elected as a councillor in 2014 and in the last 4 years I have learnt a lot about the workings of Local Government.

I am passionate about our Island and its natural resources, community and lifestyle. I believe that sustainable development is needed on the Island to create jobs for our younger people that are returning.

I my business I have met 1000s of people that have enjoyed the Island and what it has to offer, coming from this I have some sayings that are called Rockjawisms. One of these that is very relevant in Local Government is Rockjawism #2 “You will never learn while your lips are moving”

Peter Frank Rhodes

I am standing for mayor and councillor. 

I stand for transparency, integrity and efficiency in local government. I believe in preserving our history & environment for our citizens, present and future, and protecting our culture and way of life. This will not be easy for the new Council but I have the knowledge, skills and experience (seven years as Councillor and thirty years in the public sector) to bring to the task.

We will face many challenges in ensuring ongoing sustainability in a deteriorating global economy. Council needs to reduce operating costs and better control its expenditure to protect our reserves.

“Where we go one, we go all”

Fun Fact: I am a Contrarian

Mick Rose

I have been visiting Flinders Island regularly for 15 years carrying out land surveying work. In 2015 I moved to the Island with my wife Marianne to purchase the Flinders Island Cabin Park and Car Hire business. For the last two years I have been an executive member of Flinders Island Tourism and Business Incorporated. In that role I developed an clear understanding of the significant opportunities and numerous challenges on Flinders Island.

Being a councillor is an ideal platform to capitalise on the opportunities and work through the challenges. I am particularly interested in capitalising on our impending improved telecommunications, and facilitating innovative solutions for our housing shortage which include houses constructed from shipping containers or flat packs.

Fun Fact: I would choose Glenn Robbins to play me in a movie. I have had several people say I look like Russell Coight.

Rachel Summers

I am running for councillor and deputy mayor.

Flinders has a unique character and an enviable quality of life - that is why I live here and why people visit. I am running for council to help ensure the economic viability of the islands whilst maintaining all that we love our about our home.

We face a number of difficulties – affordable housing, permanent employment, building our population, cost of living. I support raising our profile at a state and federal level to get the support we require to address these issues, whilst maintaining our independence. We should encourage low-impact, sustainable tourism, support existing businesses, and work to develop new industries. I will give 100% to making a Council that is transparent and accountable in the way it conducts its business; a Council who works together with each other and the community, openly and actively.

As we move forward, we must have stability and balance to ensure Flinders meets the challenges ahead.

David Williams

My name is David Williams, standing as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor in the Flinders Council.

I have proudly represented this wonderful community since 2005 and have experience in the financial industry  as well as operating my own small business. I am an active member of many community groups on the island which I see as the best place in the world to live, work and invest. Come and check it out!

The "fun fact" about me is that I have run more than fifty ultra marathons around the world over many years, including running the length of both Flinders Island and Tasmania (the first person to do both) to raise funds for Cure Cancer Australia. A lot of people think I'm crazy but I love it.