The statement asked why the candidate chose to run, and what they would like to achieve. Candidates were also asked to supply their favourite quote, a fun fact or who would play them in a movie.

In these elections, the Northern Midlands Council has 15 candidates – eight of those are seeking re-election – four running for mayor and two for deputy mayor.

There are 10,123 registered voters in the Northern Midlands Council area.

Contesting: Councillor and Mayor

My family has been part of the Northern Midlands after arriving via Norfolk Island in 1813.   Therefore I have been intrinsically linked to this region. I represented the greater area for 20 years in the Federal sphere, then over the last four years I have been listening to the residents and businesses locally.

Council is not about ticking boxes and agreeing with everything that passes across the council table.  It is about considering the needs of residents, young and old, making the towns that support the commercial activities comfortable and safe places to live, and building a vision for the future. Then I believe Council should be part of the artistic celebration of our towns.

Given my history, my passion is the history of Tasmania and particularly the small historic towns and the families that make up this region. I believe “a people without the knowledge of their past history is like a tree without roots.”

Jennifer Bolton

Contesting: Councillor

I am a first-time candidate running for the position of Councillor in the Northern Midlands. I live in Ross where I have sought national heritage listing and flood protection for the Ross Bridge.

The Northern Midlands is home to many significant heritage sites that play a vital role in attracting tourists to our area. I believe the Council needs to engage a full-time heritage officer to ensure effective management and protection of these sites. Equally important is our natural environment and agriculture industry. I believe Council should employ a local environment officer who can provide practical assistance with weed control and has knowledge of the native flora and fauna.

Communication is the key to good representation and if elected I will be looking to consult with residents from across the municipality.

Fun fact: I enjoy collecting teapots including the double spout variety.

Matthew Brooks

Contesting: Councillor

I was born at the once Toosey Hospital in Longford 49 years ago and have seen this entire municipality grow and definitely love the place I live in. Previous councillor from 2005-2014 I was the main driver behind the Longford Flood Levee that protects the township from flooding.

Married with three children who have all attended the local primary school, over the years I have built up plenty of trust within this municipality for calling a spade a spade and also not afraid to speak out over contentious issues.

A reliable rubbish collection, child safety fencing around playgrounds, and compliance issues would be some of the first issues of interest for me if elected. 

I am also open minded about amalgamations if it will benefit the municipality as a whole.

In my spare time I love to hook the boat up and spend some time fishing up at the lakes as I am also an active member of the Longford Fishing Club. 

A vote for me will ensure good common sense decision making as I listen to people’s concens and take the advice onboard.

Andrew Calvert

Contesting: Councillor

Andrew Calvert is an experienced independent Northern Midlands Councillor who listens to the community! Andrew was first elected in 2007.

I am a family man who resides at Longford, having lived most of my life in the Northern Midlands. I have been involved in the Rural Industry all my working life and currently hold a senior position as a Sheep and Wool Specialist and Livestock Consultant.

I offer myself for re-election because I believe I can continue to bring to the Council a practical and balanced approach –  respecting the needs of both town and country ratepayers and the importance of working together.

I acknowledge the biggest challenge any council faces is to deliver value to its ratepayers.

Andrew stands for and will provide: a strong voice for town and country, sound financial management, economic growth and development, job opportunities for Northern Midlands, respect for our heritage, an open mind to amalgamation.

Joanne Clarke

Contesting: Councillor

My name is Joanne -  I go by Jo.

I have been a small business owner in the municipality for 19 years therefore you can rely on my ability to balance a budget, understand finances, sustainability and local issues. 

I promise to listen to your concerns and lobby for you.

The NMC is an emerging exciting farming and business supporting hub this can be expanded to bring more wealth and jobs to the area. This will help our young people by giving them opportunities for learning and apprenticeships.

The NMC is earning its reputation as a desirable place to live which can be enhanced for young families bringing life to our towns. I feel attractive towns and parks will in turn bring people, business and new dwellings and with that opportunities and prosperity. The NMC can look at each town’s strengths and build on these, with me.

Jan Davis

Contesting: Councillor and Mayor

I fell in love with this area – its rural character, unique villages, community spirit and sense of optimism – the moment I arrived here. It’s why I choose to live in Perth.

The Northern Midlands is now on the cusp of an exciting future – and I want to play a part in making this happen.  

I’m not a typical politician, promising the earth - because no one person can make things happen by themselves. Things only get done when councils work well together as a team – and I am a strong and committed team player.

Our community needs an elected leader willing to challenge the status quo and get the job done. And that is why I'm seeking election as a councillor and for the honour of representing Northern Midlands residents as Mayor.

Fun fact: I've travelled to 64 of the 195 countries in the world.

Ian Goninon

Contesting: Councillor

Ian Goninon is a born and bred Tasmanian and a very well respected hard working businessman.

His passion to make things better for his fellow Tasmanians is clearly evident on Council as he always strives to keep costs down for ratepayers in the local community with council projects.

Ian is a dedicated family man and also a passionate supporter of numerous charities and causes like Whitelion and the Tassie - Freezing for MND and fundraising events like the Woolmers Festival of Roses.

He loves a chat, his footy and sport generally and when his busy schedule allows, he loves to get away and enjoy a spot of deep sea fishing.

Leisa Gordon

Contesting: Councillor

I feel by ‘Respect our Past and Embracing our Future’; we are creating a positive step to forward for our community and our younger people. This also gives us a sense of belonging and offers a constructive role to the growth and development of the region.

As well as running a small business in Conara, I enthusiastically contribute new ideas and show commitment by supporting various boards and committees.

By working as a team, it is imperative that we, as a council, move forward to the benefit of all Northern Midlands residents as we pave the way for the future within this wonderful part of the world.

Richard Goss

Contesting: Councillor and Deputy Mayor

Background: Teacher, Kings Meadows High School

Fun Fact: Nickname at school “Gossy”

Current Deputy Mayor (4 years), Councillor (11 years) Council Executive (7 years) and held the position of Acting Mayor.

I contributed significantly to the development of treated water to Cressy, Campbell Town and Ross, entrance roundabout at Longford, upgrade to Cressy Swimming Pool, establishment of Cressy & Longford District Forums, lighting upgrades at all recreation grounds & bike lane (new Midland Highway).

If elected, I will canvas for: Longford, Evandale, Perth & Cressy recreation ground upgrades & continuation of walk & bike ways in our community. I will work hard to improve our country road network and I will continue my involvement in the Trout Expo at Cressy. I intend to lead the council in supporting Tasmania to become the Battery of the Nation through the development of pumped electricity at Poatina Power Station and other power stations in Tasmania. I live at Longford, married and I have 3 daughters.

Mary Knowles

Contesting: Councillor and Mayor

Nine years as a Councillor has equipped me with the knowledge and experience to lead the Northern Midlands as your Mayor, and the recent honour of receiving an Order of Australia Medal acknowledges the commitment I have for our beautiful place and its people.

Our towns need to be vibrant and viable with development that respects our heritage and unique communities. We have great community infrastructure plans in place with a focus on sporting facilities and these must be managed in a financially sound way.

I represent the 29 councils on the Family Violence Consultative Group and am responsible for the “No excuse for abuse” signs on our rubbish trucks. I want the Northern Midlands to be a proactive council when it comes to rubbish, working towards resource recovery rather than landfill; we must have a better management system for waste.

Janet Lambert

Contesting: Councillor and Deputy Mayor

With 7 years’ experience as a Councillor and 4 on the executive team, I’m ready to take on the role of Deputy Mayor. I’ve listened and acted upon community needs and concerns, lobbying for infrastructure and facilities including Perth Recreational Ground & Town Structure Plan, Longford Village Green playground development, Longford Sports Complex expansion, Campbell Town Multi-Function Centre and Morven Park re-development.  

There is always more to be done; including upgrading roads, bridges and footpaths, ensuring each community receiving its fair share. Passionate about providing youth educational opportunities - initiated the Higher Education Bursary Program and supported the employment of a Youth Officer. It’s important to encourage businesses to set up in our area which will in turn provide local job opportunities.

I’ve also been working to keep rates low – so local families can have more in their pockets to deal with cost of living pressures. Fishing is my other passion.

Kim Peart

Contesting: Councillor and Mayor

I look to a brighter future in the Northern Midlands, and if elected, will help to make this happen. one need is to improve the tourism experience in Ross, with an interpretation feature for the Ross Bridge, and development of the surrounding environment into heritage parklands. I would work to deliver my proposal for walking and cycling as a tourism trail from the ferry to Port Arthur, via Longford and Ross.

Now that Australia has a space agency, I would call for space benefits for the Northern Midlands, which could include youth activities with a space camp, and attracting space industries to the municipality. The Northern Midlands lacks an art gallery, and I believe the Council can be proactive in creating one. I will fight for truth in planning.

There is no vet service in the central Midlands, and I would invite all fellow councillors to help make this happen.

Michael Polley

Contesting: Councillor

I am proud to be part of a team which has worked responsibly to progress the municipality over the last four years. Council has worked hard to develop both financial and capital works strategies to ensure we meet the needs of our growing municipality into the future. I firmly believe that rate increases should be kept low and each town must receive a fair share of Council’s resources. We should strive to grow the municipality whilst, at the same time, guarantee it is socially and economically sustainable.

With my many years in public office I have the experience to be your strong voice at the Council table. Please help me to work with you to make our communities great places to live, work and play.

James Read

Contesting: Councillor

I’m James Read, running for a seat on the Northern Midlands Council.

I’ve been a Longford Local for the past 13 years and have successfully owned and operated my restaurant - The Happy Chef - for over 20 years in  Launceston and surrounding regional areas.

With over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry, I’m in the business of ‘People’!

I feel I would be a valuable member of the Northern Midlands Council as much of my time is spent in the Community, talking and listening to the locals about their concerns and ideas that may improve our Community.

I’m approachable and accessible and care deeply about the future of our Community. And, as the name states, I’m always “Happy”!

So vote for me, JAMES READ - The Happy Chef, and together we can work towards building a bright future for The Northern Midlands.

Neil Tubb

Contesting: Councillor

I am Neil Tubb, commonly known as Georgie Tubb, locally born and bred who attended Longford Primary and Cressy District High School and sold programs for the Longford Motor Races way back!!

I spent many years on the mainland working in major companies in the Automotive, Chemical, Electronics and the Mining Industry which brought me back to Tasmania in 2005. My heart never left Tasmania!!

I am running for Councillor of the Northern Midlands because I enjoy working for the community and I will be advocating for safe traffic flows, vibrant and viable activity centres and quality services for all residents including the elderly and young families to enjoy.

Am mindful of the need for strict budgetary disciplines and expenditure efficiency and the controlled spending using costly external consultants.

Community service involves being a Rotarian, Chairperson of the Longford Local District Committee and Vice President of the Longford RSL.

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