By PETER DOUGLAS
NINE candidates will contest this month’s Lyster by-election after Yarra Ranges Shire received a strong response for the vacant role.
The by-election was required after former councillor Samantha Dunn’s departure, following her election to the Victorian Parliament in last year’s State Election.
To decide the elected candidate, Yarra Ranges residents will be asked to submit a postal-vote.
The candidates, in ballot paper order, are Suzana Pozvek, Kate Gustke, Mike Clarke, Bill Brindle, Scott Newstead, Jeff Springfield, Ben Wild, Lawrence Mobsby and Richard Wines.
Yarra Ranges Shire mayor Maria McCarthy said the response was pleasing.
“It shows there are many people committed to making our community a better place,” she said.
“We are looking forward to whoever is the elected candidate.
“I’ll be personally happy to show them through and provide information during their first weeks.”
The elected councillor will sit on council until the next general election in October 2016.
Lyster Ward covers the areas of Sherbrooke, Kallista, The Patch, Belgrave, Selby, Menzies Creek, Narre Warren East, Lysterfield and Belgrave Heights.
Returning Officer Evelyn Rak from the Victorian Electoral Commission said residents had a legal obligation to vote.
“Enrolled residents may be fined if they do not vote; this includes homeowners and tenants,” she said.
“To make sure their vote counts, voters should carefully read and follow the instructions in the ballot pack.”
Ms Rak said the completed ballot papers must reach the Returning Officer by 6pm on Friday 27 March, or they cannot be counted.
Voters who haven’t received their ballot pack by Wednesday 18 March, should call 9752 0523 during business hours for a replacement pack.
Voting is compulsory for voters who were on the State roll for this by-election at 4pm on Friday 30 January, this year.
