IT’S a big cast for Stirling’s 2021 council elections on October 16 with 28 candidates across seven wards. There’s one vacancy in each of the two wards in the patch of Stirling the Voice covers:

Inglewood Ward

Andrew Bethell is a fan of the city and keen to work with existing councillors, and as an accountancy graduate he’s keen on keeping the council financially responsible, and believes in fewer fees and reduced fines.

Bianca Sandri is the incumbent seeking another term, setting her priorities for these four years as improved street lighting, redevelopment of the Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre and sports clubs, upgrading parks and reserves and investing in the city’s security service.

Daniela Ion runs a small business, works in family and migration law and also works pro bono for community legal centres. She wants more parks, more seniors’ and sporting activities, reduced costs for community clubs and wants to encourage tourism to Stirling with regular flower and art exhibitions. 

Lawley Ward

Josh Woodward has worked for councils in sanitation, parks and gardens, and as a ranger, and also has a masters in Australian history he wants to put to use protecting the council’s heritage.

Lucy Nicol has worked in community tv and in politics and is a Greens party member. Earlier this year she supported the push to change the City of Stirling’s name to no longer reflect the colonialist who led the Pinjarra massacre.

Paul Collins is a former councillor keen to get back on board. He’s past president of the Mt Lawley Heritage Society and wants more protection for the historic housing stock and to protect them from the new wave of overlooking apartments. He’s against “wasteful expenditure” like changing the city’s name.

Suzanne Migdale is the incumbent seeking reelection, noting rates have stayed low in her four years and she’ll aim to keep it that way while keeping the city debt free. 

Chali Silwimba is a high school teacher and wants to create more opportunities for local youth with an aim to increase community safety. President of a local soccer club, she was born in Zambia and appreciates the importance of migrants to the WA economy. 

Jignesh Shah is an engineer who’s lived in Stirling for 30 years, and he wants to turn Stirling into Perth’s second CBD. 

In the further reaches we don’t get to physically, the candidates are:

Osborne Ward: Teresa Olow, Giovanni Italiano, Robert Whitehead, Daniel Bailey, Stephanus Becker, James Helliwell.

Hamersley Ward: Karlo Perkov (incumbent), Melita Markey, Leisha Jack, Demetre (Jim) Bivoltsis.

Doubleview Ward: Rob Paparde, Elizabeth Re.

Coastal Ward: Simon Wheeler, Grant MacDonald, Tony Krsticevic.

Balga Ward: Andrea Creado, Marwa Wasique, Ram Tin Thei, Len Yarran.