Three new councillors in Victoria Park election

Three new councillors have been elected for two wards in a local government election in Victoria Park. Karen Vernon, with 872 votes, has become the first female councillor alongside with Ronhhda Potter, with 807 votes, for Banskia ward. In Jarrah ward, Bronwyn Ife became the first female councillor by achieving 1792 votes alongside with John Oliver who has been reelected by receiving 1697 votes. Returning officer Leonie Veitch said: “We have got 12,360 valid votes but the number of registered voters were much more therefore it is clear that many have ignored to vote. “However, this year turnout was about 31 per cent which is an improvement from 2015 where participation was around 28 per cent.” Staff manager Towela Mbirimi said: “This is an improvement for women who have become the majority for the first time in the council.” She said: “The community has shown its support for developing our town and its industry.” The result was announced Saturday at 10:30 pm in Town of Victoria Park where the votes were counted. Tens of thousands of western Australians have voted in the 2017 local government elections. The election took place in 81 suburbs. Councillors have been elected for a term of four years which will be expired by 16 of October 2021.