As Katherine gets ready to vote in a new town council, we have contacted all candidates for town council and mayoral positions to do profile stories so you can learn a little about them and their bids.
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As we head into early voting on Monday, these are their stories so far. We'll update this file with new links as candidates get back to us so keep popping in.
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?: Send letters to the editor or story tips to editor.kathtimes@austcommunitymedia.com.au
COLIN ABBOTT
Katherine's Chamber of Commerce Manager Colin Abbott has announced his decision to run in the upcoming council election, and says his goal is to improve Katherine's liveability. Mr Abbott, who is also an Industry Advisor for the Industry Capability Network NT, came to Katherine with his family in 2017 and decided to make Katherine home.
READ MORE: Chamber of Commerce Boss running for council
DIRK AMBJERG
Profile story to come
MADDY BOWER
Profile story to come
JOACHIM DAVID BUCKERFIELD
Profile story to come
ROBERT CHAPMAN
Community development worker Rob Chapman is the latest member of the community to announce he is running as a candidate in the Katherine Town Council election, citing environmental sustainability and community cohesion as his main priorities. Mr Chapman moved to Katherine in 2004 to work as a linguist at Katherine's Aboriginal Language Centre.
Read more: Rob Chapman running for council
LIS CLARK
Katherine Mayor Lis Clark has confirmed she will recontest the upcoming Council election. Ms Clark, who has a background in horticulture, has been on Council for 13 years and became Mayor following the retirement of long-serving former Mayor, Fay Miller, in September.
DENIS COBURN
After more than 20 years as a resident of Katherine, Denis Coburn has thrown his hat in the ring for the Katherine Town Council 2021 election. As a member of the local community since 1998, Mr Coburn has seen his fair share of local councils, and said to represent the people of Katherine would be a fulfilling duty.
Read more: Long-term resident throws hat into ring
SHIRLEY CRANE
With an interest in the environment and serving the local community, Shirley Crane will stand in this year's Katherine Town Council election. Ms Crane, who moved to Katherine 11 years ago, was a teacher at various schools across the area in latter years and since retiring, has occupied a variety of positions in various community groups; "I talk to a lot of people".
ALLAN DOMASCHENZ
Profile story to come
ROBBIE FRIEL
Jawoyn Traditional Owner Robbie Friel has put his hand up to run for Council, saying it's important to have an Indigenous representative for Katherine. Despite not being born in Katherine, Mr Friel has lived and worked in the community for 25 years at the Mt Todd Gold Mine.
READ MORE: Jawoyn TO Robbie Friel bids for council role
KYM HENDERSON
Development and Implementation of the five Year Community Strategic Plan and a strong advocacy for a Waste Management Hub are major campaign goals for Kym Henderson who will run for re-election for Katherine Town Council. Ms Henderson wants to ensure the interests of the Katherine community will be heard.
BEN HERDON
The man who helped bring the beloved Pride Festival to Katherine, Ben Herdon, is the latest person to put their hand up to run for Council. Mr Herdon, who is also the manager of Katherine's Commonwealth Bank, said he has decided to run out of his love for the Katherine community and his passion for making a difference.
MATTHEW JAMES HURLEY
Katherine Town Council Alderman, Matt Hurley has officially stated that he will be re-standing for election and this time, going for the head job. Mr Hurley said the current culture of the Katherine Town Council is "positive".
Read more: Matthew Hurley going for mayor's job
AMANDA KINGDON
Environmentally sustainable services and improved public areas are two of the many campaign goals for Amanda Kingdon as she stands for Katherine Town Council. With many items on her 'to-do list', Mrs Kingdon, should she be elected, hopes to be the voice for her community.
PETER MCDOUGALL
Celebrating Katherine's 100th anniversary and working towards more community engagement are major campaign goals for Peter McDougall, who is standing for Katherine Town Council. Mr McDougall confirmed several goals he has for the Katherine community and there is only one promise he will give.
Read more: Candidate promises accountability
JEREMY TREMBATH
Profile story to come
KEVIN SOUTH
With population growth a talking point for many in recent times, Mr South said in order for the town to continue to prosper, additional employment opportunities, services, housing, recreation and entertainment, and a reduction in anti-social behaviour must be sought. "There needs to be a coordinated approach to direct all these things toward a common goal - making Katherine a very desirable place to relocate permanently," Mr South said.
OTHER COUNCIL NEWS
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