ALL four wards of Gannawarra Shire Council will be contested during next month’s elections, with 13 residents submitting nominations before Tuesday’s cut-off.
Five of the seven current councillors will seek another four-year term, with Neil Gannon (Avoca) and Keith den Houting (Patchell) both retiring.
A further eight people will aim to be elected, with one candidate – Rodney Hibbet – seeking to return to council after last serving from 1996 to 1999.
Mr Hibbet, a Kerang tractor business manager, and Lake Charm farmer, Charlie Gillingham will aim to replace Cr Gannon in the electorate that covers the western half of the municipality.
A two-way vote will also occur in the Murray Ward, which covers Koondrook and Murrabit – a first for the ward since its creation 20 years ago.
Long-serving representative, Oscar Aertssen will face his first election since being elected unopposed in 2005, with Koondrook resident, Steven Tasker announcing his candidacy.
Four people will aim to claim one of the three spots available to represent the Patchell Ward, which covers Kerang, Macorna and the area east of the Reedy Lakes.
Current representatives, Mark Arians and Brian Gibson will compete alongside Jodie Basile, who announced her candidacy earlier this month, and Jenny Fawcett to serve the municipality’s most populated ward.
A five-way contest will occur for the two available spots in the Yarran Ward, which covers Cohuna and Leitchville.
Former mayor, Neville Goulding is teaming up with Robert Cooper to run a joint ticket, with Andrew Gibbs and Sonia Wright’s Go for Gannawarra campaign also aiming for the same goal.
Current mayor, Lorraine Learmonth is the fifth nominee.
Gannawarra Shire residents will vote by post, with ballot packs to be sent out between October 4 and 6.
Ballot packs need to be completed and placed in the mail or hand-delivered to the election office by 6pm on Friday, October 21.
