RESIDENTS will receive ballot papers in the mail this week for the Gannawarra Shire Council elections.
Ballots will be issued in all wards, with 13 people contesting the seven council positions available.
Charlie Gillingham and Rodney Hibbet will contest the vacant Avoca Ward position – which covers the western half of the municiaplity – with the pair aiming to replace retiring representative, Neil Gannon.
Four people are contesting the three positions available to represent the Patchell Ward, which covers Kerang, Macorna and the Reedy Lakes.
Current representatives, Mark Arians and Brian Gibson are seeking a second term on council, with Jodie Basile and Jenny Fawcett rounding out the candidates.
Long-serving Murray Ward representative, Oscar Aertssen faces a challenge from Steven Tasker to represent the towns of Koondrook and Murrabit.
Five candidates are running in the Yarran Ward, which covers Cohuna and Leitchville.
Former mayor, Neville Goulding and Robert Cooper have formed a joint ticket, with Andrew Gibbs and Sonia Wright uniting to run for council.
Current mayor, Lorraine Learmonth is the fifth nominee.
Ballot papers must be posted or hand-delivered to the election office by 6pm on Friday, October 21 or they cannot be counted.
Voters who haven’t received their ballot pack by Wednesday, October 12 should call 1300588952 during business hours to arrange a replacement.
Voting is compulsory for voters who were on the State roll for this election at 4pm on Friday, August 26. State-enrolled voters who don’t vote may be fined.
Voters aged 70 years or older and council-enrolled voters are encouraged to vote but will not be fined if they don’t vote.
