President's Report

Beverley Shire Council Elections 2025

Congratulations to Councillors elected at the recent Beverley Local Government Elections and thankyou to all eight candidates for your participation in the electoral process. The successful candidates filling the four vacancies are returning Councillors Sue Martin, John Maxwell, and Alan Sattler and new Councillor Andrew Shaw.

Currently voting in Local Government elections is voluntary which I believe most of us would prefer to remain the case. Interestingly Beverley had 49.8% of those eligible casting their vote which is a much better participation rate among electors than many metropolitan Councils.

Changes to the Local Government Act in recent years now requires preferential voting in Local Government elections. This complex process has necessitated the Shire to engage the WA Electoral Commission to run our elections, hence a move to postal voting. Whilst this has seen an increased participation rate among eligible electors, it also has come at a notably increased cost to the Shire than the previous “first past the post” method of voting.

Thankyou to outgoing Councillors David White and Don Davis for the extensive contributions made during their respective terms as Shire Councillors, both also having served as Shire President. David was elected to Council in 2011 and served as Shire President for four years 2021-2025. Don was elected in 2013 and served as Shire President for two years 2019-2021.

Council for the 2025-2027 term

Cr Dee Ridgway - Shire President

Cr Alan Sattler - Deputy Shire President

Cr Darryl Brown

Cr Chris Lawler

Cr Sue Martin

Cr John Maxwell

Cr Andrew Shaw

Beverley Airshow 11 April 2026

Planning is well underway for this significant regional event. The “Beverley Airshow” facebook page is up and running and can be followed to learn of new details as they come to hand. Visit the website www.beverleyairshow.com.au for interesting information about the event as well as a useful “Frequently asked Questions” section.

In closing …

Please drive safely and take extra care on the roads. With hay and harvesting operations underway there may be large machinery and equipment being moved on roads around the district and an increased number of road-train vehicles delivering this year’s crops. It may take a few more minutes to get where you’re going, but your patience in doing so will be worth it.

It is a privilege to again be serving in the role of Shire President, and I look forward to Council’s collective contribution on behalf of the Shire and our community.

Dee Ridgway

Beverley Shire President