Rockingham bids adieu to mayor

Rockingham has farewelled outgoing mayor Barry Sammels, with a field of six candidates vying to replace the 18-year incumbent at this Saturday’s election.

Mr Sammels has served as a councillor at the City of Rockingham since 1997, being elevated to the role of deputy mayor in 2001 and eventually the job of mayor in 2003.

His resignation leaves the position open for the first time in nearly two decades, with deputy mayor Deb Hamblin and three councillors, including Lorna Buchan, Mark Jones and Craig Buchanan, now vying to replace him.

PropTech WA general manger and committee member Cullum Ashton and Genesis Homes Master Builders managing director Jack Pleiter are also in the running for the job.

City of Rockingham chief executive Michael Parker earlier thanked Mr Sammels for his commitment to the community as both a councillor and mayor.

“Mayor Sammels has served the community for nearly 25 years and in that time the city has grown from about 58,000 people to become a major strategic metropolitan centre that is home to approximately 140,000 residents,” he said. 

“While working to represent the community, Mayor Sammels has forged many long lasting relationships with key stakeholders at a local, state and federal level.” 

Elections for the City of Rockingham’s council will take place on October 16, with six, four-year positions open across the city’s Baldivis, Comet Bay and Safety Bay wards.

Councillor’s terms were recently extended from two years, with the city adopting direct elections of its mayor in September.

More than 88,000 electors are eligible to vote at Saturday’e election, with whoever’s elected mayor serving until 2025.