Who Will Be Cessnock’s Next Mayor?
Three people will contest the position of Cessnock City Mayor at the September 14 Local Government Elections.
Jay Suvaal is currently Mayor having been voted in at the 2021 elections. Jay is affiliated with the Labor Party. Jay is also running as a councillor in Ward A.
Also contesting is independent Daniel Watton. Daniel is also running as a councillor for Ward C.
Llynda Nairn is third on the mayoral ballot paper and is the Greens candidate. She is also running as a councillor in Ward C.
Jay says he is committed to continuing to improve local roads, upgrade Cessnock’s local parks and playgrounds, improve the district’s sporting facilities, and link the community with shared pathways.
Daniel Watton is currently a Ward C Councillor. His focus is on harnessing Cessnock’s untapped potential through strategies that drive growth, development, and sustainability. He says by working together, council and community can build a prosperous and thriving community that everyone is proud to call home.
Llynda Nairn wants to help shape decisions about the future of Cessnock, to make sure that people and our environment are Cessnock’s first priorities.
It’s All About the Groups in Cessnock
Cessnock residents will vote for 12 councillors to represent them at the upcoming September 14 Local Government Elections.
The Cessnock local government area is divided into four areas called ‘Wards’ and each ward has three Councillors to represent the people within these areas.
Cessnock ward boundaries have changed since the last election. It is important that you check if the ward you are in has changed and you can do this by checking the NSW Electoral Commission website.
All candidates have affiliated with groups which is outlined below.
Each of the candidates were requested by The Hunter River Times to provide a photo and 25 words on why they are running. Here is what we received.
WARD A CANDIDATES
This area basically takes in Wollombi, Millfield, Ellalong, Bellbird, Kitchener, Mulbring.
There are three groups. Jessica Jurd’s group is independent, Jay Suvaal’s group is Labor and Llynda Nairns group is the Greens.
Group A
Jessica Jurd – I’m currently serving as an Independent Councillor for Ward A. My experience has only strengthened my resolve to seek re-election, focusing on maximizing council spending for community benefit, improving road maintenance, and ensuring open, transparent communication. I am committed to implementing meaningful change for Cessnock.
Tracey Harrinton – I’ve lived in Cessnock for 54 years, working as a teacher and running a local business. I’m committed to advocating for better community representation and infrastructure.
Sharon Kennedy – Living in Wollombi Valley, I’ve seen our local challenges and lack of representation. I’m committed to advocating for transparency and genuine support across Cessnock.
Group B
Jay Suvaal – I’m committed to continuing to improve our local roads, upgrade our local parks
and playgrounds, improve our sporting facilities, and link our community with shared pathways. James Hawkins – I would like to see our city continue to develop sustainably with our much-needed infrastructure keeping pace with unprecedented recent growth.
Charmain McLennan – I bring to the community a foundation of strong core values, a deep passion for the Cessnock LGA, and an unwavering commitment to community well-being.
Group C
Llynda Nairn – I want to help shape decisions about the future of Cessnock, to make sure that people and our environment are our first priorities.
Greg Gilmour – I’m running for council because I believe the community needs have been ignored for far too long. It’s time for a change.
Averil Drummond – I’m standing to help preserve the rural and natural areas of Ward A, for future generations of the people of Cessnock.
WARD B CANDIDATES
The Ward B area basically takes in Cessnock city, Neath, Aberdare, Kearsley.
There are three groups contesting Ward B with three people from those nominating to be voted in.
Group A
Sarah Pascoe, Brett King, Brendan Peel.
Group B
Christopher Madden – I’m committed to seeing through the current projects that the council has embarked on in a timely manner, on budget and considering the community’s voice.
Fatmata Bangura – I’m passionate about local business, families, and Cessnock’s growing diversity. I hope to contribute positively to our community through public service.
Steve George – I want my kids to be proud of their hometown of Cessnock and have a vision to help foster a Happy and Healthy Community for the next generations.
Group C
Quintin King – As lead independent candidate for Ward B, I’ve been advocating for increased police presence, a ring road, and the Save Wollombi Road campaign. I’m running to tackle Cessnock’s challenges, from crumbling roads to financial concerns. My priorities are community engagement, improving road infrastructure, and developing a long-term vision for our area’s prosperity.
Naomi Smith – With a family history spanning four generations in Cessnock, I’m dedicated to improving our infrastructure and governance to ensure our city thrives like never before.
Colin Caban – My family has shaped Cessnock for generations, contributing significantly to its development. I’m committed to addressing local challenges and improving infrastructure as an independent candidate.
Ward C Candidates
Ward C basically takes in parts of Huntlee, Sawyers Gully and Branxton, Greta, Lovedale, North Rothbury, Keinbah, Abermain and Weston.
Group A
Sophie Palmowski – I am passionate about the future of our rapidly growing community and improving services and recreation spaces for future generations.
Mitchell Lea – I’m running to deliver for our community and make our city a place people are proud to call home and raise a family.
Anne Sander – I have been a strong voice for our community and want to continue encouraging public conversations to build trust in the decisions made by Council.
Group B
Daniel Watton – I’m committed to strong leadership that prioritizes community interests, harnesses Cessnock’s potential, and ensures sustainable growth for a thriving future.
Mark Mason – With 18 years in banking and finance, I’m committed to a transparent, accountable council that reflects our community’s values. Support my vision for grassroots democracy in Cessnock
Jack Franklin – I am committed to representing the youth and addressing Cessnock’s urgent needs by focusing on infrastructure improvements and fostering greater community engagement for a brighter future.
Group C
Nick Maher, Rachel Thomas, Cameron Derewianka-Bowes.
Ward D Candidates
This area basically takes in parts of Sawyers Gully, Cliftleigh, Loxford, Heddon Greta, Kurri Kurri, Stanford Methyr, Pelaw Main, Buchanan, Black Hill and Mulbring.
Group A
Susan Dixon – Leading Independent Candidate Ward D. I believe Cessnock residents are tired of political parties dominating our local council. It’s time for Independents to represent ratepayers fairly and transparently. My focus is on ensuring that councillors and residents work together for the betterment of our community.
Chris Parker – After moving from Hawkesbury Valley, I’ve lived in the area for over three decades and served on Cessnock City Council from 2008-2012. I advocate for non-political, community-focused governance.
David Cocking – With 40 years in coal and public transport, I’m running for council to restore genuine debate, prioritize families, and preserve our valued way of life.
Group B – Animal Justice Party
Victoria Davies – is the lead candidate for Group B Ward D along with group members Graeme Davies and Anne McCondach. Victoria and her group believe in creating a community where people, animals and nature can all thrive together. They want to see a town where development is sustainable, streets are clean, and everyone—whether human or animal—is treated with respect and kindness.
Group C – Labor
Mitchell Hill – I will continue to focus on improving our city with upgrades to local roads, parks and community facilities.
Rosa Grine – I am committed to unlocking Kurri Kurri’s potential and ensuring a prosperous future for all residents.
Deb Dunne – I will advocate for programs and initiatives that help young people within our community to make the most of their future.
