The Town of Port Hedland Local Government Election will be held on Saturday 28 March, to fill nine vacancies, including a new Mayor and eight Councillors.

The Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) has appointed Andrew Dunkin as the Returning Officer, who will oversee the postal election process.

Residents and enrolled owner occupiers who are eligible to vote will receive their voting pack by mail once WAEC has confirmed the final list of candidates in mid-February.

Become a candidate

If you are interested in running for Council, you can lodge a nomination with the Returning Officer during the nomination period. 

Key dates

  • Nominations open: Thursday 5 February
  • Nominations close: 4pm Thursday 12 February 
  • Election Day: Saturday 28 March

How to lodge your nomination

Candidate nominations must be received by the Returning Officer before 4pm Thursday 12 February, either online or in person at the Town of Port Hedland Civic Centre.

Before you nominate

Candidates must:

  • Complete mandatory Candidate Induction Training
  • Contact the Returning Officer
  • Complete a nomination form; and
  • Complete their nomination profile on the Western Australian Electoral Commission website.

Nomination requirements

To make a valid nomination, you must provide

  • A completed nomination form
  • A candidate profile with your nomination form
  • A $100 deposit (paid before nominations close)
  • If an agent lodges on your behalf, written authorisation from you
  • A completed nomination form submitted to the Returning Officer before the close date, 4pm Thursday 12 February.

Optional: a recent head and shoulders photo

When to submit your nomination

Candidates must print their completed forms and arrange an appointment to the Returning Officer by 4pm Thursday 12 February. The Returning Officer will be based at the Town of Port Hedland Civic Centre during the candidate nomination period.

Address: Civic Centre, 13 McGregor Street, Port Hedland WA 6721

Submitting your nomination

Nominations are to be received by the Returning Officer, Andrew Dunkin.

Eligibility and Disqualification

You are not eligible to nominate if you:

  • Are an elected member of another council
  • Are a candidate for another vacancy of Councillor on the council (except for that of Mayor)
  • Are a Member of Parliament
  • Are an insolvent
  • Are currently an elected member for the local government whose term does not expire on election day except if nominating for Mayor
  • Have been convicted of a crime and are in prison for that crime
  • Have been convicted in the previous 5 years of a “serious local government offence”
  • Are a nominee of a body corporate owner or occupier
  • Have been found personally liable of misapplying local government funds or property in the previous five years.

Code of Conduct for Candidates

In Western Australia, local government election conduct is governed by the Local Government Act 1995, Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997, and the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021.

Candidates must act with honesty, fairness, and integrity, avoiding misleading material, respecting others, and ensuring proper use of electoral rolls. Breaches can result in penalties, including fines for unauthorised material or failure to disclose gifts.

Key Code of Conduct Principles for Candidates

Integrity: Act honestly in all representations, avoid personal attacks, and refrain from frivolous complaints.

Fairness: Ensure campaigns do not compromise a free and fair election.

Respect: Treat all, including opponents, staff, and the community, with respect and courtesy.

Compliance: Adhere to the Local Government Act 1995, council local laws, and regulations.

Election Regulations and Rules

Authorisation: All campaign material (pamphlets, websites, Facebook pages) must include a valid authorisation (name and address).

Electoral Rolls: Rolls provided must only be used for electioneering and must be destroyed/deleted within five business days of the election results.

Gifts: Candidates must disclose gifts related to their candidacy, with strict deadlines (within 10 days).

Complaints: Complaints regarding candidate conduct can be made, and if elected, they fall under the Model Code of Conduct, managed internally or by the Local Government Standards Panel.

Penalties: Fines apply for offences like unauthorized material, failure to disclose gifts, or failing to destroy electoral rolls.

For more information, please read the Local Government Election - Candidate Information Guide.


The Town’s Code of Conduct reflects the mode code of conduct prescribed by the Local Government Act 1995 which includes:

  • General principles to guide behaviour of candidates
  • Requirements relating to behaviour of candidates
  • Provisions specified to be rules of conduct for candidates

Candidate Information Session

The Town of Port Hedland will host a Candidate Information Session at the Civic Centre on Wednesday, 4 February, starting at 7pm.

This session is designed for anyone considering nominating for Council and will cover:

  • the local government election process
  • the role and responsibilities of Council Members
  • how local government supports the community
  • the Western Australian Government’s role in regulating councils and shires

Presenters

Presentations will be delivered by:

  • Returning Officer, Andrew Dunkin
  • Temporary Chief Executive Officer, Kenn Donohoe
  • Town of Port Hedland Commissioner, Ronald Yuryevich AM

Can’t attend in person?

The session will be recorded and made available on the Town of Port Hedland website. You can also watch live via the Town’s YouTube channel.

If you wish to ask questions after the online session, please email the Governance team at governance@porthedland.wa.gov.au. 

Running the election

The WAEC has appointed a Returning Officer to oversee the election process. Andrew Dunkin will manage candidate nominations, supervise polling places and ensure the election runs smoothly and properly.

 

Returning Officer Andrew Dunkin

Phone: 0475 362 607

Email: lgxro_porthedland@elections.wa.gov.au 

Election Campaigning

Social media

As social media has become a major part of election campaigns, the WAEC has released standards to guide candidates.

These standards require that any material intended, calculated, or likely to affect voting in an election must be authorised.

The authorisation requirements apply regardless of who publishes the material or whether it appears in printed or electronic form.

Any electoral advertisement, handbill, pamphlet, or electoral notice (other than a newspaper advertisement announcing a meeting) must include the name and physical street address (not a PO Box number) of the person authorising it.

Printed materials must also include the printer’s name and place of business at the foot of the page, unless the advertisement appears in a newspaper where the printer is already identifiable.

If one person produces and prints election material (for example, using a home computer and printer), the legislative requirements are satisfied by adding ‘Authorised and printed by (name), (address)’ at the end.

Certain small promotional items for candidates or parties are exempt from the authorisation and address requirements.

These include:

  • T-shirts, lapel buttons, lapel badges, pens, pencils or balloons
  • Business or visiting cards that promote a person’s candidacy in an election.

Internet advertising (such as banner ads) must also be authorised. Websites or Facebook pages created for electioneering purposes need authorisation on the home or landing page, while individual social media comments (such as those on Twitter or Facebook) do not.

Penalties may be applied for non-compliance with the authorisation requirements, as well as for any misleading or deceptive publications.

Public Notices 

Confirmation of the Local Government election date for Port Hedland, Saturday, 28 March 2026.  You can read the Gazette notice here.

Enrolments close for the Local Government election on 5pm Friday, 30 January 2026. Read the public notice here. 

To access the Local Government election timeline from the Western Australian Electoral Commission here.

Need help?

For more information about the edibility and nomination process, contact

  • The Returning Officer: Andrew Dunkin, 0475 362 607
  • WA Electoral Commission: 13 63 06

Helpful links 

Western Australian Electoral Commission

Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

www.aec.gov.au

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Local Government election? 

On 28 March, the Local Government election will elect a mayor and four full-term councillors (four-year term) and four half-term councillors (two-year term) to represent the Port Hedland community.

Who is responsible for running the Local Government election?

The WAEC has appointed a Returning Officer to oversee the election process. Andrew Dunkin will manage candidate nominations, supervise polling places and ensure the election runs smoothly and properly.

Can I vote in the Local Government election?

Residents

All residents in a local government district who are enrolled on the State electoral roll are automatically enrolled on the corresponding local government roll.

Owners and Occupiers

People who own or occupy rateable property within a local government district, can apply to the Town of Port Hedland to be included on the roll as an owner/occupier, if they are eligible electors. You can read more here.

Check your enrolment details on the AEC website, if

  • if you have lived in Port Hedland for at least a month
  • turned 18 years of age
  • recently became an Australian citizen
  • enrolled to vote in the State and Federal elections

British subjects who were enrolled between 26 October 1983 and 25 January 1984 inclusive, and who live in Western Australia, can vote in local government elections.

Is it compulsory to vote in the Local Government election?

Every vote is equal and every vote counts. Your vote will count. Voting in local government election is the way the community can choose who represents them in Council. Local government elections influence the policies that directly affect the neighbourhood – services, facilities, events, activities, infrastructure, public works – liveability.

Voting in local government elections is not compulsory.

How can I vote?

Residents and owner occupiers who are enrolled to vote will receive their voting papers by mail once the WAEC finalises the candidates in mid-February.

If you’re enrolled to vote, your voting packs will arrive in your mailboxes from late February from Australia Post.

What is a silent elector? 

People who meet the AEC's voting requirements and need to have their details removed from the public electoral roll register may apply to become a silent elector.

A silent elector applies to individuals who believe their personal safety or the safety of their family is at risk if their details are listed on the electoral roll.

Applicants must complete a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration and explain the reasons why you and/or your family's personal safety is at risk. Your profession, having a silent phone number, or not wanting to receive junk mail aren't considered reasons for granting silent elector status. AEC will carefully consider all applications.

If there are other family members enrolled at your address with the same family name, it is strongly recommended that they also become silent electors so that the address does not appear in association with your family name on the electoral roll.

For more information, visit Silent electors - Australian Electoral Commission

If I don't have a fixed address or a real place of living, can I vote in the Port Hedland postal Election?

Every voting citizen has the right to participate in our democratic process, including individuals who are experiencing homelessness, are living in crisis or transitional accommodation or can’t access safe and secure housing.

To enrol to vote, you must check the special enrolment options and meet the AEC's itinerant voter requirements.

For more information, visit the Enrolment for people with no fixed address webpage on the Australian Electoral Commission.

How can I help raise awareness about the Local Government election? 

You can help by downloading and sharing the Town's flyer and poster. 

Why become an Elected Member? 

The Mayor and Councillors bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the Chamber.

Whether you care about the town, have a wealth of knowledge of the area or are looking to build your leadership skills, then becoming an elected representative for Port Hedland could be a rewarding experience for you.

The Mayor and Councillors act as a link between the community and local government, advocating for what matters to the community by helping to shape the delivery of important public services and community infrastructure.

When can I install election signs? 

Election signs can be installed the day after the nomination period closes.

Where can I install election signs? 

You can place election signs on private property, provided that you obtain approval from the owner of the property first.

Election signs must not be placed on any Local Government owned property / fences / buildings/ parks, etc. Examples are: Civic Centre, Wedgefield Depot, JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub, Libraries, Aquatic Centres and the Wanangkura Stadium.

Election signs must not obstruct or encroach on a public thoroughfare or endanger the public in any way.

Each sign must be installed using its own stake or picket. Signs must not be placed on any existing sign infrastructure.

Election signs cannot be placed within 50m of an intersection/ roundabout/ traffic sign or traffic island.

Election signs must be no closer than 3.5m from the trafficable path of vehicles.

What must be on the election sign? 

  • The name and address of the person authorising the sign
  • The name and place of business of the printer of the sign
  • Signs must not contain any purported representation of a ballot paper
  • Signs must not contain any misleading or deceptive imagery or material

What do I do if I see an election sign in breach of these guidelines? 

Call the Town of Port Hedland on (08) 9158 9300 and tell us the location.

Do I have to vote in the Local Government election?

The above guidelines are based on information contained within the following documents:

  • Sections 187 and 191A of the Electoral Act 1907
  • Regulations 7 & 7A of the Local Government (Uniform Local Provisions) Regulations 1995
  • Schedule 2 item 61 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015
  • Clause 4.12 and 4.13 of the Town of Port Hedland Animals Environment and Nuisances Local Law 2016

Clause 11.6 of the Town of Port Hedland Planning Policy No. 12 ‘Control of Signs and Advertising Devices’

When should candidates disclose donations and gifts? 

Both the candidate and the donor in local government elections have legislative obligations to disclose gifts promised or received by the candidate or made by the donor. Under Part 5A of the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997, the information will be publicly available on the Register of Electoral Gifts.

In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997 regulations 30B and 30CA, both the candidate and the donor are required to each submit a disclosure of gift, promised or received by the candidate or made by the donor, during the specified disclosure period being 6 weeks leading up to the local government elections and concludes either 3 days after the election day for the unsuccessful candidate or on the start day for financial interest returns for the successful candidate.

Candidate

A candidate must disclose to the CEO a gift promised or received during the above disclosure period using the gift disclosure form and return it to the Returning Officer. 

Failure to disclose attracts a penalty of $5,000 which may be enforced for non-compliance.
Donor 

A donor must disclose to the CEO a gift to a candidate promised or made during the above disclosure period using the gift disclosure form from the Returning Officer.

Failure to disclose attracts a penalty of $5,000 which may be enforced for non-compliance.

Please submit all gift disclosure forms to the Town of Port Hedland at governance@porthedland.wa.gov.au or in person at the Civic Centre, 13 McGregor Street, Port Hedland.

What is the salary package offered to Councillors?

The State Administrative Tribunal is responsible for determining the annual remuneration package for elected members. Councillors' annual salary range under Band 1 is $27,560 to $35,480. For the Mayor, the annual salary range under Band 1 is $27,560 to $53,215. The sitting allowance for elected members is currently $53,215 for the Mayor and $35,480 for Councillors.

In addition, since the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor have defined roles under the Act, such as being a spokesperson for the Town, the Town's administration will set an annual allowance within the State Administrative Tribunal Local Government band, $57,404 to $100,514.

The mayor receives the full amount set by the Town's administration whereas the Deputy Mayor receives 25% of the annual set allowance.

Currently, the Town has set the annual allowance for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor as;

  • Mayor $100,514
  • Deputy Mayor $25,129

How often do elected members meet?

Councillors may be expected to attend between 1 and 3 meetings per week, outside of regular business hours.

These meetings include the monthly Ordinary Council Meeting, which starts at 5:30pm, the annual General Meetings (AGM) of Electors, the quarterly Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee (ARIC) meetings for committee members, and ad hoc meetings, such as confidential briefings, workshops or briefings, agenda feedback sessions, budget workshops, consultation sessions, external committees and special meetings held for specific purposes.

What are the time commitments for elected members? 

The time it takes required for elected members to perform their duties will differ among individuals. These duties include responding to community members' enquiries, attending training, functions, and ceremonies, and preparing for meetings.

Pre-reading documents vary from 30 to over 600 pages. Below is a full breakdown of likely pre-reading material given to elected member ahead of meetings.

Type of Meeting Frequency of Meeting Reading Volume
Ordinary Council Meeting Monthly 200 to 600+ pages
Confidential Briefing Meetings Monthly 100 to 200+ pages
Agenda Feedback Session Meeting (initial review of OCM agenda) Monthly 200 to 600+ pages
Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee Meeting Quarterly 30 to 70+ pages
Workshops or Briefings As required 30 to 200+ pages

 

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