Gen-Y eyes council
In a time of uncertainty for the City of Kwinana, two residents in their 20s are stepping up to the challenge of local government with a mission to maintain Kwinana’s community spirit and strengthen its future.
The average age of the eight candidates contesting the four vacancies on Kwinana council is 47.
With five new challengers and three sitting councillors contesting the seats, candidates Jason Lynn, 25, and Asti Jorgensen, 26, are breaking the mould of the “stereotypical candidate”.
Mrs Jorgensen said she believed Kwinana needed a younger voice for the future of the City.
“I want to assist in making important decisions that will impact the way people live in Kwinana,” she said.
“I think there needs to be a change because I feel the council needs a mix of ages to ensure the wider population of the community is being looked after and all voices are heard equally.
“At the moment we have an older mix of councillors, which isn’t a problem, but we don’t have the even spread, and we need the even spread because each generation has their own priorities and opinions and views on which direction Kwinana should go.”
Mr Lynn, the youngest candidate, said he wanted to ensure growth and infrastructure in the City was balanced and met the needs of the community.
“What has happened in Kwinana over the past five years has been quite phenomenal and I know when I grew up in Kwinana there was that sense of community that made it really special — when I talk to my friends I grew up with we all remember small things like Santa handing out lollies on Christmas and the Anzac ceremonies in Medina.
“Yes we are growing, yes you need growth, but you also have to keep it sustainable while keeping what people know — that sense of community spirit.”
Deputy mayor Ruth Alexander 60, said she may be one of the eldest on paper but she did not feel her age.
“I think when you get to a certain stage age is irrelevant as long as you are actively involved,” she said.
“I think experience is more important than age, although I do agree it is good to have a range of experiences on council.
“Traditionally councillors tend to be middle-aged plus so it is really good to have young ones as well, like Tanya Dupagne and Peter Feasey posing different dimensions.”
