The Kiama Greens have won the prized first position on the ballot form for the 4 December Council Election.

Electoral Commission officials conducted the draw to position the seven groups contesting the election at lunchtime today in Kiama.

The groups will be listed on the ballot in the following order:

• The Greens, led by Councillor Kathy Rice
• SAFE, led by Karen Renkema-Lang
• Kiama Labor, led by Imogen Draisma
• Team Reilly, led by Councillor Neil Reilly
• We love Kiama Gerringong Jamberoo, led by Councillor Matt Brown
• Your Community Candidates, led by Mark Croxford
• No Political Parties, led by Councillor Warren Steel.

The four candidates who witnessed the draw all appreciated the commitment to a fair and open democracy right from the start, and the election heading into the home straight.

“It is wonderful the process has officially begun,” said Neil Reilly.

“I’m in the middle of the field, which is a good place to start.”

Karen Renkema-Lang said, “This was the first time I’ve attended a draw, and it was good to see the process. I’m pretty pleased with our luck.”

Imogen Draisma said, “I’m just glad we’ve finally had a real tangible step to having this election campaign concluding. It has been a long three years – I’m very excited and looking forward to it.”

Mark Croxford says, “It is great to see we can have an open and transparent electoral process. It can give voters great confidence.”

His nominated team is different to that first announced, following three of the original candidates withdrawing (Yasmin Tatrai, Kristi-Lee Gale and Paul Paterno). Joining him on the expanded ticket of six are Tony Varayiannis, Shane Douglas, Sue Mansfield, Bob Waite and Mark Foster.

While it doesn’t have the location and gender split originally hoping for, Mr Croxford says he is very grateful for the team that he has.

“We look forward to winning the confidence of the electors of the Kiama Local Government Area and we hope they give us a mandate to help improve Council, to make it better for them.”