Kiama Labor have announced their team for the upcoming Council elections with a mix of incumbent councillors and new contenders. 

Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma and Councillor Stuart Larkins are attempting to hold their positions in the strife torn council.

Newcomers are mother of two Lucy Abood, law student Harry Ledger and retired school teacher Clare McInerney.

President of the Kiama Branch of the Labor Party Katelin McInerney said the team reflected the need for intergenerational civic leadership and the Labor values of diversity, teamwork and leadership. 

“As President of the Kiama Branch I’m pleased to commend the Kiama Labor team to the community for the September 2024 Council elections,” she said. “Imogen and Stuart have done a great job on Council in the face of difficult challenges. The additional three members bring both energy and experience to the team.” 

Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma said it was important that the new council remained focused on its financial sustainability and governance into the future. 

“Within the next term of council we will still have the Performance Improvement Order for two years. During our term, Clr Larkins and I pushed hard for transparency and financial accountability as we believe the leaders of our community should be trustworthy, open and honest with constituents. I am seeking re-election, along with Clr Larkins as we believe there needs to be a mixture of returning and new councillors to ensure local decision making stays in local hands and that our Council remains a non-amalgamated entity.”

Councillor Larkins said he was running to ensure local government in Kiama remained independent with local democratic control. 

“I can assure the community that if re-elected I will continue to work tirelessly to represent the interests of everyone in our community,” he said. “I love helping people in our community and I would love to continue doing so in the next term of council.”

Third on the ticket, Lucy Abood, said: "As a mother of two young children, ensuring we have quality early childhood education, affordable housing options, and a liveable environment for families is extremely important to me. I will be a strong voice advocating for these issues and more if elected to council."

Also on the ticket is Clare McInerney, who has lived in Kiama for the past 35 years. As a retired high school teacher and deputy principal she is a strong advocate for public education.

Youngest contender, Harry Ledger, is only 19 years old, which makes him one of the youngest candidates to ever nominate for Kiama Municipal Council. He is currently studying Law. Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of NSW.