2024 City of West Torrens supplementary election

A supplementary election will be necessary to fill the vacancy of Councillor for Hilton Ward.

 

Telephone-assisted voting

Telephone-assisted voting is a special service available for voters in the following categories:

  • If you are blind or have low vision
  • If you are interstate or overseas during the voting period.

Dedicated call centre

Telephone-assisted voting will be available during the hours listed below.

Dates

Times

Thursday 21 November – Friday 22 November 2024

9:00 am to 5:00 pm ACST

Monday 25 November 2024  (close of voting) 

9:00 am to 12:00 pm ACST

Preparing to vote by telephone

Consider your vote

  • Review the candidates and their profiles and decide your choices before making your call
  • List the candidates in order of your choice so you can relay this to the voting assistant who will mark the ballot paper accordingly. 

Telephone-assisted voting method

You will be asked to verify your identity and your entitlement to vote. Your call will then be transferred to a voting assistant, who will take your vote.

Daily returns

 

List of candidates

In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, the draw to determine the order of candidate names to appear on the ballot paper was held on Thursday 10 October 2024. 
The result of the draw are detailed below.

Election of Councillor for Hilton Ward




WOGHIREN, Samuel

I’m Samuel Woghiren, running for council in Hilton Ward, City of West Torrens. I’m passionate about bringing fresh ideas & ensuring our community thrives with forward-thinking initiatives. With expertise in transport & energy, I’ve worked on submissions to improve local infrastructure. A career highlight was securing an EV charging station at Brickworks Shopping Centre, delivered at no cost to council showing my ability to get results. I’m committed to advocating for active transport, supporting sustainable housing & ensuring Hilton Ward stays vibrant. As a young candidate, I bring energy & fresh perspective to tackle challenges. I’m proud to call Cowandilla home & am excited for the opportunity to serve. I’ll work tirelessly to deliver for our community & drive positive change. I hope to earn your support.

I live in Hilton Ward, Contact Details: sammy.woghiren1​@gmail.com, I am a member of the Australian Labor Party (South Australian Branch)



MARCINIAK, Christopher

As a Senior Leader in the Property Industry, I have experience maintaining, improving, and managing a wide variety of Commercial Assets. Previously employed in Local Government, I am passionate about ensuring Council Assets are managed and maintained in the best way possible to ensure the continued safety and enjoyment of the residents, and understand the realities and limitations of doing so. I am excited about making a difference in the Community in which my family lives and plays, and, if elected, will focus on sustainably managing Council owned and operated infrastructure for the betterment of both the environment, and the Community. I am a resident of Fulham, and enjoy spending time on nearby beaches and reserves with my partner, and our two beautiful children. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Community.

I do not live in Hilton Ward,  Contact Details: chrismarciniak​@gmail.com,  I am not a member of a Political Party

 


HUANG, Sunny

I'm a value-driven individual who pursues authenticity in the ebb and flow of life. I came to Australia for its freedom and chose Adelaide for its natural beauty and small-town charm. My journey began in TAFE SA in 2008 as an IT student, and after graduating from UniSA with a Bachelor of Media Arts in 2012, I immersed myself in the arts. I'm grateful for the awards and honours that recognize my hard work in this creative field. In 2024, I continue to explore my creative talent by publishing two books. When the pandemic struck, I embarked on a journey of legal education in 2020, attending two local law schools in Adelaide and enrolling at the ANU in Canberra in 2023. While my artistic pursuits reflect my bohemian spirit, my interest in law is fuelled by a deep sense of justice. Although my legal education is not yet finished, I’d love to contribute my passion, resilience, and talents to serve the community and give back. (To Electoral Office: https://confuciuskiller.com/2012/about.html)

I live in Hilton Ward,  Contact Details: russiantea​@protonmail.com,  I am not a member of a Political Party



SINGH, Rajinder

Rajinder migrated to Australia from India in 2009 with his family and is currently Managing his own business. He graduated with a Diploma in Gentlemen Garment Designing and Cutting .From there onwards began the journey of his career at a very young age as a professional tailor. He gained the skill of tailoring from his father and now has been running a successful business in Australia for the last 12 years. In his leisure time, Rajinder thoroughly enjoys spending his time with his family and friends, loves to meet people in the community and likes to play cricket. His vision is to help the community members of West Torrens by serving and helping the community to achieve their goals. He is standing for Elections for the first time as a Ward Councillor and if he is successful then he aims to help the people and liaise with the council to make improvements in each field. Rajinder is married to Amar and they have two daughters, Jasmine and Kamal. They live in Brooklyn Park.

I live in Hilton Ward,  Contact Details: rajindersingh.wc​@gmail.com,  I am not a member of a Political Party



YOUNG, Joe 

Living in Mile End, I’m a long-term inner west local with a commitment to keep your council rates low and maintain strong services. I want to create a vibrant, safe and inclusive community for us all to enjoy. I’m an experienced leader of large-scale services, with a career of over 25 years in disability, education and aged care, including the last 10 years as a senior executive within government. As a father of three children, I’m an active member of our community, participating locally in education, sport and the arts. As a member of council, I’ll be your voice to: keep rates low to help with the cost of living pressures; keep services strong so we don’t lose the services we need; and build a vibrant, safe and inclusive community for everyone to live and work for this generation and the next. If elected, I’ll ensure good governance and transparency in decision making. If you’d like to know more see www.joeyounghilton.com, email joeyounghilton​@gmail.com, or phone 0490386040.

I do not live in Hilton Ward,  Contact Details: joeyounghilton​@gmail.com,  I am not a member of a Political Party



VLAHOS, George 

I have had the privilege to represent the Hilton Ward as Councillor for over 20 years, giving me valuable knowledge and insight of the diverse needs of our community. Raised in Cowandilla, I have chosen to continue to reside in the Hilton Ward with my wife and two children. I serve as a board member on various sporting and community groups which encourage talent and local community initiatives. If elected, I will continue to engage with local residents, promoting cultural, sporting and artistic inclusion, and listen to the community’s concerns, suggestions, ideas and stories to make the Hilton Ward and West Torrens a thriving and dynamic place to live, work and enjoy. I will be a strong consistent voice on Council, supporting improvements to local parks and open spaces and the development of sound environmental initiatives. I will advocate for sustainable developments and address community concerns whilst being mindful of the impact spending has on residents and rate payers.

I live in Hilton Ward,  Contact Details: 0412 101 968,  I am not a member of a Political Party



MORFIDIS, Paul 

Having recently retired I am interested in giving back to the community and feel being a Councillor would give me the opportunity to help contribute to the future of the West Torrens area and the community. I have lived in this Council area for 62 years. I am married with 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren and my wife and I have lived in the Hilton Ward for the past 6 years. I managed my own Landscaping and Construction business for over 40 years chiefly on residential properties managing council applications and dealing with architects and builders. In recent years I focussed on designing and building playgrounds for Early Learning Centres and Primary Schools. Recently I worked with Uniting Communities to build a play area at a facility where Indigenous people come from country areas to the city for medical treatment. My wife and I have been involved with various charities and are regular volunteers and we look forward to becoming more involved in our local community.

I live in Hilton Ward,  Contact Details: 0412 487 127,  I am not a member of a Political Party



VERMA, Kirti

Nina Marni, I’m Kirti Verma, an IT engineer and cybersecurity enthusiast with a passion for the environment. Hailing from the land of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam culture that believes The World Is One Family .I embrace a commitment to all living beings. My love for reading and crafts draws me to the Hamra Center library, where I love to utilise various facilities provided by council . I have actively participated in various council initiatives, collaborating with charity groups, school councils, and environmental organisations to foster an informed and caring community. I aspire to represent our local council, advocating for residents' feedback and addressing their concerns while sharing available resources. My focus includes responsible budgeting, resident safety, park preservation, and community cleanliness. I champion diversity, inclusion, and support for our elderly and future generations. Together, let’s enhance our vibrant, multicultural council for the benefit of all.

I live in Hilton Ward,  Contact Details: kirtivermawesttorrens​@gmail.com, I am not a member of a Political Party



CAIRE, Jason 

I am a passionate community member with over 15 years of experience in public service in health, environment protection and First Nations partnerships. As a volunteer basketball coach, I understand the importance of teamwork, leadership, and nurturing the potential in others. I also have an Honours Degree in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Applied Science. As a father of two, I understand the needs of local families and the importance of creating a vibrant, safe community for future generations. As a proud local, I’m keen to advocate for our council and our Ward and driving positive change where needed. I am dedicated to transparency and inclusive decision-making, ensuring sustainable development, upgrading areas to improve safety (such as lighting), supporting local businesses and community groups, particularly volunteers and improving our local environment including advocating for more green spaces and trees!

I live in Hilton Ward,  Contact Details: jason.caire.aps​@gmail.com,  I am not a member of a Political Party



LETTON, Scott 

Having resided in Cowandilla for 6 years with my wife of 20 years, we have enjoyed the multicultural essence of our community. I consider myself a conservative who believes in traditional family values, yet I also support progressive lifestyle choices that are embraced within the broader community. I am a qualified tradesperson currently working as an engineering Specialist Technician at the University of Adelaide. For 14 years, I have assisted researchers and contributed to the student experience, which has equipped me with the ability to anticipate future progress and its impact on society. Whether related to environmental or social issues, my work in higher education exposes me to ideologies and technologies that will influence the local community. In my capacity to effect change, I endeavour to objectively investigate any proposal that may impact the rate payer and make informed recommendations focused on delivering value-added outcomes for the community.

I live in Hilton Ward,  Contact Details: scottletton​@protonmail.com,  I was a member of the Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division) until 30/9/2024

Candidate information

In person candidate briefing session

An in-person candidate briefing session will be held on Tuesday 24 September, 6:00pm – 7:30pm at the Civic Centre, 165 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton.

To attend this session, RSVP by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  More information is available on the City of West Torrens website.



Online candidate briefing session

An online briefing and information for intending candidates is available.. Watch the recording.


Acts and Regulations

The rules that govern council elections are set out in:

The Acts and Regulations should be read in conjunction with the Local Government Act 1999.

Candidate eligibility and ineligibility

You are eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:

  • an Australian citizen
  • at the time the electoral roll closes:
    • enrolled in the council area you are contesting, or
    • the nominee of a body corporate or a group that has its name on the voters roll for the council area
    • left off the voters roll for the council area in error.

You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:

  • a member of an Australian Parliament; or
  • an undischarged bankrupt or receiving the benefit of a law for the relief of insolvent debtors; or
  • have been sentenced to imprisonment and are, or could on the happening of some contingency become, liable to serve the sentence or the remainder of the sentence; or
  • are an employee of the council; or
  • are disqualified from election by court order under the Local Government Act 1999.

You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you:

  • in the case of a supplementary election - are a member of another council; or
  • in the case of any election - are a candidate for election as a member of another council
Candidate disclosure returns
CANDIDATE PORTAL ACCESS (link coming soon)

 A person who is a candidate for election to an office of a council must lodge the following returns with the Electoral Commissioner:

CAMPAIGN DONATIONS RETURN

Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.

Candidates must lodge 2 returns:

For a supplementary election:

  • the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
  • the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.

The return must disclose:

  • the total amount or value of all gifts received during the disclosure period
  • the number of people who made those gifts
  • the amount or value of each gift
  • the date on which each gift was made
  • details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts.

The campaign donations return need not set out any details in respect of:

  • a private gift made to the candidate
  • a gift with an amount or value less than $500
  • a gift already disclosed in a large gift return

If a candidate is not required to provide any details in a return, the campaign donations return must still be lodged and include a statement to the effect that no gifts of a kind required to be disclosed were received.

LARGE GIFTS RETURN

All candidates must lodge a large gifts return if they receive a gift or gifts from a donor in excess of $2,500.

The Acts prescribe different times that the large gifts return must be lodged, but during the election year, a large gift return must be lodged within 5 days of receipt of the large gift.

The return must disclose:

  • the amount or value of each gift received
  • details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts
  • the date on which each gift was made.

Two or more gifts (excluding private gifts) made by the same person to a candidate during the disclosure period are to be treated as one gift.

A large gifts return need not set out any details in respect of a private gift made to the candidate. A gift to a candidate is a private gift if it is made in a private capacity to the candidate for their personal use and the candidate has not used, and will not use, the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.

Large gifts returns should be lodged with ECSA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Offences

See section 85 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. It is an offence to fail to lodge a return within time, to lodge a return containing false or misleading information, or to supply information that is false or misleading to another person for a return. The maximum penalty is $10,000.

Public inspection of returns

The Electoral Commissioner is required to publish all returns within prescribed times on a website maintained by the returning officer. 

Records

See section 89 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. A person must take reasonable steps to retain all records relevant to a return and keep these for at least 4 years after the date of which the relevant return is required to be lodged. The maximum penalty is $5,000.

Frequently asked questions

ALL COUNCILS (other than the City of Adelaide)
What returns do I have to lodge?
  • 2 campaign donation returns – whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $500 or more
  • Large gift return - whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $2,501 or more.
Where do I lodge my returns?

Copies of the disclosure returns for lodgement by candidates are available in the candidate portal under disclosure returns. Each completed return can be lodged on the portal during the allotted time that they are due; these dates are shown in the portal. If you are unable to lodge these via the candidate portal, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Is there a difference between 'gift' or 'donation?'

The Act refers to a ‘gift’, but it effectively means the same as a ‘donation’.

A gift is defined in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 (LGEA) as:

  • a disposition of property
  • made by a person to another person (otherwise than by will)
  • without consideration in money or money’s worth or with inadequate consideration; and
  • includes the provision of a service (other than volunteer labour) for no consideration or inadequate consideration.

By way of example, if a person gives money to a candidate (without getting anything in return), donates goods or services, or supplies a good or service to a candidate for less than the market or commercial rate, this may constitute a gift.

What is a 'disposition of property?'

A ‘disposition of property’ means a conveyance, transfer, assignment, settlement, delivery, payment or other alienation of property, and includes:

  • the allotment of shares in a company; and
  • the creation of a trust in property; and
  • the grant or creation of a lease, mortgage, charge, servitude, licence, power or partnership or any interest in property; and
  • the release, discharge, surrender, forfeiture or abandonment, at law or in equity, of a debt, contract or chose in action or any interest in property; and
  • the exercise by a person of a general power of appointment of property in favour of another person; and
  • a transaction entered into by a person with intent thereby to diminish, directly or indirectly, the value of the person's own property and to increase the value of the property of another person.
What do I have to disclose in a campaign donation return?

The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:

  • the total amount or value of all gifts with an amount or value of $500 or more received by the candidate during the disclosure period
  • the number of persons who made the gifts
  • the amount or value of each gift
  • the date on which gift was made
  • the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
What do I have to disclose in a large gift return?

The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:

  • the amount or value of each gift
  • the date on which the gift was made
  • the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
When do I have to lodge these returns?

Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.

Candidates must lodge 2 returns:

For a supplementary election:

  • the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
  • the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.
Who is a candidate?

A person is a candidate if they have announced their candidacy for an election, if they have nominated as a candidate for an election, or if they are already a member of council standing for election again.

What is a 'new candidate?'

A person is defined as a ‘new candidate’, in relation to an election, if the person had not been a candidate in the last general election of a council and had not been a candidate at a supplementary election held after the last general election of a council.

Do I have to report the same campaign donation (i.e. gift) more than once?

No. Although the disclosure period (reporting period) for the second campaign donation return is the same as for the first campaign donation return, gifts already reported in the first campaign donation return do not need to be disclosed again.

What if I receive 2 or more gifts from the same donor?

There is a requirement to treat 2 or more gifts during the disclosure period as 1 gift, and once the total reaches $500 (for a campaign donation) or $2,501 (for a large gift), that ‘gift’ will be disclosed in the relevant campaign donation return or large gift return.

What if I do not receive any donations or any donations over $500? Do I still need to lodge both campaign donation returns?

Yes. You should lodge a NIL return for both.

What if I have already reported a gift received in a large gift return? Do I have to report it again in a campaign donation return?

No. You do not need to report a large gift in a later campaign donations return, if it has already been disclosed.

How do I know if something I give to a candidate needs to be disclosed?

If it is a private gift, it does not need to be disclosed. A gift is a private gift if it is made to a candidate in a private capacity for their personal use and the candidate has not used and will not use the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.

Do I have to disclose the use of volunteers as a gift?

No. Whilst the definition of a gift includes the provision of a service, volunteer labour is excluded.

Are there any other restrictions on the provision of a gift to a candidate?

Gifts to candidates are permissible, as long as they are appropriately disclosed (where required) by the candidate. Although the provision of a gift is not an illegal practice, candidates and others are subject to the requirements of s57 of the LGEA which provides that a person who offers or gives a bribe with a view to inducing a person to submit or withdraw candidature, influence votes or otherwise interfere with the election if guilty of an offence.

A bribe includes any pecuniary sum or material advantage including food, drink or entertainment where the value is equal to or more than $20.

It should be noted that it is unlawful to receive a gift of $500 or more unless the required details (name, address, etc) to identify the donor are obtained by the candidate. Records should be kept by the candidate.

What if I do not receive any donations over $2,500? Do I still need to lodge a NIL large gift return?

No. You do not need to lodge a large gift return unless you receive a gift (or gifts from the same donor) over $2,500.

Where do I find further information?

Information is current as of 13 January 2023.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this FAQ guide is general in nature. Candidates and others should refer to the specific wording of the Act and Regulations and seek independent legal or other advice on any issues of interpretation that may arise.

Candidate responsibilities

As a candidate, you have a range of important responsibilities and obligations under the law. These include making sure all electoral material you publish contains the proper authorisation statement, and that the material is not inaccurate and misleading.

View the electoral advertising page for more information.

All candidates, whether successful or not, must lodge disclosure returns.

Electoral advertising

There are restrictions placed on advertising during, and outside of, an election period. These are contained within Part 7 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. The Electoral Commission SA is unable to provide advice on the interpretation of these provisions. Therefore, if you are in doubt about the interpretation, we recommend you seek independent legal advice.

Learn more on our electoral advertising page.

Forms and handbooks
Nominating as a candidate

Nominations open on Thursday 26 September 2024 and close at 12 noon Thursday 10 October 2024

Nominations are to be completed online through the candidate portal.

Candidates must submit a profile of not more than 1000 characters with their nomination and may also provide a photograph, predominantly head and shoulders, taken within the previous 12 months.

Find out more about what it's like to be a member of council.

Responsibilities as a member of a council

Councils are responsible for many of the services that make South Australia such a great place to live and work, including libraries, playgrounds, sporting facilities and rubbish and recycling.

Becoming a councillor or mayor means you will help shape a wide range of policies and decisions that will impact the short and long-term future of your local community.

More information can be found on the council elections website.


Enrolment

The electoral roll for the supplementary election closes at 5 pm on Friday 30 August 2024.

If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.

If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:

Council supplementary roll

If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:

  • a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
  • an owner of an organisation or business
  • an owner of a holiday home
  • a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
  • a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
  • a landlord of rateable property.

In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.

If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.

Timetable
Event Legislation* Date

Close of rolls

 s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b)

5 pm, Friday 30 August 2024

Nominations open

 s 19(4)

Thursday 26 September 2024

Nominations close

 s 23(b)

12 noon, Thursday 10 October 2024

Draw for positions on the ballot paper

 s 29(3)(b)

2.00pm Thursday 10 October 2024

First campaign donation return due

 s 80(3)(a)(ii) Thursday 17 October 2024 to Thursday 24 October 2024

Mailout of materials

 s 39(1)

Tuesday 29 October 2024 to Monday 4 November 2024

Last day for re-issue of voting materials

 s 39(4), s 43(4)

5 pm, Monday 18 November 2024

Close of voting (polling day)

 s 6(6), s 6(7)(b)

12 noon, Monday 25 November 2024

Scrutiny and count

 s 47(1)(a)

Tuesday 26 November 2024 (tentative)
Second campaign donation return due s 80(3)(b)

Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election'

* Local Government (Elections) Act 1999