Meander Valley candidate responses for Tasmania’s local government election. Scroll down the page or click on the candidate name to find their responses to our questions.
On Saturday 3 October, at the Meet the Pollies event held at the Deloraine Pocket Park, all attending candidates were asked if they would like to be filmed while answering questions. Those videos are included with candidate responses.
🔵 Stephanie Cameron (Mayor, Councillor)
⚪ Anne-Marie Loader (Deputy Mayor, Councillor)
🔴 Ben Dudman (Mayor, Councillor)
⚪ Daniel Smedley (Deputy Mayor, Councillor)
⚪ Will Hurst (Councillor)
🔵 Susie Bower (Deputy Mayor, Councillor)
🟢 Mitch Houghton (Councillor)
⚪ John Temple (Mayor, Councillor)
⚪ Rodney David Synfield (Deputy Mayor, Councillor)
🟢 Rohan Eastley (Councillor)
⚪ Paul Spencer (Deputy Mayor, Councillor)
| Name | Stephanie Cameron |
| Position nominated | Mayor and Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | Chudleigh |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | My most important job is being Eliza and Bruces Mum, but I’m also the Deputy Mayor, farmer, part-time electorate officer and help with the plumbing business. |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | I’m involved with the Deloraine Primary School Parent Association, Toddle Inn Child Care Committee and Chudleigh Hall Committee. Through Eliza and Bruce, I’m also involved with Deloraine Junior Football Club and Meander Valley Suns and regularly attend various community meetings across the municipality. |
| Did you study further education? | I hold a Certificate III in Aged Care, studied short courses in Phlebotomy and Viticulture and take every opportunity to build on my skills. |
| Are you a member of a political party? | I am an independent candidate. In personal capacity I am a member of the Liberal Party of Tasmania. |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | Because I love the Meander Valley, it’s where I grew up and it’s where Clinton and I are raising our children. It has been a privilege to serve and as we enter this period of transition, I am ready to provide steady, practical leadership to keep Meander Valley moving forward. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | I will give everything to the role, just as I have as Deputy Mayor, while ensuring my family always remains my foundation. |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | Serving Meander Valley is a responsibility I take seriously. Since my election in 2018, I have been committed to listening and making decisions for the whole community. Having served as Deputy Mayor for the past four years and stepping up as Acting Mayor during an extended period, I have the practical experience and clear understanding needed to guide Council decisions effectively. I’m ready to continue providing steady, sensible leadership to keep Meander Valley moving forward. |
| Incumbent? | Yes |
| Name | Anne-Marie Loader |
| Position nominated | Deputy Mayor and Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | Westbury, I’ve also farmed at Montana and grew up in West Launceston. |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | I work for Libraries Tasmania, coordinating the Adult Literacy Service for Meander Valley and Northern Midlands. It’s a great job; I love supporting others to gain essential skills. |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | Westbury St Patrick’s Day Committee Meander Valley Business and Tourism Association Tasmanian Heirloom Festival Wildwood Landcare Group Westbury Town Common parkrun Launceston Running Club Hive Movement, Hadspen Australian Local Government Women’s Association Tasmania MVC Community Grants Committee MVC General Manager Performance Review Committee Carrick Hall Committee (attending as a guest) Mole Creek Progress Association (attending as a guest) Blackstone Heights Community News Group (attending as a guest) |
| Did you study further education? | BA, TH.A, M Apps Sc (Library and Information Management). I also have several adult literacy qualifications and a current First Aid certificate. |
| Are you a member of a political party? | No. |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | I am standing again to keep working for greater consultation on council decisions with more community-focused outcomes. I have the energy and respect to serve our communities, especially those who don’t know where else to turn. We need active, kind and involved people around the Council table; my record shows that’s me. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | I don’t do things by halves. I’m 100% committed. I work 3.5 days per week and the rest of the time I make myself available and seeking out ways to support our communities. |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | For the past four years I’ve worked hard to deliver for Meander Valley by being prepared, reliable, and actively involved, while genuinely caring for our communities. I never say “that’s not my job” – instead, I’m available to help residents navigate challenges and find the best solutions. I strongly champion balanced growth together with the vital infrastructure we need. I put community first. I’m independent. My record shows that I listen and get things done. |
| Incumbent? | Yes |
| Name | Ben Dudman |
| Position nominated | Mayor and Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | Westbury |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | Industrial Organiser, Councillor, Small Business Operator. |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | Rotary Club of Westbury Deloraine House Inc. Westbury and Districts Historical Society Westbury Health Inc Launceston City Football Club Westbury St Patricks Festival Committee Uniting Church Westbury Combined Churches Christmas Carols Westbury Community Tea Mole Creek Progress Association Meander Valley Community Radio Meander Valley Council Audit Panel Meander Valley Business and Tourism Association Frequent visitor and supporter of: Blackstone Heights Community News Carrick Community Committee |
| Did you study further education? | Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Hons), University of Tasmania Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, College of Law SFI30119 Certificate III in Aquaculture SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality |
| Are you a member of a political party? | I am an independent Councillor. In my personal capacity I am a member of the Australian Labor Party. |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | I’m standing for Mayor because there’s more work to be done. I am passionate about this community and its potential. I want to help build a bright future for our home. I understand how Council works, where we can achieve more and what’s possible when Council and community work together. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | I take an “always on” approach to this role, as I always have. You will always receive timely support and advice from me. |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | I am LOCAL, EXPERIENCED, and READY TO LEAD. As Mayor, I’ll bring strong leadership, common sense and a practical approach to the job. I’ll listen to our community, bring people together and work every day to make sure the Meander Valley remains a place we’re proud to call home. I am committed to safe, connection and well-serviced communities, practical waste services, thriving local business and tourism, planning with community, and a council that listens. |
| Incumbent? | Yes |
| Name | Daniel Smedley |
| Position nominated | Deputy Mayor and Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | Prospect Vale. |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | Registered Mental Health Nurse/Officer (MH Act 2013), working between North-West, Mersey and Launceston Hospitals. Key attributes: Empathy, trustworthiness, respect, and community wellbeing. |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | Australian Italian Club of Launceston, AFL Auskick, Launceston Scale Model Club, March On Challenge (Veteran Mental Health), North Launceston FC, NTFUA, NTJFA, Prospect Hawks Junior Football Club (Life Member), Prospect Park Sports Club (Life Member). |
| Did you study further education? | University educated: sociology/history (BA), business (MBA), nursing (BN). Accredited AFL coach, AFL umpire. |
| Are you a member of a political party? | Independent candidate. No affiliation with any political party. |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | I’m committed to strong, independent community representation. With experience in mental health nursing, two decades in sports management, and long service as a volunteer, I understand local needs deeply. My family supports my continued contribution, and I’m driven towards community growth during an exciting time for Meander Valley and Tasmania. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | I will be available daily on social media, email, and mobile phone and planning in person one day per week at Council venues. |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | I bring nearly three years experience as Councillor and seeking to continue progressing key priorities: supporting strong mayoral leadership, implementing our cost–saving waste management strategies, ensuring well-planned housing with quality parks, upgrading sporting and community facilities across Meander Valley, and inclusive services for older and younger residents. I’m committed to safer roads, particularly town entries, and pedestrian areas, I will support our Council staff, and help ensure responsible, transparent spending that benefits all communities. |
| Incumbent? | Yes |
| Name | Will Hurst |
| Position nominated | Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | Chudleigh |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | I’m in a management position on a Dairy Farm and a proud father to my 3 sons |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | I’m the Chair of the Young Dairy Network Committee of Tasmania, a volunteer fireman at the Chudleigh brigade, and volunteer with the Meander Valley SES Unit. |
| Did you study further education? | After completing year 10, I completed my certificate 2 and 3 in agriculture, and I’m currently working towards completing my certificate 4 in agriculture too. |
| Are you a member of a political party? | No |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | I’m standing for Councillor in this election because I love Meander Valley, I would love the chance to represent it and the people of it by listening respectfully so we can continue to support our region so it can thrive and be a great place for people to live and raise a family full of opportunities. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | Anything that I commit to I always give it the time it deserves and I will respect the importance of this position. |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | I’d be honoured to have Meander Valleys vote because I’m determined to never be someone that complains about a problem without being willing to be part of coming up with a solution. I want to be part of creating a strong council culture that listens and can work collaboratively to continually improve Meander Valley, while protecting the things that makes it so special. |
| Incumbent? | No |
| Name | Susie Bower |
| Position nominated | Deputy Mayor and Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | Westbury |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | Chief Executive Officer BBAMZ Ltd |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | Westbury Bowls Club, Meander Valley Veteran Cycling Club |
| Did you study further education? | Yes, I have three degrees with my highest qualification a Master of Management. |
| Are you a member of a political party? | Yes. Liberal Party of Tasmania, but I am not an endorsed candidate. |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | I want to stand because I care deeply about Meander Valley and want to help shape a strong future for our communities. I believe in practical decisions, supporting local families and businesses, and ensuring residents have a voice in Council. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | I will commit the time, energy and preparation needed to be an accessible, informed and hardworking Councillor and Deputy Mayor for our community. |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | People should vote for me because I bring practical leadership, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to our community. I will listen, work hard and focus on delivering positive outcomes for local families, businesses and future generations. With strong local connections and experience bringing people together, I understand the importance of sensible decisions that protect what makes Meander Valley special while planning confidently for the future. |
| Incumbent? | No |
| Name | Mitch Houghton |
| Position nominated | Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | I live at the family home in Blackstone Heights, and own a vacant block at Westbury. |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | I’m a recently graduated Social Worker, I work in Vocational Rehabilitation but am looking forward to the opportunity to pivot to a more community-centred career. |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | I am involved with Grassroots Action Network (Northern) Tasmania (GRANNT/GRANT), The Bob Brown Foundation, The Tasmanian Greens, and Launceston City Football Club (Soccer Club, Prospect Vale). |
| Did you study further education? | Yes. I obtained certificates and several diplomas in Horticulture and Landscape Design at TasTAFE, and have more recently graduated from UTas with a Bachelor of Social Work w/ Honours. |
| Are you a member of a political party? | I am an endorsed candidate of the Tasmanian Greens, and member of the local Lyons Branch of the party. |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | I have a passion for social equity and I want to see the playing field levelled (literally and figuratively because of my background in soccer, haha). “From each according to [their] ability, to each according to [their] needs” – or however the saying goes. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | I’d love to give it at least 3-days a week on average, and that’s my goal. I’ve been told by other councillors that the salary equates to 2-days per week, but I have the privilege and the values to recognise that public service, especially under this economic and social system, will likely require my unpaid labour to adequately support the community. |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | I’m local. I’ve been local all my life with no plans on leaving. I love this state and my locality passionately and I want to bring my sociological critique of this beautiful land and combine it with my personal and Social Work values; to create leadership at this grassroots level of government that can holistically support its people and environment. |
| Incumbent? | No |
| Name | John Temple |
| Position nominated | Mayor and Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | Westbury |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | Small Business |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | Numerous |
| Did you study further education? | Yes |
| Are you a member of a political party? | No |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | To help build our community for current and future generations. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | All that is needed. |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | To continue to keep rates low and affordable. To help build upon the foundations laid down by past generations in a way that will create an environment that will be cherished by future generations. |
| Incumbent? | Yes |
| Name | Rodney David Synfield |
| Position nominated | Deputy Mayor and Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | Western Creek |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | Councillor, semi-retired farmer; |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | I regularly attend both Carrick Hall Committee and Blackstone Heights Community News Association monthly meetings; I’m a Christian; I believe strongly in the merits of both organised sport and more broadly recreational activities – healthy body, healthy mind! |
| Did you study further education? | Computing, Maths, Personnel Management and Accounting, as well as in-house training in the Commonwealth Public Service. |
| Are you a member of a political party? | No. |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | I’m standing in this election to continue to listen to, respond to and advocate on behalf of my community. I believe my track record since first becoming a Councillor in 2013 shows that I care deeply about my community and wanting to see it thrive and grow – ie better outcomes. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | As my track record to date shows, I’m serious about my role and the privilege of being a Councillor and therefore will continue to commit the time necessary to fulfil this role. |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | One of my strengths is, in being approachable and then being able to articulate viewpoints to fellow Councillors and staff and also to State and Federal levels, seeking appropriate and better outcomes, on behalf of our community. I don’t run away from the difficult issues, for example, I’ve stood up for the retention of Westbury Town Hall as a community hall. Meander Valley is a great place to live, work and play – together let’s make it even better going forward! |
| Incumbent? | Yes |
| Name | Rohan Eastley |
| Position nominated | Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | Deloraine |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | Thermomix consultant |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | Paraquad for Boccia, Deloraine Table Tennis |
| Did you study further education? | No |
| Are you a member of a political party? | Yes – The Tasmanian Greens |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | I want Meander Valley to be a place where people with disabilities can go and not have to worry about whether the infrastucter is going to be accessible. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | I have the ability to use at least 3 days of the week to spend actively working in the role |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | i want to change the way the council interacts with the community to encourage positive changes and create a place where people with disabilities can thrive in. |
| Incumbent? | No |
| Name | Paul Spencer |
| Position nominated | Deputy Mayor and Councillor |
| What town do you live in? | Prospect |
| Current occupation or main daily activity? | Electrician for 50 years, self-employed for 33 of them. Also runs a Merino and cropping property. |
| Community groups, sports clubs, churches or other organisations are you currently a member of, or involved with? | Involved in circuit racing at Symmons Plains, where he races Torana cars. Member of the Launceston Light Car Club. |
| Did you study further education? | Not after his apprenticeship. He completed an electronics course about 40 years ago. |
| Are you a member of a political party? | No. He votes on policies and backs whichever of Liberal, Labor or Greens he thinks is best at the time. |
| Why do you want to stand in this election? | To help the people of Meander Valley. He says he will answer his phone 24/7, any time of night. He served four years on Launceston City Council, where he opposed buying Birchalls (which he says proved a bad decision) and changed the traffic layout at Invermay near the Charles Street Bridge, improving traffic flow. |
| What time commitment are you planning to give to the role? | As much time as required. He will go to anyone with concerns and follow up, and if he doesn’t know an answer he will find out. |
| Why should Meander Valley vote for you? | Concerned about residents’ issues, available 24/7, will follow up, and describes himself as a doer. |
| Incumbent? | No. |
