Oscar Parry
Jacksons Hill Ward candidate Natalie Harrison has called for a recount after missing out on a spot on Hume council by just eight votes.
Ms Harrison received 6203 votes after preferences while incumbent councillor Jarrod Bell polled 6211 votes.
Speaking to Star Weekly on Monday morning, Ms Harrison said she requested the recount after seeing the close results.
“I was extremely happy with the result considering it was my first time [running for council], and seeing that it was so close, I thought there would be nothing to lose,” Ms Harrison said.
“Whatever happens, happens … I’ll still be involved with the community organisations now and I’ll be working towards the next elections.“
Ms Harrison said the Victorian Electoral Commission would advise of the outcome of her request in due course.
Mr Bell said he respected Ms Harrison’s decision to request a recount.
“ I’d likely do the same if our roles were reversed,“ he said.
Meanwhile independent Emu Creek Ward candidate Kate Hamley came from second place after the distribution of preferences to win a seat on council over incumbent councillor Jack Medcraft.
Incumbent councillor Trevor Dance was also contesting Emu Creek and was knocked out on first preference votes.
Ms Hamley – who polled 53.32 per cent on preferences – said she was honoured to be elected.
“I’m so deeply grateful for this opportunity, and will do my absolute best to represent our community with integrity and compassion,“ she said.
The other successful candidates for Hume were Carly Moore (AItken Ward), Daniel English (Mount Ridley Ward), John Haddad (Bababi Marning Ward), Jim Overend (Burt-kur-min Ward), Karen Sherry (Merlynston Creek Ward), Sam Misho (Roxburgh Park Ward), Naim Kurt (Tullamarine Ward), Steve Gagen (Woodlands Ward) and Ally Watson (Yubup Ward).
Former councillors Joseph Haweil and Jodi Jackson were unsuccessful in their bids for re-election.
The first meeting of the new council is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19.
