Melbourne Cup field for Liverpool by-election

Voters in Liverpool’s South Ward will get a Melbourne Cup field to choose from at next month’s by-election.

Following the closing of nominations last Wednesday, March 17, a ballot draw was held by the NSW Electoral Commission, who are running this by-election.

As well as one candidate each representing the major parties, Labor and Liberal, there are eight independent candidates in the running to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Liverpool deputy mayor Betty Green, a Labor councillor.

One of the 11 candidates is running for a group called Community Voice of Australia, who elected two councillors at Campbelltown at the last general local government elections in 2024.

Out of the eight independent candidates a standout is long time activist and major critic of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal, Michael Byrne, pictured above during his tilt at the 2015 state election in the seat of Holsworthy.

The Chipping Norton resident has a long association with East Ward Progress Association.

He has run for Liverpool mayor previously, but has been unsuccessful in getting elected to the council in several attempts.

The Liberal Party choice is a virtual unknown, Voyage Point resident Azam Dabbagh.

Seeking to return to council for another term is Karress Rhodes, listed as a Lansvale resident.

Labor’s candidate, Zeli Munjiza, a resident of West Hoxton, was featured in the South West Voice last week.

The 11 candidates will appear in the following order on the ballot paper on Saturday, April 18:

1. Alana Humphries, independent, of Wattle Grove.
2. Karress Rhodes, independent, of Lansvale.
3. Jamil Azeem, independent, of Leppington.
4. Azam Dabbagh, Liberal, of Voyager Point.
5. Zeli Munjiza, Labor, of West Hoxton.
6. Michael Tierney, independent, of Holsworthy.
7. Jamal Daoud, independent, of Edmondson Park.
8. Deb Gurung, Community Voice of Australia, Moorebank.
9. Edward Chave, independent, of Chipping Norton.
10. Michael Byrne, independent, of Chipping Norton.
11. Susie Kneipp, independent, of Casula.