Ian Gibb defeats Nannup Shire deputy president Robin Mellema for South ward seat in local government election

Nannup Shire council’s deputy president was defeated by a new face in local government election at the weekend. Robin Mellema was unsuccessful in his attempt to defend his South ward seat against local businessman Ian Gibb. Mr Gibb was officially elected on Saturday night after receiving 77 votes to Cr Mellema’s 52. Leading up to the election, Mr Gibb claimed he would bring his experience of being in business from the age of 16 to the council. Mr Gibb also holds roles as the Nannup Chamber of Commerce and Industry president and Nannup State Emergency Service deputy manager, and was involved in projects such as the stripes of the forest, banner on the Warren, the Experience Nannup app and the expansion of business signs at each end of the town. It was the only seat on the Shire council up for grabs at the election with Charles Gilbert, who was filling the Central ward seat of Vince Corlett, and returning councillors Chris Buckland and Vicki Hansen, running in the Central and North ward respectively, all elected unopposed. The North ward seat of retiring Cr Cate Stevenson is set to remain vacant as no one stepped forward to nominate for the position.