Charlotte Varcoe
Ian Von Stanke and Jason Virgo have both confirmed they will once again battle it out for a position on Mount Gambier City Council after a casual vacancy is made.
The vacancy is a result of previous councillor Ben Hood being inducted into the Legislative Council and will resign from City Council.
During the November election, Mr Von Stanke received 307 primary votes while Mr Virgo received 326.
The Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) confirmed with The Border Watch this week that it is working closely with council on the matter.
“ECSA will work with Mount Gambier City Council to fill the vacancy as per the legislation,” an ECSA spokesperson said.
“This could include Supplementary Elections or by using the new countback provisions outlined in the Local Government (Elections) Act.”
Mr Von Stanke said if approached he would put his name forward to fill the position stating transparency would remain at the top of his list.
“I don’t like some of the stuff that happens in council at the moment and the community doesn’t hear any information that comes out of council,” Mr Von Stanke said.
“There are no questions asked or consultation with people and they need to advise people of what is going on.”
Mr Von Stanke said transparency would be a main focus of his if he was brought into council.
“I don’t believe in in-confidence unless it affects someone personally because we need transparency,” he said.
Mr Virgo said he would also put his hand up for council once again with rallying for radiation therapy in Mount Gambier being a main focus.
“I think an issue of high importance that I would get behind on council is having radiation treatment for the Limestone Coast as council can play a role to continue to advocate for such a service,” Mr Virgo said.
“I am excited about the prospect of serving my community as a Councillor. I am committed to working hard to make a real difference in the lives of Mount Gambier residents.”
Mr Virgo said he was hopeful based on the results of the primary vote and preferences that he would secure the vacancy and he believed he was currently in a strong position.
Mr Von Stanke said despite the results of the vacancy he confirmed he would once again run for council at its 2026 election.
