Johani Mamid’s pitch for Dampier ward seat at Shire of Broome council elections

A fresh face and community-minded approach is what the Dampier ward needs in the upcoming Shire of Broome election, according to one candidate. Proud Yawuru, Karrajarri, Nyul Nyul and Bardi man Johani Mamid, pictured, decided to put his hand up after the seat was filled unopposed in the past two elections. “I think competition is healthy and for a seat which is meant to represent the communities up the peninsula, it’s important for people elected to have some heat on them — to make sure they do right by the people,” he said. “You can’t really say that if you aren’t willing to run yourself, so that’s exactly what I’m doing.” Mr Mamid grew up in Broome and spent time up the peninsula, including attending One Arm Point Community School, and said his deep connections to country and relationships with the communities made him the right man for the job. He said current councillors and their Shire counterparts had done a great job but was worried the peninsula had been left behind. “I think it’s important to acknowledge the work of the Shire and councillors over the last few years — the Chinatown and Town Beach projects have really improved Broome, but I would like to see a bit more attention on the peninsula,” he said. “Really the only project we’ve seen there over the last half-a-decade was the upgrades to Cape Leveque Road.” Mr Mamid is also a crocodile wrangler at the local croc park and said he was not afraid to wrestle with tough issues. “I obviously come from a traditional owner and environmental background, but I get that you can’t always please everyone, and I get that progress and development is important to keep our home strong,” he said. The election will take place on October 16.