City of Greater Geraldton councillor Jenna Denton preselected as Labor candidate for new Mid West seat

City of Greater Geraldton councillor Jenna Denton says she aims to do right by the region, having been preselected as the Labor candidate for the Mid-West. The former Labor staffer and general manager for Shine, an organisation dedicated at helping young girls and women re-engage in school, put her hand up to run for the newly created seat of Mid-West. The seat is the result of a merger between parts of the existing Moore and North West Central electorates, which encompasses the Shire of Carnarvon to the north, the shire of Meekatharra to the east, and as far south as the shire of Chittering. Meanwhile, the Geraldton electorate will include the shires of Chapman Valley and Northampton from the next election onwards. Ms Denton, who was elected to the council in October 2023, said her experience living and working throughout the region gave her a strong base to help the area. “My husband and I are raising our two children here, and we are proud to call the Mid West home,” she said. “I’ve dedicated my career to serving the Mid West, creating and managing regional services that strengthen communities and support local people, in business, education, health, disability and mental health— so I bring a comprehensive understanding of our region and those who live and work within it, and I want to see us all thrive.” Ms Denton’s entry into the race will create a three-way battle for the new seat. She will be up against current Opposition Leader and Nationals WA leader Shane Love as well as North West Central member Merome Beard from the Liberals. When asked what she thought of her opponents, she said the people in the Mid West wanted better representation at a local level. “(There is) an appetite for a representative who is present, active, willing to listen, work hard and actually deliver for our region,” she said. “It is why I have put my hand up for the role. I have worked in both (State) government and local government, I understand the region, I am consistent and loyal, and I’m here to work hard and deliver for the Mid West community.” Ms Denton said across her role, she regularly travelled throughout the Mid West, and regularly listened to the people on their issues. She said she had a focus on important issues, including delivering cost-of-living relief, tackling the challenges within the housing market, investing in local health and creating local jobs. “The Mid West is ripe with opportunities, particularly in terms of the developing renewable economy and economic diversification,” she said. “We can attract major investment with these opportunities. “I’ll be a strong regional voice within the Cook Labor Government that will work strategically and collaboratively to ensure we get the very best for the Mid West.” If history is anything to consider, both the Moore and North West Central electorates have been predominantly Nationals-strong. In Moore, the Nationals have held the seat since 2008, with Mr Love retaining it since 2013. Meanwhile, Ms Beard was elected as the Nationals candidate in the 2022 by-election, before quitting the party and joining the Liberals in October last year. Ms Denton said it was time for a change in the region. “The Moore electorate has had the same member since 2013 — more than a decade without fresh eyes or energy,” she said. “That’s what I offer. I am energetic, dedicated, determined, tenacious and will bring strategic solutions for our region. “I have a proven track record delivering for community, a comprehensive understanding of the Mid West electorate, and will work relentlessly from within government to successfully secure ongoing investment for the Mid West across all sectors.”