Candidates speaking at Meet the Candidates forum – Sunset Park, Nightcliff 20 May 2026
Friends of Lee Point organised a “Meet the Candidates forum for the Chan Ward By-election” on 20 May 2026.
- Candidates (3) present – Manik GOWDA, Nick KIRLEW, Shiva PANCHALINGAM.
- City of Darwin councillors (2) present – Julie Fraser, Dr Edwin Joseph
- Candidate apologies (4) – Clarence CJ MCCARTHY-GROGAN, Mirella FEJO, LENNY, Annette GILLANDERS
- Candidate No Response (1) – Steve DOHERTY
All (3) candidates had similar positions on these City of Darwin (COD) matters:
Role of City of Darwin – Supported council being more active in “shaping Darwin”. That is, COD being more involved in issues that affect well-being, health and quality of life.
Large Projects – Supported Council providing advice to ratepayers on how their rates will be affected on large projects eg. Civic Centre, Lee Point housing project.
Community Gardens – Did not support COD charging utility fees on Community Gardens.
Electric Bikes – supported encouraging electricity bike use through improved bike paths and end of journey facilities ie. bike racks, lockers. Safety was one concern.
All candidates spoke well.
Notes:
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Normally PLan (Nick Kirlew) organises these forums but Nick is now running as a candidate.
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Our MC, Dr Amanda Lilleyman, was unable to make it due to ill health and Ian Redmond filled in.