Jacqueline Raison

ELECTION RESULTS PENDING

Thank you to everyone who voted in the election and to everyone who worked tirelessly overnight to count the almost 10,000 votes cast in the City of South Perth elections.

The Mill Point Ward vote count will recommence this afternoon at 1pm and the results are expected to be posted online by the WA Electoral Commission later today.

Learn more: https://www.elections.wa.gov.au/elections/local/election #/130f521b-dca9-4174-8b12-5d739207d6a9/South%20Perth

Thank you to all the candidates who stood for election and to those who supported them. Congratulations to all candidates who are ultimately elected to the City of South Perth and across the State.

It has been a privilege to stand for election and it is an honour to receive each and every vote. Thank you, Mill Point Ward, for all the special memories.

Wishing you a restful day.

Jacqueline

PS Thanks Mum (and Dad) for every child you taught to read including your own.

Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth WA 6151

ELECTION DAY IS HERE!

As I have made my way around Mill Point Ward Listening to South Perth there have been many conversations about the state of our democracy and I was reminded of the famous quote attributed to Sir Winston Churchill “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”.

Learn more: https://richardlangworth.com/worst-form-of-government

For democracy to have a chance of being representative of the people, we all need to be willing to be part of the process and to vote even though the system is far from perfect.

As a candidate for Mill Point Ward, I have been heartened to see the checks and balances that are in place to ensure a fair electoral process. From the nomination process to the ballot draw to the vote processing centre systems and finally to the count tonight, every little part of the process is important.

I hope you put your faith in our democratic system and vote TODAY. If you are interested in seeing how the count is done there is a public gallery where you can drop in and watch the count at the City’s office (details below) from 6pm. Everyone is welcome including children and students.

To vote for me as your INDEPENDENT Mill Point Ward Councillor TODAY:

Complete your ballot paper with the number 1 in the square next to RAISON, Jacqueline, sign the elector’s certificate, seal the completed ballot paper in the reply-paid envelope and deliver it BY HAND to the City of South Perth office on the corner of Sandgate Street and South Terrace between 8am and 6pm TODAY Saturday 18 October. If you need a ballot paper for any reason you can pick one up from the same office.

Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth WA 6151

ELECTION DAY TOMORROW!

As I have made my way around Mill Point Ward Listening to South Perth over the past 6 weeks, I have fallen in love with this beautiful part of the world all over again. What a whirlwind it has been!

Last night I was fortunate to attend a lecture on Integrity in Law and Government by the Hon. John McKechnie AO QC the former Corruption and Crime Commissioner. It was interesting to hear his thoughts on how integrity is modelled to us when we are young and why it is important for community leaders to act with integrity.

We are all leaders in our community in one way or another, regardless of whether we hold formal leadership roles. In Mill Point Ward I have seen neighbourhoods leading with:
• Innovation – Congratulations Banksia Terrace!
• Humour – Congratulations Scenic Crescent!
• Rigour – Congratulations Hampden Street!
• Diligence – Congratulations Queen Street!
• Thoughtfulness – Congratulations Hovia Terrace!
• Cooperation – Congratulations Wattle Street!
• Friendliness – Congratulations Tate Street!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer the door and chat, call me with concerns, stop me on the street to introduce themselves, offer to have corflutes and email me their questions. The longest conversation lasted more than 2 hours and I loved every minute of it.

Thank you to the great candidates I met and spent time with and to Vanessa, the returning officer. Thank you to our City staff who provided information and organised events and thank you to my wonderful family and friends for your care and encouragement.

To vote for me as your Mill Point Ward Councillor TODAY or TOMORROW:

Complete your ballot paper with the number 1 in the square next to RAISON, Jacqueline, sign the elector’s certificate, seal the completed ballot paper in the reply-paid envelope and deliver it BY HAND to the City of South Perth office on the corner of Sandgate Street and South Terrace today or tomorrow Saturday 18 October. If you need a ballot paper for any reason you can pick one up from the same office.

Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth WA 6151

IT’S ELECTION WEEK!

Today on my way around our neighbourhood I saw a grandmother and excited toddler emerging from the South Perth library with a bundle of children’s books to explore together. One of the myriad of things I love about living in Mill Point Ward is the strong inter-generational connections.

Last night these connections were on display when the youngest candidate standing for election in Mill Point Ward worked with the Senior Citizens Centre to organise a last-minute Meet Your Local Government Candidates Event for the benefit of the wider community. Thank you to all the organisers and everyone involved.

Another local inter-generational event happening in South Perth is the Emerging Artist Exhibition 2025 at the South Perth Community Hall. It was inspiring to attend the opening last week and meet early-career artists of all ages showcasing a diverse range of mediums including photography, sculpture, wearable art, and printmaking. If you would like to see the exhibition, it is open from 10am to 4pm every day until Saturday 18 October. Other events are being held in conjunction with the exhibition including a seniors afternoon tea this Thursday.

Learn more: https://southperth.wa.gov.au/discover/arts-and-culture/emerging-artist-award

Why not VOTE IN THE LOCAL ELECTION, drop your ballot paper into the ballot box at the South Perth Council office, head next door to see the Exhibition and vote for the People’s Choice Award.

To vote for me as your Mill Point Ward Councillor:

Complete your ballot paper with the number 1 in the square next to RAISON, Jacqueline, sign the elector’s certificate, seal the completed ballot paper in the reply-paid envelope and deliver it BY HAND to the City of South Perth office on the corner of Sandgate Street and South Terrace before 6pm on Saturday 18 October.

To keep up to date with the latest local issues go to https://jacquelineraison.com.au


Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth WA 6151

IT’S ELECTION WEEK!

Good luck to all the students and teachers returning to school this week especially the Year 12s preparing for their final assessments.

With less than a week until the local election on Saturday 18 October, time is running out for me to hear from all 8080 Mill Point Ward voters. It is great to see so much interest in local issues and I appreciate everyone who is taking the time to share their knowledge, wisdom, and heartfelt concerns.

To give voters I haven’t met an opportunity to chat, this evening I will be joining the Meet Your Local Government Candidates event being hosted by the South Perth Senior Citizens Centre at 53 Coode Street South Perth from 7.30pm – 9pm. The Centre is a South Perth community landmark, and I had the pleasure of visiting the Centre last week and enjoyed reading the latest newsletter.

Learn more: https://spscc.org.au

The event has been initiated by fellow candidate Isabella Robertson and is a free relaxed informal event where participating candidates will be available to chat one on one with Mill Point Ward voters.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/2027280124741759/?rdid=2fXTgcRNjTdEJf90&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F172oWuUJRf%2F

To vote for me:

1. BY POST - Complete your ballot paper with the number 1 in the square next to RAISON, Jacqueline, sign the elector’s certificate, seal the completed ballot paper in the reply-paid envelope and POST IT in an Australia Post mailbox as soon as possible so it arrives by Saturday 18 October; or

2. BY HAND - Complete your ballot paper with the number 1 in the square next to RAISON, Jacqueline, sign the elector’s certificate, seal the completed ballot paper in the reply-paid envelope and deliver it BY HAND to the City of South Perth office on the corner of Sandgate Street and South Terrace before 6pm on Saturday 18 October.

To keep up to date with the latest local issues go to https://jacquelineraison.com.au


Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth WA 6151

VOTE NOW

Mill Point Ward voters, election day is only a week away on Saturday 18 October.

To vote for me:

1. BY POST - Complete your ballot paper with the number 1 in the square next to RAISON, Jacqueline, sign the elector’s certificate, seal the completed ballot paper in the reply-paid envelope and POST IT in an Australia Post mailbox as soon as possible so it arrives by Saturday 18 October; or

2. BY HAND - Complete your ballot paper with the number 1 in the square next to RAISON, Jacqueline, sign the elector’s certificate, seal the completed ballot paper in the reply-paid envelope and deliver it BY HAND to the City of South Perth office on the corner of Sandgate Street and South Terrace before 6pm on Saturday 18 October.

Several interesting issues have been raised with me this week and you can keep up to date with them here https://jacquelineraison.com.au

Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth WA 6151

As I make my way around Mill Point Ward Listening to South Perth, I am inspired by neighbourhoods quietly working together and the wealth of knowledge residents have that could help with local community issues.

Community spirit was alive and well yesterday when I met a wonderful local street community who regularly meet for Friday afternoon drinks and are helping one another establish verges that support native wildlife. It is amazing to see how even a small area of habitat with a little birdbath can become a haven for wildlife. I was interested to hear how one resident developed her composting skills after attending a seminar at the South Perth library and now shares her knowledge with her neighbours.

It seems that Mill Point Ward residents are avid learners keen to try their hand at acquiring new skills. In South Perth we are fortunate to have so many interesting seminars and classes on offer all year round. One of the most popular places to explore new interests is the South Perth Learning Centre. Term 4 starts on 13 October and there are a great range of classes available from tai chi to art with watercolours to Mandarin for fun and more.

https://www.splc.org.au/programme

Our City’s Art Collection showcases a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, and historical artworks. Some are on public display throughout Council buildings and others are rotated and preserved for occasional exhibitions. I love the watercolour paintings of flora by Constance L Wright. Why not explore the collection online on a rainy day?

https://southperth.wa.gov.au/discover/arts-and-culture/art-collection

As I continue Listening to South Perth, I wonder what workshops and exhibitions you would like to see in South Perth. I look forward to hearing about what you enjoy learning and what’s on your mind. To keep up to date with the latest local issues go to https://jacquelineraison.com.au

Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth WA 6151

As I make my way around Mill Point Ward Listening to South Perth, it is a joy to see all the school holiday activities happening in this beautiful place and to hear from families about local issues that matter to them.

There have been great conversations with teachers, grandparents, and children about the local school holiday activities they enjoy. Taking furry friends to the park, cycling
around the foreshore, catching up with mates to kick the footy and free crafting activities at our libraries.

The Zoo’s school holiday evening light exhibition is a big hit with over 300 dazzling new lanterns and glowing themed trails. The lights go on at 5pm and entry is included as part of admission and free for Zoo members.

The Zoo has been part of our community since 1898. Today the animals are fed nearly 300kg of fresh vegetation every day. Did you know that the Zoo takes community donations of certain garden cuttings (known as browse) to feed the animals?

https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/browse-enquiries-and-donations

One of the many things I love about living in Mill Point Ward is the intergenerational and culturally rich community ties. This week I met several Italian and Greek families having grandchildren to stay. The aroma of traditional tomato sauce wafting along one street was incredible. How remarkable that sixty-five languages are spoken in homes in our City.

If you are interested in a local dose of Italy over the next couple of weeks, the Italian Theatre of WA is staging an Italian play by Niccolò Bacigalupo at our wonderful Old Mill Theatre. I Maneggi per Maritare una Figlia revolves around a father’s clever schemes to secure a marriage for his daughter. The play is known for its comedic elements and the character Gilberto Govi.

https://www.oldmilltheatre.com.au

As I continue Listening to South Perth, I wonder what cultural events you would like to see in South Perth. I look forward to hearing your stories and what’s on your mind. To keep up to date with the latest local issues go to https://jacquelineraison.com.au

Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth WA 6151

As I make my way around Mill Point Ward Listening to South Perth, I love hearing people’s ideas about the role of local government and the issues that matter to them.
 
This morning I had the privilege of being at the Central Vote Processing Centre when Australia Post delivered the first batch of 150,068 completed local government postal vote packages from across WA. Already there is a significant increase in postal vote packages received compared to the same time during the 2023 local elections.
 
In Mill Point Ward we have 8,080 electors eligible to vote. At the Centre there are multiple stages involved in processing ballot papers which culminate in completed ballot papers being placed in the Mill Point Ward Ballot Box ready for counting after voting closes at 6pm on Saturday 18 October.
 
Well done to the 11.58% of Mill Point Ward voters who have returned their ballot papers by mail. If you haven’t received your ballot paper in the mail, replacement ballot papers are available from the City of South Perth. Once you complete your ballot paper you can post it in the reply-paid envelope or drop it in to the City of South Perth’s offices on the corner of Sandgate Street and South Terrace.
 https://www.elections.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/LGE2025/PV%20received/30%20September%202025-%20WAEC%20Reply%20Paid%20Volumes.pdf
 
The first meeting of local government in South Perth was held on 19 September 1892 after the governance of South Perth was separated from the City of Perth. I have been told that around that time two of my great-grandmother, Emily Raison’s older daughters had to row across the river each day to work as seamstresses. I imagine when the Mends Street ferry service began in 1897, they were happy to rest their oars. This year ferry boardings are expected to be in the vicinity of one million boardings.

https://southperth.wa.gov.au/discover/pictures-and-stories/local-history/then-and-now
 
As I continue Listening to South Perth, I look forward to hearing what’s on your mind. To keep up to date with the latest local issues go to https://jacquelineraison.com.au.

Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth 6151

As I make my way around Mill Point Ward Listening to South Perth, I am meeting a lot of students and hearing about their connection to this beautiful place and the local issues that matter to them.

The school stories that span generations remind me that community ties run deep in South Perth. Recently I learned that five of my great-grandmother Emily Raison’s nine daughters: Alice, Amy, Lavinia, Maude, and May made up the biggest family contingent at Forrest Street School (now South Perth Primary) in the year it opened in 1898. Supporting education is an important part of the history of Mill Point Ward and today we are fortunate to have many wonderful early learning centres and schools.

On Friday I attended a very special end of Year 12 school event with our son. It is a busy time for local schools and Year 12s as they prepare for final assessments and the final term of the year, and I wish them well.

Yesterday a resident shared with me that when her son went to school in Mill Point Ward he studied at our local library with children from other schools and from there a whole new community of local friendships developed. If students need a change of study scenery during the holidays, the South Perth library’s Quiet Working Room is a great place to study.

This month there were 175 young entrants who honed their creative writing skills as part of the City’s Young Writers Award. The Award encourages excellence in creative writing and is open to students from Year 1 to Year 10 who live or go to school in our City. Congratulations to all the students who shared their creativity. Keep up the good work.

https://southperth.wa.gov.au/community/libraries/about-our-libraries/news/news-detail/2025/09/15/2025-south-perth-young-writers-award-winners-announced

Other much-loved avid local learners are our resident dolphins who are often seen enjoying river life. Dolphins are an important indicator of the health of our river. Dolphin Watch is an interesting citizen science project run by the River Guardians.

https://www.riverguardians.com/projects/dolphin-watch/

As I continue Listening to South Perth, I wonder what Emily’s children studied at school and whether they went dolphin spotting. I look forward to hearing your stories and what’s on your mind. To keep up to date with the latest local issues go to
https://jacquelineraison.com.au

Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth WA 6151

As I make my way around Mill Point Ward Listening to South Perth, I am meeting amazing people and hearing special stories of their connection to this beautiful place and the local issues that matter to them.

The stories are fascinating and remind me that community ties run deep in South Perth. Recently I learned that my great-grandmother Emily Raison was part of the early South Perth Baptist Church community. Emily was its 38th member and I imagine that in 1901 she attended the official opening of the little weatherboard and corrugated iron church built at 258 Mill Point Road.

With the help of the City of South Perth’s Local History Collection, I discovered that according to the 1901 Census the local recorded population was 796 and that Arthur Douglas donated the land for the church building. The church building fund was launched with a substantial donation of £100 from Mrs Olliver from Perth Baptist Church and local community fundraising raised the balance of funds required to complete the build at a cost of £211-10-0 or $423!

The Local History Collection at our local libraries is a wonderful resource and contains many early photos taken in Mill Point Ward that relate to the early days of our local community groups. The Picture South Perth online photographic collection is a treasure trove of captured moments in time that are searchable in the library catalogue.

https://southperth.wa.gov.au/community/libraries/local-history

Another local group that has had a presence in Mill Point Ward for many moons is our snake-necked turtle community. With important conservation efforts underway, we all have a part to play in keeping a careful eye out for these special members of our community as we enjoy the foreshore and local waterways.

https://www.sosnt.net.au

As I continue Listening to South Perth, I wonder what South Perth was like when Emily and her 11 children walked and talked in Mill Point Ward and what they would think of our City today. I look forward to hearing your stories and what’s on your mind. To keep up to date with the latest local issues go to https://jacquelineraison.com.au.

Authorised by Jacqueline Raison 64 Mill Point Road South Perth WA 6151