Kristy D’Aprile, Danny McGrath and Gemma Lee Trolove elected to Shire of Katanning council after election

Katanning’s shire president was the first councillor to retain her seat in the 2025 local government election, with the three successful candidates being announced on Sunday afternoon.

Shire president Kristy D’Aprile won by a landslide margin and will be joined by former councillor Danny McGrath and newcomer Gemma Lee Trolove around the table.

Sitting in the top job for the last two terms, Cr D’Aprile was a community favourite, earning a staggering 761 first preference votes to land the first vacant role.

Following behind was former councillor Mr McGrath, who had served from 2013 to 2021 and was one of only two men vying for a position.

Newcomer Ms Trolove took the final spot, with the 35-year-old council novice moving to Katanning six years ago with her young family.

Maeve O’Brien, Spencer Priestnall and Paula Cole were the three unsuccessful candidates.

The freshly elected trio will join councillors Matt Collis, Ian Hanna, John Goodheart and Paul Totino in office and will serve until October 20, 2029.

Cr D’Aprile said she was shocked to see how many voters listed her as their first preference and is motivated by their confidence.

“I am really encouraged by the number of votes that I got; it’s overwhelming, and there were a few tears that I shed over that,” she said.

Nearly half of the eligible voters in Katanning lodged their ballots, with 1142 of 2726 voters having their say.

The turnout represented 41.89 per cent of eligible voters, an enthusiastic number given all five councillors were elected unopposed in the 2023 local election.

Cr D’Aprile said she was grateful that so many people took the time to vote.

“For me it’s a reflection and a vote of confidence that all our council members have been working really hard to invest in the future of Katanning. We have been mindful of how we engage with our community, so being active and present,” she said.

“The votes that I received is a reflection of not just my work but of our whole council.”

A special council meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 22 to swear in the new members and determine who will serve as shire president and deputy.

Cr D’Aprile said she was excited to go forward with new councillors and offered thanks to those retiring.

“I’m looking forward to establishing our new team and would like to express thanks to our retiring councillors Liz Guidera and Michelle Salter who have made an incredible difference to our team and community,” she said.