Councillor profiles – Ceinwen Gearon Shire President of Shire of Denmark

Tree-covered hills, rivers, inlets and the Southern Ocean make Denmark a stunning place to live. 

The rugged coastline means there are many separate beaches ending in ancient granite rocks, dune cliffs, or stretches of hills rolling into the ocean. 

Denmark is a rural town with, orcharding, beef cattle and dairy farming as its primary industries. 

Denmark’s soil and climate attract wine growers, with tourism being the fastest growing business in Denmark.

Our produce is first class and abundant with plenty of fine dining restaurants cafés and wineries to enjoy.

We are a creative community with a number of very active visual and performing arts groups, we also have a number of very talented musicians.

Denmark was used as a backdrop for the 2017 movie Breath, a film adaptation of Australian author Tim Winton’s 2008 novel, starring Simon Baker.

Tourism started when American soldiers, stationed in Albany during World War II, made outings to Denmark. After the war, Denmark became a popular holiday destination for Western Australians. 

Denmark continues to be a tourism hot spot attracting many people seeking to escape from the city.

Denmark is located on the South West Coast of Western Australia, 414 Kilometres south east of Perth, in the Great Southern Region along the Rainbow Coast of Western Australia. It’s about a 4.5 hour drive from Perth. Making it the perfect weekend getaway. 

 

Happy, healthy, eclectic community

The abundance of fish, squid and other marine life in the Denmark estuaries and along the coastline attracts bottlenose dolphins and seals; seasonally southern right whales rest there during their long migrations to the north.

Denmark is filled with vibrant, natural attractions and is home to a warm and caring community, making it the perfect destination to live, work and play. 

Denmark is a happy, healthy and eclectic community that embraces creativity, values the natural environment and is invested in a strong local economy.

 

Influence positive outcomes

I have been a Councillor for five years and Shire President for over 2.5 years. I am passionate about good governance and I am naturally community minded. This led me to become involved in Local Government so that I am now able to influence positive outcomes.

I also have a ‘real job’ working in health with WA Country Health Service.

When I’m not working, I enjoy soaking up our beautiful beaches by making the most of our great surf. I enjoy getting my hands dirty in the garden with the help of my trusty Labrador. I love cooking with our ample local produce and more importantly, eating it!

 

Local business encouraged to help deliver capital works

Key challenges currently facing Council include making sure we get through our extensive capital works program. The Shire of Denmark has been successful in gaining approximately $5.4million of external government funding to undertake a $7.03million program of capital works. 

The Shire will need assistance in carrying out this extensive program of work, and this has created a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to become involved to help deliver a number of projects throughout the year.  

The biggest challenge that we face is ensuring that we meet community expectations.

Council is currently working on enhancing tourism nodes with coastal development by creating a better visitor experience for people, especially those with mobility issues.

I take pride in successfully hiring two very good Chief Executive Officers during my time as Shire President.

The best part about being Shire President is influencing positive outcomes in the community. 

In the future I hope to have accomplished a connected, contented community that is diverse and welcoming.