Community advocate and public servant, Ben Dudman, has announced his candidacy for Mayor and Councillor of the Meander Valley.

Dudman says he is standing on a platform of transparent representation and bringing the community back to the heart of council decision-making. 

“I want to see a council that is fully representative of the community and their desires. Council is the heart of a community and it’s time for leadership with heart and dedication to the people.”

Dudman was born and raised in Westbury, living in the town for 20 years before moving to Hobart to study law. 

Upon his graduation at the University of Tasmania, Dudman moved back to the town, purchasing a vacant commercial building in the Westbury, and renovating it to encourage business back into the township.

“We need proactive leadership that brings business back to our community and prepares our region for the next generation.”

“Young people should not need to move away from the Meander Valley to experience opportunity, we need to provide opportunity right here.”

Dudman is also known in the municipality for his advocacy on several community issues, including blood donation reform and mental health in regional and rural areas. 

He was the recipient of a 2022 Tasmanian LiFE Award for his contribution to suicide prevention.

He was also co-owner of Devil Antiques, a much-loved antique store in Westbury, prior to his move to Hobart to study law.