Democracy At Capacity - How Rockingham’s Special Electors’ Meeting Changed Everything
Capacity crowds, closed doors, and a community ultimatum: Inside the historic Special Electors' Meeting that has the City of Rockingham on notice.
By Wade McColl (05/05/2026)
Jarred Krollig stands in front of 350+ local residents reading his motions to the community at the Special Electors meeting. Photo: supplied.
Last night, the Gary Holland Centre became the epicentre of a political showdown. With 350+ residents filling the room and another 100+ left standing outside, the message to the City of Rockingham was clear: The days of ignoring the “small minority” are over.
The Baldivis Times has secured exclusive insights, direct testimony, and the full account of a night that will define the upcoming election cycle.
City of Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan and CEO Michael Parker sit in front of local residents at the Special Electors meeting. Photo: supplied.
The Atmosphere
The venue selection and the exclusion of over 100 ratepayers sparked immediate outrage.
“It was appalling by council,” said local resident Diane Park. “They were elected to represent us, be our voice, and they ignored that fact.”
Whereas another local resident who has chosen to stay anonymous told the Baldivis Times:
“A lot of aged community members were sitting on the floor because they didn’t have seats refusing to leave.”
Picture of the exact clipboard and first motion of Special Electors meeting for the City of Rockingham - Motion 1: Reinstatement of Weekly Red Bins. Photo: supplied.
The Five Motions: The Community’s Mandate
The meeting saw five motions passed with near-unanimous support:
Weekly Red Bin Collection: A push to revert from the current fortnightly system.
2. Independent FOGO Audit: A demand for accountability on waste system performance.
3. Transparency Register: Creating a public record for lobbyists and developers.
4. Ratepayers Impact Statement: Mandatory reporting for capital projects over $500k.
5. Accountability Dashboard: Ensuring resident questions don’t disappear into a void.
Jarred Krollig and Hon Rod Caddies MLC. Photo: supplied.
Exclusive: The “One Nation” Question
When asked about persistent rumours regarding his political affiliations, Jarrad Krollig was direct with tonight’s attendance of Mr Caddies:
“I invited everyone, Labour, Liberals, Nationals, absolutely everyone. This is a state issue. I invited them to witness the handing over of paperwork so there was no ‘dodgy business.’ I want this in State Parliament.”
Residents lining up to enter City of Rockingham’s special electors meeting. Photo: supplied.
The View from the Ground
The frustration wasn’t just about bins, it was about the perceived incompetence of the current council.
“If they had consulted us, a huge majority would have said no,” said Diane Park.
Corey Michal, who seconded the motions, highlighted the broader political implications:
“We are a majority who decides whether a councillor gets to have their seat at the next election. If they want to keep banging the drum that we are a small minority, we’ll show them at the election.”
The point of view from a local resident stuck outside of the Special Electors Meeting. Photo: supplied.
Where Do We Go From Here?
These motions now move to the next Ordinary Council Meeting. The community has set the agenda; now, the councillors must decide whether to respect their constituents or face the consequences at the ballot box.
Director of the Baldivis Times Wade McColl, stands in front of a red bin for his first article on the red bins in October of 2025. Photo by Myah Loo, Baldivis Times 2025.
Final Thoughts:
The Baldivis Times has been following this journey since October of last year and we are committed to tracking these motions until the very end. We will continue to hold the City of Rockingham accountable, ensuring your voice is documented, protected, and heard.