Published on 21 November 2024
Southern Grampians Shire Council elected Cr Dennis Heslin unopposed as Mayor for 2024/25 at last night’s Statutory Meeting.
Mayor Heslin acknowledged the privilege and honour it is to be elected to represent the Southern Grampians community.
“This really is a privilege and honour and is a seat that I never thought I would have the opportunity to sit in,” said Cr Heslin. “I will enjoy the challenge which is to serve this community and I would like to thank those who thought that I was worthy of this position.
“There have been seven Councillors who have been elected to represent the Shire and I think have already demonstrated throughout this process their desire to be open and work together to achieve positive outcomes for residents while holding respect for one another and the role that Council has.
“Between us all who are representing this Shire I would suggest that we will be two things and that is available and able.
“We have a lot of experience between the group and we will certainly be calling on those who have come before us and those from the wider community to draw upon a diverse set of skills.
“I am extremely grateful and looking forward to the year ahead,” said Cr Heslin.
Council made the decision not elect a deputy mayor but to share the role of supporting Mayor between the Councillors.
“We feel that by making this decision we are indicating to the community that we are committed to embracing this role together and will support one another. We may not always agree but we are one and the same, and will support Council’s role throughout our term in office.
“We will be sharing our collective knowledge and will be positioning people where their skills lie.”
Council determined the upcoming schedule of meetings for 2025 which will be made available via the Council website.
Councillors were also appointed as representatives of Council for the following committees:
Audit and Risk Committee – Cr Henry, Cr Calvano
Planning Committee – Cr Rainsford, Cr Manning
Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange Advisory Committee – Cr Campbell, Cr Rainsford
CEO Employment and Remuneration Advisory Committee – Cr Heslin, Cr Henry, Cr Campbell
Hamilton Showgrounds Advisory Committee – Cr Rainsford, Cr Barber
Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group – Cr Heslin, Cr Manning
MAV Delegate – Cr Rainsford, Proxy Cr Calvano
South West Victoria Alliance – Cr Heslin, Cr Manning
Rural Councils Victoria – Cr Heslin, Proxy Cr Henry
Barwon South West Waste & Resource Recovery Group – Cr Henry, Cr Manning
Green Triangle Action Group – Cr Campbell, Proxy Cr Calvano
Rail Freight Alliance – Cr Rainsford, Proxy Cr Barber
Ansett Museum Board – Cr Barber, Proxy Cr Rainsford
Council thanked retiring Councillors for their hard work and commitment to the Southern Grampians community.
“Council gives thanks to the outgoing Mayor David Robertson and Councillors for their commitment, dedication and for all their hard work across their Council term,” concluded Cr Heslin.
Councillor Helen Henry acknowledged the privilege of learning from more experienced outgoing Councillors and paid homage to the late, former Councillor Greg McAdam who passed during 2023.
Council will meet for the first meeting of their four-year term on Wednesday 11 December 2024 at 5:30pm. Community are invited to attend either in person at the Council Chamber or join via the Facebook livestream.
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