The election results are now in for Golden Plains Shire Council and Borough of Queenscliffe, with new councillors sworn into the councils.
Golden Plains Shire’s election results were declared on Friday, November 8, with the seven councillors sworn into council on Tuesday, November 12, during an Oath and Affirmation of Office Ceremony.
New councillors Lachlan Glen, Sarah Hayden and Emma Robbins will join re-elected councillors Brett Cunningham, Helena Kirby, and Owen Sharkey for the new term.
Des Phelan will also return to the council after stepping down from the role and taking a four-year break.
Chief executive Shane Walden said council played a “vital role in supporting, forming, and responding” to the Golden Plains community.
“The decisions made by council will directly impact our residents and the plans and projects they develop will build and shape their towns and influence their lifestyles,” he said.
“The role of councillor is a serious responsibility that the new councillors now bear, and they must make sure that they are always working their best to serve the community and shire.
“Serving as a councillor is an important job and, for the next four years, our councillors will devote a great deal of time, commitment and energy to representing the shire’s ratepayers and residents.”
Five councillors were sworn into the Borough of Queenscliffe at the Queenscliffe Town Hall on Wednesday, November 13, following election results declared the day before.
The borough has two first-time councillors, Brendan Monahan and Di Rule, joining council’s ranks alongside re-elected members Isabelle Tolhurst and Donnie Grigau.
The new council term will also see the return of Cr Helene Cameron, who served as councillor from 2008 to 2012 and mayor from 2012 to 2016 before leaving council due to family health issues.
Borough of Queenscliffe chief executive Martin Gill said he congratulated the successful candidates for accepting the councillor role for the 2024-28 term.
“I’d like to give a warm welcome to the new councillors, as well as those who are returning,” he said.
“I look forward to working closely with the new council as we continue to progress important projects across the Borough.”
