Ash Bolt
Golden Plains Shire has a new mayor for the coming year, with councillor Gavin Gamble elected to the role this week.
Cr Gamble, who is in his first term as a councillor, was one of three councillors to nominate himself for mayor at Tuesday’s special council meeting, alongside councillors Ian Getsom and Owen Sharkey.
Support for the candidates was split, with no candidate receiving the four votes needed to be elected during the first vote.
However after further rounds of voting that saw Cr Sharkey eliminated from contention, Cr Gamble was eventually elected with a 4-3 vote advantage over Cr Getsom.
Cr Gamble said he was looking forward to what the next 12 months had in store.
“It is a privilege and honour to be elected as mayor of Golden Plains Shire for 2021-22,” he said.
“I have a genuine passion for this shire – its environment, its people, its diversity and its potential. I feel excited about the possibility to achieve great things for our community.
“The second year of our council term will be busy as we move forward on delivering the Council Plan 2021-2025 for the people of Golden Plains Shire.”
Former mayor Helena Kirby did not stand for re-election but instead was the only nominee for the deputy mayor position.
“I will ensure all our towns have the backing of me as a councillor and I am a voice for you to be heard,” she said.
“As a team player, I look forward to the next 12 months and working hard for the team and the staff, the [chief executive] and the residents of the shire.”
