SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) chief executive, Tony Doyle has extended his warm welcome to the newly-elected SGSC councillors, following the 2024 Local Government Elections.

A field of 11 candidates nominated in 2024, four new councillors, Adam Campbell, Afton Barber, Jayne Manning and Dennis Heslin, will join the three re-elected councillors, Katrina Rainsford, Albert Calvano and Helen Henry, to make up the seven positions. 

On behalf of the organisation, Mr Doyle thanked outgoing members: mayor, David Robertson, Bruach Colliton, Mary-Ann Brown, and Fran Malone for their dedicated service and contribution to the Southern Grampians community.

“Thank you to our outgoing councillors for their combined many years of dedication to the residents of our region and for their commitment in progressing major projects within the Shire,” Mr Doyle said.

“We know it’s not an easy thing to be on Council.

“It is a role that is demanding in time, energy and input and it can be challenging to juggle the needs of a whole community and balance budgets.

“We extend our gratitude for their vision, their experience and wish them all the best with future endeavours.

“Congratulations to our new Council for putting their hand up for a role which is an incredibly admirable and also rewarding pursuit.

“As an organisation, we are looking forward to working closely with Council to continue to achieve great outcomes for the people of the Southern Grampians and progress projects to improve and contribute to the liveability of our region.”

The seven newly-elected councillors were sworn in for the Southern Grampians electorate on Monday at the Hamilton Gallery.

A Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be elected at the upcoming Statutory Meeting held next week on Wednesday, November 20 at 5.30pm in the Council Chambers.