ON Wednesday, November 20 at 5.30pm a statutory meeting which lasted less than 20 minutes was held to elect the new Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) mayor.
Councillor Helen Henry moved the recommendation that the mayor should be appointed for a one-year term which Cr Jayne Manning seconded.
The motion was passed unanimously.
SGSC chief executive, Tony Doyle called for nominations for the position of mayor.
To be elected, a mayor must achieve an absolute majority of council, which is four votes.
Cr Adam Campbell nominated Cr Dennis Heslin for mayor and Cr Heslin accepted.
No further nominations for the position of mayor were put forward and without further ado, Cr Heslin was declared the SGSC mayor for 2024/25.
A previous property investment business operator, Cr Heslin came seventh place out of 11 nominations having gained 716 first preference votes in the recent SGSC election.
Cr Heslin said, “It certainly goes without saying that this is a massive honour, a privilege and a seat I never thought I’d be sitting in … I’ll enjoy the challenges.
“I’ll enjoy doing what the role is, and that’s serving the community.”
Cr Heslin expressed his gratitude to his wife, Katrina, “(My) number one supporter.
“I’d first like to thank the community who felt that I was worthy of being in this position.
“It started off with a small community, where we live in Penshurst, extended through to smaller communities, and, of course, the big community here in Hamilton.”
Cr Heslin acknowledged that seven people had been elected to represent the Shire who had demonstrated to one another their openness and readiness for good conversations, “without diluting the respect for each other and the respect for the role that we have.”
He wished to especially thank the executive team and said, “I’ve called on them for just advice and words of wisdom along the way as well.”
He went on to thank council staff.
“Just seeing someone in the street who says, ‘I hope it all goes well for you’, irrespective of who they voted for.
“They were just very encouraging and supportive of someone who wants to embrace their community and for the community to embrace me as well.”
Cr Heslin addressed the councillors representing the Shire and said, “If I could suggest that we’re two things – (and that) is available and able.
“There’s a lot of experience there, and we’ll certainly be calling on those that have come before us and those who haven’t assumed these positions in the past as well.
“So, we’ll be looking to embrace all the skills within all of the individuals that exist in our community.
“So, I am extremely grateful and looking forward to it so much … thank you,” the newly-elected mayor said.
The next point in the meeting would usually be the nomination and election of a deputy mayor, but the seven councillors (as per the Local Government Act 2020, with the provision to do so) decided not to nominate or elect a deputy mayor and to share the role of supporting the mayor amongst the other six.
Cr Heslin said, “We feel it’s a great way of just indicating to the community that we are embracing this role together.
“We may not always agree with each other, but we are one of the same.”
Cr Heslin said while the decision would allow councillors to be specially positioned where their skills lie, he also acknowledged the decision was uncustomary.
“If it doesn’t work, we can always change it, and we’ll certainly take advice (from) those close to us and those far from us,” he said.
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 and 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,” Cr Heslin said.
Cr Henry acknowledged the privilege of learning from more experienced outgoing councillors and paid homage to the late, former Cr Greg McAdam who passed during 2023.
Council will meet for the first meeting of their four-year term on Wednesday, December 11 at 5.30pm.
During a discussion with The Spectator on his swift election to role of mayor, Cr Heslin said, “There were a few people from within the dynamic of councillors and council that felt that I would be able to do the job (of mayor) irrespective of the lack of experience – you learn that, you can’t ride a bike until you do.
“I’ve got a really sharp learning curve, but fortunately … I’ve had experience with sharp learning curves in the past, so I’ll apply the same skills and game plans I’ve used with other projects.
“I am confident it will all come together pretty quickly and very well.”
In Glenelg Shire, Cr Karen Stephens was elected unopposed as mayor and Cr Robyn McDonald elected unopposed as deputy mayor.
Both were elected for a one-year term.
Cr Tim Meyer has also been re-elected mayor of the West Wimmera Shire Council.
The Moyne Shire Council will elect their mayor on Tuesday, November 26.
