NEWLY elected councillor from Mirboo North, Brad Snell, is amused his own election success coincides with that of Donald J Trump. And while he’s not aiming to ‘make South Gippsland great again’ he did say last week, at the declaration of the results, he was keen to help continue the good work of the last council.
The Tarwin Valley Ward representative looks forward to working alongside the remainder of the existing councillor group, and other new councillors John Kennedy, Bron Beach and Steve Finlay.
John, of Strzelecki Ward, reflected on moving to the area 10 years ago and setting up his Korumburra bike shop, and made it clear that the faith shown in him by voters means a lot.
“It’s a thrill to be up here,” he said during his brief speech, stating he is ready to represent community members whether or not they voted for him and is feeling positive about working with council CEO Kerryn Ellis, other staff and councillors.
“I’m going to do my best and if I say the wrong things or do the wrong things, just tread on my toe and tell me,” the new Strzelecki Ward representative said, drawing laughs and a warm round of applause.
Bron, also of Strzelecki Ward, said it is an honour being trusted by the community, and expressed excitement about working alongside other councillors and learning from those who have been re-elected.
She’s also keen to share her knowledge, having a strong community background that includes being president of Leongatha Lyric Theatre.
The other Strzelecki Ward representative, Nathan Hersey, who is set for a second term, made an apology on Friday.
Returning Coastal Promontory Ward representative Sarah Gilligan said it’s an honour and a privilege to be granted a second term and looks forward to continuing the work that has been done over the last three years, during which time she feels council has been progressive and productive.
Sarah was the only Coastal Promontory Ward councillor to speak, with Steve unable to attend Friday’s session, and re-elected Scott Rae choosing not to make a speech but sure to compensate for that with his amusing comments and props when the new council kicks into action.
Brad’s fellow Tarwin Valley Ward representatives, John Schelling and Clare Williams both spoke about their upcoming second terms.
John expressed his appreciation to the VEC for the smooth running of the election.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to get the work done,” he declared, expressing confidence in the new councillor group and everyone’s ability to work together to achieve positive results.
Clare is also ready to work with the other councillors and said she’s ecstatic with the election result and is sure the councillor group will deliver for South Gippsland.
Council CEO Kerryn Ellis congratulated the elected councillors and is ready to guide them throughout the extensive induction process, also acknowledging all those who nominated for election and the time and effort they put into their campaigns.