Kirby takes place as Golden Plains Shire mayor

COUNCILLOR Helena Kirby has been elected as mayor of Golden Plains Shire unopposed.

The move came at a special meeting of council on Tuesday night.

“I would like to thank my fellow councillors in having the faith in me to serve and represent the Shire, I am proud and humbled but by being elected, it will be a team effort,” Cr Kirby said.

“We as councillors have been listening to you as a community, back to basics, enforcing that our roads and drainages are kept to a high standard for our Shire, … we will be hoping to achieve better results in the future.

“Thank you also to my family and friends, for being my support and my backbone.”

For the election of deputy mayor, similarly only one nomination was also received prior to the meeting, and so, Cr Ian Getsom was elected to the position.

During his acceptance address, Cr Getsom endorsed Cr Kirby’s sentiment and continued by noting what a great honour it was to be elected deputy mayor.

“I know we’ve got a good set up at council, I’m very impressed by the staff and the help that I’ve had already has been enormous,” he said.

“We’re up for 12 months of success and I’d like to see that the Golden Plains Shire really [shows] that it’s gold.”

In deciding on the length of the elected mayor term, Cr Les Rowe moved and Cr Brett Cunningham seconded a resolve of one year.

The election of mayor and deputy-mayor came after months of campaigning and the swearing in of seven new councilors into the office of representing the public for the 2020 to 2024 term.

On Saturday, and in accordance with the Victorian Electoral Commission’s declaration, the new councilors for the next term are; Brett Cunningham, Gavin Gamble, Ian Getsom, Helena Kirby, Les Rowe, Owen Sharkey and Clayton Whitfield.

Chaired by the Shire’s CEO Eric Braslis, each member of the new council was sworn into office by an oath or an affirmation to state their commitment to working for the benefit of the Shire.

When congratulating the newly elected council, Mr Braslis said on the behalf of the organisation that it will be exciting to work together towards a bright future where people matter and communities are connected.

“On behalf of the people of the Golden Plains Shire, we thank you for nominating for office and for accepting the role,” he said.

“Serving as a councillor is an important job and over the next four years, you will devote a great deal of time, commitment and energy to representing the residents of the Shire.

“The council plays an important role in our communities and the decisions that you will make in this chamber will directly impact our residents and the plans and project you develop will shape their communities.”

In keeping with COVID regulations, both the meetings were livestreamed to the Shire’s YouTube channel.