Decades of service acknowledged

A CITY of Greater Bendigo councillor has notched up a major milestone in service to the community.

Cr Rod Fyffe was first elected to the old City of Bendigo council in 1983 and apart from a short break following statewide municipal amalgamation in 1994, he’s served as a City of Greater Bendigo councillor since 1996.

Now, in recognition of his 37 years of public service, Cr Fyffe’s has received an award from the Municipal Association of Victoria.

The nod, which acknowledges 35 years as a councillor, should have happened two years ago, however the pandemic delayed the celebration.

“It’s been a wonderful privilege to serve the community of Greater Bendigo,” Cr Fyffe said

“Over this period there has been amazing change and growth for our city and region, and I have very much enjoyed the opportunity to be part of steering the ship and contributing to a range of important decisions.

“There’s been many highlights but placing the Aboriginal flag permanently on the Bendigo Town Hall is definitely one, along with overseeing the citizenship ceremony for basketballer Kelsey Griffin after a Spirit game, and meeting model Jennifer Hawkins at the Bendigo Art Gallery.

“There’s been a range of planning matters but perhaps the biggest one, in terms of submissions to council, was the supermarket on Howard Street in Epsom.

“At the time it was very divisive in the community but people have come to accept the decision. It is always a balance but the decision making has to be guided by what is best for the community overall.

“Being a councillor is still a role I greatly enjoy and I am continually proud of the way council and the organisation work together to serve the community.”

Cr Fyffe has been the mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo four times and received a Medal in the Order of Australia in 2013.